Down The Woods

February 23, 2016

Eastham Woods (1 of 1)

There are places that I am always happy to take my boys, places that I went to as child and hold happy memories for me. When I go back to these places with my family it is chance to talk about childhood memories as I show them around. Eastham Woods is one of those places for me; when I was younger we used to live on the Wirral and I remember walks down the woods above all else. My Grandparents lived across a large road which you could walk across, follow a path along the rugby and cricket field and come out through the woods, next to the river Mersey. They used to take me on walks down there with their dog Gemma and our dog Cleo. I remember sometimes playing hide and seek on the field, running behind the big trees or the cricket screens while my Grandad threw sticks for Gemma. There was an old tree that collected water and the dogs would drink out of it then we’d reach the woods and they’d chase the squirrels.

We would picnic there in summer or I would play in the beer garden playground, eating crisps and ice lollies while the grown ups had a drink. We would sit at the rivers edge on sunny days and eat ice creams. On a clear day you can see right across to Liverpool and spot the two spires of the cathedrals on the landscape. I would usually get a callipo and my Grandad would break the bottom off his 99 ice cream so I could have some of that too.  I remember there used to be wooden toadstools and a big wooden snake at the edges of the woods and you could explore the old bear pit and caves. I thought that was the most fun as a child, not really thinking about the poor bears being kept in a pit…it isn’t quite the same as an adult but my boys, in their innocence, love it as much as I did.

Most of it is still just as I remember, the pub is a little fancier and a few lovely cafes have popped up. When we went to visit my Nana over half term we met down the woods and along with my Auntie and her little dog we went exploring. Lucas loved to lead the way through the winding paths, they picked up all kinds of sticks and stones en route, climbed over fallen logs and scrambled through prickly undergrowth.  It was such a wonderful day; sometimes you are worried that those precious childhood memories aren’t quite as good as you remember them and when you try to recreate them the romantic version you hold dear will be shattered. However, this one did live up to the happy moments I have in my head.

When we were leaving Lucas asked if we could visit the next day, sadly we don’t live close enough to visit everyday but it won’t be long before I take them back. This simple day outdoors was just what we needed in a busy half term, time spent together without any distractions. We simply walk, and talk and play as we are in no rush with nowhere to be, it is something I need to remember to do more often.

Eastham Woods (2 of 14)

Eastham Woods (3 of 14)

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Eastham Woods (12 of 14)

Eastham Woods (13 of 14)

Eastham Woods (14 of 14)

 

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9 Comments

  • P.

    Lovely memories H. and beautiful pictures!!
    It’s sucha shame I can’t take my kids to ‘my’ places-too far and some has gone like my nanas farm!

    February 23, 2016 at 12:38 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Thanks P, ah it’s a shame you can’t see some of the places from your childhood! Maybe when they are a bit older you can take them on a tour of the places that are still there xx

      February 24, 2016 at 2:59 pm Reply
  • Sarah Christie

    Julia such beautiful photos, we went for a woodland walk too last week and like you it brought back so many memories from my childhood and my favourite stories from the faraway tree. The forest is such a magical place through the eyes of a child x

    February 23, 2016 at 1:17 pm Reply
    • Sarah Christie

      Hayley I think I had Julia on my mind then he he so sorry, you know I know you name, I am so a goon xx

      February 23, 2016 at 1:19 pm Reply
      • hayleyfromhome

        Haha, I’ve lost track of the amount times I’ve done that! I wish we had a forest closer to us, you are right they always seem so magical when you are young xx

        February 24, 2016 at 3:00 pm Reply
  • Notmyyearoff

    Such lovely memories from your childhood. The 99 one of breaking the cone at the bottom reminded me of my own childhood. I need to do that with Z. I love your photos too. Looks like it was such a lovely day out x

    February 23, 2016 at 1:23 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      It was lovely, really relaxing which doesn’t happen often with our three! I think all grandparents/parents must know that ice cream trick 🙂 xx

      February 24, 2016 at 3:01 pm Reply
  • Natalie

    Lovely post, memories ey (I feel old just writing that). I grew up in Liverpool and I always remember my Grandad taking me and my sisters to New Brighton for a day trip, it was such a big adventure driving through the tunnel for what seemed hours and we all loved it. I often take my girls now, obviously it has changed a lot!!
    I will have to try Eastham woods – I have never been x

    February 25, 2016 at 10:53 pm Reply
  • tracey bowden

    Despite living in Wirral my whole life I have never visited Eastham. I think it might have to make my bucket list of local places to visit

    February 27, 2016 at 10:44 pm Reply
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