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Today’s walk: Autumnal Standen
Standen House is another National Trust place that is taking part in the Pooch Passport scheme, and as the day was mild and dry it was a perfect day for an exolore. We followed one of the Estate walks and headed out towards Weir Wood Reservoir - and as with a Fancy Free Walk we did in the area last year - we were forever just a bit away from the water. We got a much better view of it from afar than close to. We took the opportunity to sit in the dog friendly bit of the cafe - the Engine Room - to enjoy a coffee before finishing our visit with a stroll around the grounds. This pooch passport scheme is really encouraging us to make the most of our membership.
Standen House is another National Trust site participating in the Pooch Passport scheme, and with mild, dry weather, it was a perfect day for exploring. We followed one of the estate’s walking routes, heading towards Weir Wood Reservoir. Just like during a Fancy Free Walk we did in the area last year, we always seemed to be just out of reach of the water, getting a much better view from a distance than up close.
We took a break in the dog-friendly part of the café, the Engine Room, for a coffee before ending our visit with a stroll around the grounds. This Pooch Passport scheme is definitely encouraging us to make the most of our membership.
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Today’s makes: Dark chocolate bark and experimental Dark chocolate peanut butter chunks
I spotted a Dark Chocolate bark recipe on the Zoe app and thought it was worth a try. It’s super simple: melt some dark chocolate, sprinkle a mix of seeds and nuts on top, and let it set. Mine ended up thicker than I’d expect for bark, but I don’t mind. Next time, I might use my Lego brick ice cube mold for fun shapes.
On Sunday, my friend shared a Chocolate peanut butter bar from Hotel Chocolat, which was delicious. It made me wonder what would happen if I mixed peanut butter into melted chocolate, so I gave it a go. I combined 25g of dark chocolate with 1.5 tablespoons of chunky peanut butter, mixing it together instead of marbling—something to try next time. The chilled result is a tasty bite of peanut-chocolate goodness with a truffle-like texture.
I doubt either of these treats will last long!
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Today’s walk: Along the canal from Birmingham to Bournville
Following yesterday’s walk, we headed south to Bournville. Along the way, we spotted another couple of herons—one was completely unfazed by a lady jogging past. The scenery felt more settled today, with tranquil stretches of canal and still-beautiful views. Being a Saturday, there were more boats on the move, and we enjoyed watching them navigate the tunnels. We arrived in Bournville to sunshine after an overcast walk, hopped on a train, and headed back to the city centre. Another great walk.
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