There are some places in the world that nourish the soul. Actually there are many such places. Even London can do it sometimes, New York, the Ridgeway and so on. I find where we have just been on holiday nourishing: Angelsey has some lovely peaceful windswept spots.
And then there are the places that have an extra dimension. I've been to one such place today.
I hesitate to use the word spiritual, but there is something about the road from Lockeridge to Honeystreet, around Alton Barnes. Whether it is the cottage at Lockeridge hemmed in by sarcen stones, or the sweeping rolling hills, or the White Horse, I don't know. But it does more than nourish my soul. Yes, it fulfils all the normal desires for a view, a lovely landscape, history in context, the beauty of nature etc., but it also lingers within me, captures me, in a way very few other places do.
Stupidly, but happily in retrospect, I forgot my camera. However, clever though it is, I don't know if a digital camera can capture spirit. And anyway, it somehow seems inadequate to try reduce that bit of England to pixels and f-stops (he said smugly, as if he had the skill). I think I'll leave it be, like it's been for thousands and thousands of years. Just sitting there. And rejoice that is so utterly beautiful and so wonderfully fulfilling to pass through.
4 comments:
I was just wondering if you ever go to Dry Sandford Pit.
No, why? Can't it dry itself?
Actually, I've never heard of it.
*runs off to google it*
Good for a walk if you fancy somewhere different to the Ridgeway, just up the road and you can't see the power station from it!
Sounds ideal - is it dog friendly?
I'll be there.
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