Winter Wine Walk on the W&OD Trail to Paeonian Springs

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This invigorating adventure gets us outdoors in nature while also enjoying good wine and food along the way. The W&OD trail at Hamilton Station between Leesburg and Purcellville is an ideal location for a winter walk.

We'll start by meeting and having some pre-walk wine tasting at The Barns, a friendly winery with a warm atmosphere. After getting in the right mood, our group will walk approximately three miles on the W&OD trail to Paeonian Springs before returning along the same route.

MEETUP AT THE BARNS

The Barns winery is situated in a beautiful setting with ample parking. The winery's renovated old barn welcomes people to mingle, taste the wines, try the light fare they offer, and enjoy live music on weekend afternoons. The Barns is a comfortable place to hang out before and after our walk, and their wine is pretty good too. Check it out:

http://www.thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

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WALK TO PAEONIAN SPRINGS

After tasting wine at The Barns, we'll begin the walk to Paeonian Springs. The first half mile is a trek along Hamilton Station Rd. to reach the W&OD trail where most of our walk will occur. We'll walk at a relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery and good company of friends. The trail is generally flat and all paved, which makes it an easy journey. The total roundtrip distance is approximately seven miles.

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To be an authentic SHR walk, we'll need appropriate seasonal spirit(s) to keep us energized and warm. Thus, our group wisely carries the necessary provisions for refreshment breaks on the journey to Paeonian Springs. It's a smart move that brings a nice glow to our cheeks, warms our souls, and inspires our footsteps. So be prepared if you want to nourish your body and mind along the way.

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PAEONIAN SPRINGS

At the mid-point in Paeonian Springs, we'll visit the Vino 9 Market to rest, get something to eat, and have refreshments before walking back to our starting point at The Barns. The Vino 9 market specializes in fine wines and beers, pork BBQ, and gourmet sandwiches. They have a rear outdoor patio and a wine cellar downstairs in a cool historic building that's been owned by the same family for many years.

http://www.vino9market.com

RETURN JOURNEY TO THE BARNS

After the mid-route break at Vino9, our group will return the same way we came on the W&OD Trail to The Barns, which features live music in the tasting room on weekends from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. It's free and always a good time that we've enjoyed on previous visits.

FINAL DETAILSs

This event depends upon good walking weather. A little rain won't stop us, but we won't walk in miserable conditions. I'll post a notice and send out an email by 9:30 am if we need to change plans or cancel the event.

I hope to see you there!

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