There is something very comforting about taking long walks when you are sad and stressed. In the days after my father-in-law passed away, Dan and I took several walks in the English countryside. The first walk was to the top of Beacon Hill, which is just a short drive from Dan's hometown of Newbury.

The weather was unusually sunny and hot during our visit. It was early June, but coming from Los Angeles, I think anything lower than 80 degrees is cold! Personally, I like to think that my father-in-law had something to do with making the weather nice for us, because dreary weather would have been too much to bear. Unfortunately, we had packed for cooler weather, so we were absolutely drenched in sweat during our walks. It doesn't take long to walk to the top of Beacon Hill, but it is steep. We kept stopping to take pictures ( really to catch our breath) along the way.

Beacon Hill overlooks Highclere Castle, which may sound familiar as it was used in the BBC Series, Downton Abbey. It was also where Dan proposed to me in 2013! Look closely and you can see both Highclere Castle and the stables.

The grave of the former owner of Highclere Castle, George Herbert the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, is located at the top of Beacon Hill. Herbert was a famed Egyptologist and was with Howard Carter during the discovery of the tomb of King Tut. Herbert died of an infected mosquito bite, which only fueled the rumor of a curse from the tomb.

Here are a few more shots from the top.

My favorite shot!

And the steep walk back down.

The walk to the top of Beacon Hill was beautiful and can easily be accomplished by anyone with a level moderate fitness. Make sure to bring sturdy shoes and water!