Back to Cliveden 21 August 2016

I'm always on the lookout for places where you can safely walk (meaning lack of traffic, which is something else on this little island, along with the narrow roads) and which is close to home. Cliveden fills those requirements - less than 2 miles down the road, the National Trust runs the property and there is the added bonus of a great tea room and a few cliffs for interest sake.

I had arrived fairly early so I took a walk around the established gardens before the crowds arrived. Cliveden is very popular with families and tends to get a bit overrun later in the day. First the water garden, with some teenage ducks, still being herded around by mum. By the look of things, not too long now before they're out on their own.

Past the Fountain of Love..

Through the formal long garden with begonias en masse and beautiful topiary birds ..

Back through some woodland with statues popping up in unexpected places ..

The Delphic Sibyl

Prince Albert in Highland dress with dog and gun, and Joan of Arc.

And into the most glorious rose garden. There is nothing like the roses you see (and smell) here, they are just magnificant.

Another statue, just like hanging out amongst the roses .. you know.

Did I mention the smell?

Tea time!

Which I shared with a wasp. Rather the bit of jam than me. A week or so later I got stung by a wasp and it was ridiculously painful!

Down round the front of the house which is in a state of restoration.

The sounding chamber is quite beautiful as it is. Wonderful arches and brickwork.

Down to the Thames - it's quite a steep drop

Then along the river for a while. There are boats you can catch but the walk was the point. Next time maybe.

The boathouse

Of course, what goes down must eventually go up. I'm not used to hills any more. The mountain might be a bit of a challenge in October when I head back to South Africa for a couple of weeks.

The leaves are starting to turn already. It happens so quickly here.

In this part of the estate are the carved wooden statues you see all over the place. Still don't know who carves them. They are fun though - there to be climbed on if you are so inclined.