Something of which I have often/occasionally been accused. However, after a fallow few months and with only a three months to go before I return to Japan, it really is about time I got going with some more reflections on my new lifestyle.

But rather than ‘talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way’, I’ll try to focus on the second definition of the word ‘ramble’ which is to ‘walk for pleasure in the countryside’. But first a reminder that, in the UK, we have not always been able to enjoy the walking that we do today. In times gone by access to the countryside was limited as many private landowners closed off their land; in response, the number of walking clubs and groups that campaigned for walkers’ rights grew from the mid-nineteenth century to the 1930s.

In 1931, the National Council of Ramblers’ Federations was formed because walkers felt that a national body to represent their interests was needed. On 24 April 1932, the communist-inspired British Workers’ Sports Federation, frustrated at the lack of resolve of the newly formed Ramblers, staged a mass trespass of Kinder Scout, the highest point in the English Peak district. During the mass trespass, the protesters present scuffled with the Duke of Devonshire’s gamekeepers and five ramblers were arrested.  Nowadays, the Ramblers Association, rather than being a left-wing protest group, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers to walking and to preserving and improving the paths, tracks and trails we all love.

So, I was delighted, on returning to live in England, to discover the existence of the Market Harborough Ramblers, a group of active souls who organize and participate in twice-weekly walks through the local countryside. What better way of getting to know my new locality and getting to know some of the locals. Signed up and kitted up, I turned up at a car park in the centre of the town for the car share to my first Sunday walk.

THE WALKS

A very welcoming group indeed, prepared to let in a newcomer with his numerous stories about life in Japan! A drive out to a lay-by close to New Inn (a village, not a pub!) from where we started the walk through a field of sheep many with young lambs in attendance. From there, through the wonderfully named villages of Goadby and Tugby reminding me of the charm of the English countryside, stopping in the latter for a quick snack. For most this was a home-made sandwich, some fruit and/or a snack-bar. Missing the convenience of a Japanese bento or even just an onigiri rice ball I had to make do with a light-bite and plenty of water of course.

Despite the secluded nature of our location, we were never completely on our own often attracting the attention and curiosity of the resident livestock.

OK guys, see you later, we’re nearly done for this walk.

My second walk was steeped in history – not the walk itself but the start point being the village of Hallaton which was mentioned in the  Domesday book of 1086 (and a recorded population of ’at least 26 male villagers’)  although it is thought that the village may have been in existence up to 1,000 years prior to that. Developing over the years and centuries,  it now has more than 60 Grade 2 listed historic properties, a population of over 600 people, and is popular with horseriders, cyclists and, of course, walkers.

Although not seeking sanctuary, we enjoyed the shelter of Cranoe church for our lunch break. And, of course, some bovine company along the way.

For my third walk with this group, a slight change of timing and starting arrangements. The Ramblers, as well as organising Sunday walks of around 7-8 miles, (11-13km), also go out on shorter 4-5 mile (6 ½ -8km) mid-week walks. Yes, after years of living in Japan, I’m having to re-adjust back to Imperial measurements once touted by our former Prime Minister, Boris Johnston, as a possible permanent situation if he had remained in power. Thankfully neither has happened!

Back to our Wednesday afternoon ramble, the destination of which held fascination for me as we were going on a quest to find the ‘Judith Stone’, located in a field on the outskirts of Market Harborough. It was also mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 which was the first and most important record of England by King William I, the French conqueror of our country, after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 in which he defeated our King Harold. He was also known as the William the Bastard king because of his doubtful family lineage, rather than the fact that he had invaded  and was dividing up our country, although that may also have been true. It is thought that the stone took its name from the Countess Judith, niece of William. She is recorded in the Domesday Book as holding land in the area, so perhaps the stone marked a boundary of some kind. It is an igneous rock and described as being an ‘erratic glacial boulder’. But certainly, rather random and remarkable by the fact that it is unmarked and sits in the middle of a field and one has to know about it and how to find it, otherwise it would remain unnoticed.

Enough rambling, in both senses of the word, for the moment, as this was first of many discoveries I’ve made and am continuing to make as I explore and become more knowledgeable about my current location and UK-base in Leicestershire for half of the year as I enjoy the best of England and Japan.