E.T. Fownhope
15th February 2021
We arrived from Bristol, after a classic dead car battery ordeal on Saturday the 6th, and moved into Byron House; a serenely modern house in the centre of the village of Fownhope — right next to The New Inn pub, which would be a massive win were it not for the everlasting lockdown we seem to be in.
Nevertheless, we noticed that our neighbouring inn did takeaway. Score. So, naturally, we popped round to investigate within an hour of unpacking; we met Sandra, the pub landlady, who has been looking after us very well ever since!
On our first full day, we decided to explore just north of the village, venturing up the hill between Fownhope Park and Lea and Pagets Wood; we trekked all the way to Haugh Wood and the butterfly trail, on which we saw plenty of catkins but unfortunately no pupae. A beautiful refreshing walk nonetheless.
After the long walk, we ordered a Sunday roast and a burger from next door, which went down a treat, delivered to the backdoor too! Thank you Sandra!
Within a couple of days, we’d already made great friends with a cat, who we’ve named Sabrina. A very sweet gal who likes a little bit of cheddar and head scritchies.
Although Valentine’s weekend was a bit of a strange one this year, we still managed to have a nice time. Another walk was on the cards, this weekend however it was bitterly cold. Like, I’m-going-to-use-a-mask-for-warmth type cold. We went south of the village this time and walked down along the river Wye, before scaling the hill up to Capler Camp — an old Roman fort.
I particularly enjoy the abundance of snowdrops in the area, they’re everywhere, much like turnips apparently — we’d already waded through a rotting turnip field last weekend, but this time we saw hundreds of the things washed up on the river bank. It was sort of sad to see so many go to waste.
On the day itself, we’d planned to stay indoors, so of course the weather was 10 degrees warmer. We spent the day watching the rugby, and binge watching Bridgerton (a bit like watching an extended Gossip Girl x Downton Abbey crossover episode), all while eating our dine in for 2 for £15 and drinking champagne (thanks mum and dad!)
I also crocheted Alex a little cotton heart, because I’m a bit lame like that. I thought it came out rather cute though. It also turns out it makes an excellent toy for Sabrina.
