THE WONDERS OF RE

Stone circles, cathedral spires, fertile forests and scenic walks make this fine county a natural touring choice for Janette Sykes

- 

Wildlife spotting is always at its most satisfying when an unexpected sight pops up out of the blue. Majestic red kites soared effortlessly in the cloudless summer skies as we were approaching Totteridge Farm in Wiltshire – and there were many more such magical moments to come.

Admittedly, this often rather overlooked county is prized more for the huge white horses carved into its chalk hillsides, but we were also on the lookout for the beauty of living creatures.

As dawn broke next morning, a brown hare bounded past our ’van – the first of many welcome visits – and later, we spied a heron stalking its prey, while we were taking a walk to the nearby village of Pewsey, alongside the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal.

But the real pièce de résistance came during our visit to the famed prehistoric settlement of Avebury. The sight of an athletic roe hind suddenly appearing while we were admiring charming thatched cottages, then bounding out of sight over a wall into a beautifully tended garden, will remain long in our memories.

We had chosen Wiltshire for a relaxing August break as part of our continuing quest to discover parts of the UK that we know little or nothing about. Its attractive mix of gentle countryside, tranquil forests, handsome old market towns and compelling history and heritage certainly didn’t disappoint, either.

Canals and coffee