A mixed day.
I’m standing in the middle of a field, away from roads or farms; total silence, except for a gentle breeze floating by. I close my eyes and let the countryside wash over me. This is better than the walking meditation I tried the other week. Yes, you have probably guessed it: I am pursuing this week’s ’52 Ways to Walk’ – Take a Silent Stroll. 
When I set out today, this tune from the 60s was predictably in my head –
It wasn’t silent in my house this morning, with traffic diverted by roadworks, and it isn’t silent on the half-mile of pavement by the busy road taking me out of the village; everyone seems to drive so fast these days. People walk by with their eyes on their phones or their ears plugged into music. Yes, the urban environment is never quiet. And the world is so noisy with political rhetoric at present—a good reason to go for a walk.
But it is remarkable how quickly the sounds dissipate once in the country fields. All I recollect is the distant sound of a dog barking. Another half mile and all is silent. Time for my brain to reset and take in the surroundings. We all walk for different reasons: physical exercise, exploration, meeting up with friends. But for me, walking takes me into places of great beauty where I can stop and listen to the sound of silence. 
That’s how the afternoon started, but then, after passing through the metal gate, my way is blocked by a newly dug ditch and general disturbance. The farmer has grubbed up a fence line and dumped rubbish willy-nilly. The area is now waterlogged and frankly dangerous for walkers. These photos are on the direct line of the public footpath.
On the spot, I open up my ‘Love Clean Streets’ app and report the obstruction along with photographs to Lancs C C. Now isn’t that clever – but will anything be done about it?
I eventually find a way around the obstruction, but I wouldn’t recommend it. And I’m on my way. As partial recompense, a neighbouring farmer has repaired a stile thank you. 
Apart from taking a silent stroll today, I have another reason to venture out when the forecast is for rain. I have invested in a pair of showerproof Craghopper trousers. One of the banes of walking is having to pull on waterproof over-trousers when you get caught in the rain, only to take them off a little later when the sun appears. These trousers could be a perfect compromise to save all the faffing. On cue, the fells disappear, and the rain sweeps across the fields for five minutes, but what do I care? I think further testing may be necessary in harsher conditions. 
The silence is broken, and I wander back home as the fells magically reappear along with the sunshine. 
Your blocked path is a disgrace. I hope the council responds. I could have done with a pair of those trousers yesterday. Like you I hate pulling over trousers on and off, and they add weight to the bag.
I’ll let you know how the trousers perform. Could be the solution for autumn and spring weather. I use a web site https://www.sportpursuit.com/ for cheap quality gear.
It was like the Somme in that field. I will chase up the powers that be, although they like everybody else are short of money.
How many times have we delayed putting on over-trousers as the light rain gradually gets heavier? Such a faff and then the sun comes out. But after suffering badly from wind chill with wet trousers on one hike, I learnt my lesson.
Friends I walk with have these showerproof trousers and whilst I’m struggling with over trousers they just walk on. We’ll see how they perform in heavier rain, Craghoppers Kiwi Pro bought at a discount price. Out door gear is ridiculously priced these days. https://www.sportpursuit.com/
I loathe wearing waterproofs!
So do I, but unfortunately we live in the NW – wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m starting to choose the dry days.
Don’t we all.
It’s unexplainable how particular moments from way back stick in the mind forever and can be instantly recalled.
In 1960 with my friend Pete we had a walking holiday in Norway, here is one of those indelible moments I described a while ago on a blog post”
“We walked together in Norway back in 1960 crossing glaciers and climbing Mt. Galdhopiggen. On our last evening we walked from our accommodation to a viewpoint many feet above a fiord. At this conclusion of some of the best trekking either of us had ever experienced, the sun was setting and all was enhanced by that stunning Norwegian scenery. Silence and peace was in charge. except for…
…the “put-put-put” of a motor boat far far below in the fiord masquerading as a toy and for some mystical reason with its respectfully muffled tones seeming to contribute to one of the most cherished moments in my eighty five years.”
YES! Stop and listen from time to time.
Yes the sound of the dog barking a mile away carried on the silence.
What amazing memories we have from all the climbing and trecking trips over the years.
I do enjoy my daily quiet walk with my dog. Sometimes I listen to an audiobook and sometimes I just take the time to listen to the sounds of nature. It is nice to listen to the birds in the morning walk. I need to invest in winter walking trouser.