My journey, and its great escape,
Begins with an out held hand.
And soon our day is taking shape,
As we head for open land.

Beyond the city's furthest reach,
We leave its atmosphere.
Escapees from its small world each,
As beyond its outskirts steer.

From bustling boroughs and busy streets,
To blissful byway’s balm.
As behind us busyness quick retreats,
Replaced by country-crossing calm.

Grey gives way to the gift of green,
Small views to big wide sky.
So much too long I haven't seen,
As over verdant ocean fly.

Through its villages and market towns,
Over rivers, streams and brooks.
Picking up, and putting downs,
Through its secret folds and tucks.

From down dale, uphill steady we go,
Sinking land revealing views.
The best of countryside to show,
Before back down it gently slews.

But not before at the highest spot,
We pause with engine stopped.
To enjoy this silent windswept plot,
With a cherry our journey topped.

Too soon our jaunt is at an end,
As we arrive back at its start.
Each passenger to homeward send,
With a country-happy heart.