Go Visit: Fountain's Abbey

The National Trust has long held a special place in my heart.  As a child I remember multi-coloured rugs, picnic baskets and walking boots as we hiked around the properties and then wandered through the enchanting buildings, usually leaving a muddy trail behind. It was inevitable, then, that as soon as we reached the point in our careers where days out were actually affordable, a National Trust membership for Mr CC and I would not be too far behind.  Today's post features a place that is of even greater import since August last year when we got engaged on a visit to the property: Fountain's Abbey.

We like to explore places a bit differently, and so instead of going to the Abbey when we arrived, we followed a walking route handily provided on the website and aptly named the Boots, Gaiters and Vistas walk.  The advice states it will take you approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and with a picnic stop (and proposal!) along the way, it took just a little over this.  The walk around the estate was beautiful, if a bit of a trek at times.  There are stunning views across the valley (hence the 'Vistas'), herds of cows to pass and muddy tracks to climb; a great mix of terrain if you're looking to build up an appetite.  The other attraction was the lack of people.  Don't get me wrong, I am definitely a people person, but when you're on holiday it's sometimes nice to escape from everything and everyone.  Walking back through the deer park with a sparkler on my finger definitely made the crowds that followed a lot more bearable!

If you're not up for such a trek, there are plenty of walks in the Abbey grounds to enjoy.  Fountain's Abbey has so much to offer that you'll never see it all in one day, and that's the beauty of it!  Check out this link for more information on activities and events, particularly over the Easter break.  Have fun!

CC

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