Well done, you’ve made it to the top and what a wonderful view you get from here. Hopefully it’s a beautiful clear day and the sun is shining and you can see across the Bristol Channel and right across the Somerset levels.
Then of course it could be windy and rainy and you’re wondering why on earth you chose today to do this. Well, just think how good it will feel when you get that steaming cup of your favourite brew and you’ve cleared your cobwebs.
I love this place and the freedom it invokes. Unfortunately, I can no longer make the walk here. I had what was called a mild case of COVID at the end of March 2020. It has changed my life, giving me a glimpse into what it must be like to be elderly and alone.
Imagine what it must be like not being able to jump in your car and head out for this walk, or to go and explore new walks and new places. Then imagine not being able to go out for a short walk without it impacting on your daily life with pain and fatigue that can last for days, weeks or months at a time.
And if you can, then you have just had a glimpse into my life. If I’m having a good day, I can drive the short distance from my home to Cheddar Reservoir and can sit taking in the wildlife and beautiful scenery around, watching all the birds, particularly the swans. How fortunate I am to live in this area. I will of course be wistfully looking up across to Crook’s Peak, wondering who has made it there and remembering my many fun walks I had with friends and family.
If you have really good binoculars, perhaps you can see me, but then maybe not. Enjoy this moment, don’t take it for granted, and if you get the chance, walk back through the wonderful King’s Wood. And if you see someone on their own, talk to them. You may be the only person they speak to today.
Thank you for listening.
