We set off on a warm, golden day with no real expectations, just a simple family walk, a designated route to follow, and a shared aim to spot butterflies as we wandered. The air carried the scent of trees baked in the recent heat, and the path led us through tall foxgloves, ferns reaching skyward, and butterflies dancing ahead of us.
As we descended toward the lower paths, the trail followed a gentle stream that weaved through patches of wetland. Eventually, we came to a small opening where the light poured in and the water glimmered through the trees.
Our children quickly claimed it as their own, “the magical lagoon” they called it. They paddled in the stream, climbed over mossy logs, and let the stilled air wrap around them like a cocoon. Meanwhile, we found ourselves caught in a familiar parenting rhythm: the pull to move on, to stick to the route, to complete what we’d started.
But then we caught ourselves.
We paused, dropped the need to continue, and joined them. The reward was a rare kind of stillness. We watched beautiful blue damselflies hover, then land gently on our hands. The water, the soft sounds of the woods, and the joy of letting go. This became the heart of the walk.
From then on, our pace slowed. We stopped more. Looked more. Let the children lead. The walk became something else entirely. Not a checklist to complete, but a presence to sink into.
We left Winkworth later than planned and completely unbothered by the fact.
🧭 Notes for Fellow Explorers:
- Winkworth Arboretum is a National Trust property, but we used a free family pass. These are occasionally available through offers and promotions, so keep an eye out. We’ll share any we see. You could of course decide to join as a member. Click here for more information.
- Winkworth Arboretum is well known for its gorgeous yellow, orange and red foliage in autumn and stunning bluebell carpets in the spring.
- The walk can be adapted for all ages, and there are multiple route options depending on your energy levels.
- Bring a change of clothes if your little ones like water, they’ll likely want to stay in the “lagoon” for a while.
✨ Reflections
Any simple walk like this can become a mini mindful adventure : a way to reconnect with nature, presence, and each other. Sometimes all it takes is letting go of the route and sinking into the moment.
Mindful Trails 