As autumn suddenly arrived last week bringing fog, rain, chill winds and giant house spiders, I reflected on one of the best summers in recent years. The sun shone on May’s bank holidays, a heat wave followed in July, and my winter coat and boots were kept in the wardrobe from early June to late August.
This summer I also rediscovered my own country with two visits to beautiful Hereford, the hometown of my boyfriend John. Herefordshire and The Wye Valley are sometimes called ‘the undiscovered country’ with scenic rural views of quiet farms, wooded hills, and tranquil rivers. The historic cathedral city of Hereford is peaceful and picturesque and provides pleasant walks along the River Wye. ‘Herefordshire Cathedral,’ John told me ‘is home to the 13th Century Mappa Mundi – the largest medieval map of the world.’
We were lucky with the weather in May and had sunny days to explore the English countryside.
John grew up on a beautiful farm in Hereford and in late August we enjoyed the warm days of harvest, walking through fields of maize corn and picking ripe plums from trees.
Wherever I go bees are never far! A walk through Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum revealed a ‘Bees in the trees trail’ that we tried to follow…
While a visit to a country fair and falconry display at Oakchurch unexpectedly fulfilled a life-long dream… an encounter with my favourite bird – the owl! John captured all the action.
The last days of summer passed almost unnoticed as we walked The Rhea, spied on sheep and herded cattle.
And as we drove back to London, the first day of autumn ended with a spectacular sunset.
Next week: autumn bees, mushrooms and raspberry cake at the apiary (although you may first read a preview on Emily’s blog!)
Mrs Apis Mellifera 
What a magnificent owl and gorgeous little lambs. Hope you got all the trail questions right!
John knew all the answers!
so beautiful!! simply breath-taking!!!! *-* 😉
It is surprising to discover natural untouched beauty in your own country – England’s lovely when it has the weather!
ahh, yes! I’ve never been to England, but it’s so amazing! I know the weather is usually rainy and cold, but it makes it more amazing to me!!!
Have a nice day Emma! 😉 🙂 xx
We do get a lot of amazing (rainy) days! 🙂 Have a great week x
haha, yes I can imagine! 😉 Thank you!!! same to you Emma! 😉 🙂 xx
I was born and brought up in Hereford. Still thrill when I travel back and get close enough to see the characteristically red soil. My first close encounter with bees was upstairs in the library/museum where they have an observation hive so even in the heart of town the bees are busy. Dinmore Hill was one of my first outings as a child so I have lots of fond memories of it. in fact I think I’ll suggest to my dad that we visit it next time I go there to see him.
Tricia
What a beautiful place to spend your childhood! I love the rich reds and lush greens of the hills. Haven’t heard about the museum/library bees – I wonder if there still there? We did visit the Old House in town and also the monument of the Hereford Bull 🙂 Have a lovely time at Dinmore with your dad!
What a lovely account with glorious photos.
Thank you – a selection of my favourite countryside scenes.
how beautiful Emma, thanks for sharing it 🙂
Thanks Dee! It’s an inspiring place – hoping to visit the famous book land of Wye next 🙂
Gorgeous countryside. Your pictures look like they are straight out of a travel brochure.
You’re very kind! I’d love to explore my photography more next year – the opportunity to visit beautiful places and interesting people, a living as a wedding photographer would be fun!
Thanks some much for tour of The English Countryside. It looks a whole lot like The Tennessee Countryside.
Sent from my iPad
I’ve never visited Tennessee, although I’m sure it has more sunshine! Glad you enjoyed the tour, now I’m going to Google Tennessee countryside.
what a photos…!!!!
Thank you!!! 🙂
I have friends in Hereford and had my first visit there last summer. A beautiful part of the country. Great photos!
It is a beautiful place on the border of Wales and interesting history. I’d like to see Hay-on-Wye next. Enjoy your next visit there.
Herefordshire looks beautiful but I had to use Google maps to find out where exactly it is. Your photographs have inspired me to visit if ever I get the chance.
Some parts feel very remote, which, as a contrast to chaotic London these days, was lovely! Do visit.
This was a lovely post, thank you. You captured the English countryside beautifully although there were a few pics that were almost Tuscan! I especially liked the sunset.
I’d love to visit Tuscany, particularly on a photography tour. Glad you enjoyed the English version!
Really enjoyed that, EST. And the owl didn’t look at all nervous of you… RH
No – the owl wasn’t nervous at all! 😉