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Category: Seasons

Winter farmland in Wiltshire with bare trees, stubble fields and dramatic clouds over rolling hills.

The Landscape Laid Bare – How to Love the Winter Countryside

Posted on 18/01/202618/01/2026 by Alan

Winter in the countryside It will come as little surprise to those who know me that winter is not my favourite time of year. I do not like the lack of daylight, nor the damp and the mud. I dislike the cold, although winters now are often not cold enough. Regular, crisp, fresh mornings seem…

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Bowl of creamy yellow soup garnished with green oil and seeds, served on a wooden table with cutlery, crusty bread, and butter.

January recipe of the month – Super simple Seasonal Soup

Posted on 11/01/202612/01/2026 by Alan

January marks a return to simple, nourishing cooking. This recipe of the month focuses on seasonal ingredients and traditional comfort food for the depths of winter.

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Rustic potato and cheese pie with a golden, crispy topping, served in a cast-iron dish on a wooden table with a spoon lifting a portion.

January recipe of the month – Time for comfort food

Posted on 11/01/202611/01/2026 by Alan

January marks a return to simple, nourishing cooking. This recipe of the month focuses on seasonal ingredients and traditional comfort food for the depths of winter.

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A lively evening scene at Marlborough Mop Fair, with brightly lit funfair rides against a cloudy twilight sky. In the foreground, the illuminated sign for the "Crazy Cage" ride glows with multicoloured lights, while the ride itself spins dramatically. Other fairground rides, colourful lights, and crowds of people enjoying the event fill the background along the High Street, with traditional brick buildings lining the scene.

All the fun of the Mop Fairs!

Posted on 20/09/202521/09/2025 by Alan

October brings the Mop and Statute Fairs
Once the hiring markets of rural England, now vibrant autumn gatherings of rides, stalls and tradition. From Abingdon to Marlborough, we’ve gathered 2025’s dates and stories so you can enjoy these living links to the harvest past.

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June recipe of the month – Chorizo and broad bean risotto

Posted on 19/06/202319/06/2023 by Alan

Filling, fully flavoured, yet light enough for a summer’s evening. Chorizo and broad bean risotto is a bold yet light choice. The deep flavour of the chorizo complements the creaminess of the rice and the broad beans provide a freshness. Ideal for supper on a warm June evening, maybe with a nice crisp white wine….

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Newgrange Ireland

Seasonal Changes – Equinox, solstice, and prehistory

Posted on 16/03/202121/11/2021 by Vaughan Roberts

The year, as we all know, is divided into four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. With Spring starting on 21st March, Summer on 21st June, Autumn on 21st September, and Winter on December 21st. (These dates are not to be confused with the meteorological dates for the seasons which are moved to the beginning…

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Useful links

Roaming the Paths

Great West Way

Tide Times

Weather Forecast (Metcheck)

Shipping Forecast

NFU Online

UK Bank Holidays

Calendar of Traditional Events

Visit Britain

UK Music Festivals

National Trust

English Heritage

CADW – Welsh Heritage

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

RHS

Ramblers

Canal and River Trust

YHA

  • The Landscape Laid Bare – How to Love the Winter Countryside
  • January recipe of the month – Super simple Seasonal Soup
  • January recipe of the month – Time for comfort food
  • All the fun of the Mop Fairs!
  • Love Harvest – September Recipe of the month
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