Living near Ashdown Forest is something I never take for granted. It’s a place of real variety - heathland, woodland, sandy paths and vast views that stretch for miles.  But what I enjoy most, especially in the summer, is walking barefoot.

It fills me with happiness. The sand is soft and cool on my feet, and there’s something very satisfying about connecting directly with the ground. Without shoes, you start to notice textures you’d otherwise miss - smooth patches of earth, crunchy dry leaves, and occasionally a muddy patch that squelches just a bit too much. It’s all part of it.

Walking like this feels natural. My feet move more freely, doing what they’re meant to do. It makes the walk feel more alive, more connected.

Ashdown is beautiful in any season, but barefoot in summer? That’s when I feel closest to it.  Phil often gets frustrated with my pace - it slows me down.  But I am trying to convince him take his shoes and socks off, and when I've done that, I'm pretty sure he'll be in less of a hurry and will start to feel the benefits of being more connected to the earth -  more grounded.