SECRET HISTORIES

There is nothing quite like a bracing winter walk to make me feel that I have really earned a hearty meal and a pint by a pub fireside.

Villages make great places for walks in cold weather. The busiest, touristy villages are much quieter out of season, and it’s good to get a real feel for their character without the distraction of traffic and queues.

The scent of wood and coal smoke from homely fires evokes a sense of the past, and helps me think myself back to ancient village winters. More prosaically, archaeological and architectural features hidden by summer foliage become more visible and accessible. A detour to investigate an interesting mound or wall doesn’t require as much battling through vegetation. The low raking light of winter days or a dusting of frost or snow can highlight subtle earthworks very nicely.

All villages