It's been a while since we've walked at Temple Newsam. I've been suffering with sciatica for most of this year, some times worse than others, and as it's a little hilly, it can play havoc with my back. It's not too bad at the moment so on Wednesday we decided we fancied a change from Lotherton.
When I was growing up, it was a short walk from our house to Temple Newsam so it was somewhere we often went for a walk. I'd visit with friends too. We had so much more freedom in those days than children do now.
Temple Newsam is a Tudor-Jacobean house in Leeds with grounds which were landscaped by Capability Brown. It has a long history, being listed in the Domesday Book as Neuhusam. It has been owned by the Knights Templar. Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley was born at Temple Newsam in 1545, he went on to marry Mary, Queen of Scots and became the father of King James VI of Scotland and I of England.
Today, the house and estate are owned by Leeds City Council and are open to the public.
The colours are beautiful at this time of year, many different species of tree are planted in the grounds which give a tapestry of colour in autumn.
Many of the trees seem to be still hanging on to most of their leaves, though some look a little worse for wear.
We watched a solitary swan gliding on the lake. It looked quite lonely as swans usually mate for life, but there were only moorhens and ducks around other than this one single swan.
It had rained on Wednesday morning and it was a dull day but it's very mild at the moment, it's the perfect weather for a walk, I don't like it once the temperatures drop and it's cold.
I was surprised how quiet Temple Newsam was, we passed just a few dog walkers but it seemed we had the place almost to ourselves.
As we retraced our footsteps we saw that the swan had got out of the lake, still no other swans in sight though.
It made a change to visit somewhere we hadn't been for a while, and good news about my back, the hills didn't bother it too much.
I'm glad you had a pain free walk, and the weather to be outside. It's raining here this morning, but I have inside stuff to do.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks lovely! Archie! 🐶 💕 I'm glad your back wasn't too affected by your walk. It's pouring rain here today so lots of leaves are coming down out there! Yuck!
ReplyDeleteIt looks a charming place, great to visit at different times of the year to enjoy the seasonal changes. It's great that the Council have taken it on for everyone to visit too. Glad your back held up too.
ReplyDeleteNice post, and good pictures showing autumn colours.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to see a solitary swan like that one.
My sympathy re the sciatica. Take care. xx
I have had a bad back for months since our moving house in April.I decided to consult a chiropractor and in just two visits she has worked wonders.She diagnosed my problem straight away.Fingers crossed the improvements last.
ReplyDeleteHave you consulted anyone about your back.I didn’t know whether to go to a chiropractor,an osteopath or a physio.
Yes, I've had physio, but like most things, it's a case of trial and error I think.
Deletelooks like a great day out and fab pictures, glad your backs been better this week.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you having sciatica, my husband is a sufferer and I know how painful it can be. I'm glad you were able to enjoy a pain-free walk. Nice for Archie to have plenty of space to roan about in, it looks a lovely place. What a shame for the swan, he must be craving some swan company or a mate. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSciatica is so painful. Glad you found a different place to walk and you didn't suffer with aches and pains afterwards. It looks a tranquil place and pretty too as the leaves turn different colours. I hope the swan finds a mate. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you had a lovely walk without your back worrying you too much. This post brought a lump to my throat & I'm sure you can guess why? We rarely see lone black swans, but occasionally a single pelican on a farm dam or even a lake in a few parks nearby. Thanks for the memories and I have a story about Temple Newsam I must tell you one day. It's a doozey. Take care & huggles.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you were able to enjoy a lovely walk, and you were not troubled by your back :)
ReplyDeleteIt certainly looks a very nice place to walk. I enjoyed seeing your photographs, especially the one with the swan and the wonderful reflection ...
Enjoy your weekend.
All the best Jan
It looks a lovely place to visit and I'm glad you could reminisce and enjoy a quiet walk there. The autumn colours are beautiful. X
ReplyDeleteWe went to Temple Newsam last week too - we went on Friday and have very similar photos. The swan was on its own then too but had a hiss at a dog that got too close.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've been suffering from sciatica, I do hope that's on the run. What an interesting history and lovely place to walk.xxx
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a wonderful place to visit. It's certainly one I would enjoy. :)
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