Fermyn Woods Country Park
Wednesday was a strange day. It was grey and wet, it was also the day that the world woke up to the news that Donald Trump was the new president of the United States. This isn’t a political blog, so I won’t mention it again, but suffice to say I needed cheering up. Luckily, it was also the day that Finn finally seemed to have shaken off whatever mystery bug(s) had been bothering him for the last month. He woke up hungry and loud, so I knew he must be feeling better!
So, what was the first thing I did? I dug out our waterproofs and we headed off for a bit of outdoor time. Fermyn Woods is the one country park in our county that I haven’t visited, it also just happens to have a brand new wild play trail that I was keen to explore.
There was only one other car in the car park as we pulled in, there was an eerie calm about the place. I guess that not everyone is as hardy as us, but I quite enjoyed the quiet-especially after the drama of the night before.
We set off for a wander along one of the marked trails.
I was glad to see that there was still plenty of colour around, autumn is clinging on for dear life!
I had checked the forecast and the rain was supposed to be easing, although it didn’t show much sign of stopping. One unexpected positive of this was that I discovered that Finn can say ‘rain’, complete with cute hand action!
We followed one of the marked walks for a bit, but I really wanted to see the play trail. Some of the challenges were a little too advanced for Finn, but he loved playing on the logs and natural climbing frames.
The logs were slippy in the rain, but Finn loved exploring
The challenges along the Wild Play Trail are a great way to keep children interested while on a walk
I did feel a little guilty dragging Finn out as he hasn’t been himself lately and it really was a miserable day. But I made sure he was well wrapped up with several layers underneath his lovely Elka waterproofs from Wet Wednesdays. I definitely think that the fresh air did us both good. Coincidentally, I’d just read some great posts about keeping children warm, both Monkey and Mouse and Potty Adventures have some good advice for getting out in the winter.
Finn had a great time exploring the woods, and stayed warm and dry in his waterproofs
We retired to the wonderfully child-friendly cafe for hot chocolate and beans on toast before heading home.
It was just what we both needed and I was so glad that I overcame the urge to stay in and drink tea all day.
Do you still enjoy outdoor adventures in the winter? What are your top tips for staying warm and dry?
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Thank you for the mention! It’s great to get outdoors even when cold, kids still can have lots of fun and clearly Finn had a great time! Loving all the photos! 🙂 x
This looks like a lovely place to explore, just what the doctor ordered after illness and the world going crazy! Thanks so much for the mention.
What a great place to visit in Autumn! The leaves are such beautiful colours 🙂 Angharad ☺️#ChasingNature
It really was lovey- and I was so glad that there was still plenty of colour around!
It’s the thing I love most about this time of year, I get the outdoors to myself so much more, I love peaceful walks without the crowds (I know a bit selfish really).
That wild play trail looks awesome.
#ChasingNature
I’m the same, making the most of it while I have days off in the week and Finn isn’t at school. Helps if the weather is a bit rubbish too!
I rather miss country parks as they are a few and far between in France. They were great places to visit when my boys were little. #Chasingnature
We are lucky, there are so many places near here we can explore. Perfect for entertaining crazy children!
This looks like a great country park. Anything that helps keep kids entertained on a walk is a win in my book. #whatevertheweather
It was lots of fun, anything that helps persuade Finn to keep walking is a bonus!
I love taking the children out when the weather isn’t too great as everywhere is always peaceful and empty. The children can properly explore without being too nervous of people and dogs. I love the natural climbing frame what a lovely piece of equipment for children to explore. The waterproofs look fab too! Thank you for linking up with #ChasingNature
What gorgeous photographs! I prefer it when there aren’t many people around. I feel as though I can take my time with everything properly.
A bit of rain never hurt anybody though. After all, we are waterproof 😛
#ChasingNature
Love the natural climbing frames – we love climbing on trees! Sounds like a wonderful place to visit and like that theres still autumn colour around! #whatevertheweather x
It was great fun and I was happy to see a bit of Autumn clinging on!
It’s always good to get out, even when under the weather I think it makes you feel so much better getting fresh air! Are those Bogs boots I spy? We’re waiting for A’s size to come in at our local show shop. They look great! Thanks for sharing with #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
Yes they are BOGS, we absolutely adore them. They’re getting a bit small but they’re so fab I might have to buy some more!
Aw Finn is adorable with his wellies on! Looks like a really cool play area, I love that it’s made of wood and not just metal. That day was most certainly a bad day for many of us haha