Rolling Hills hike, 2015/11/29
Photos from a relaxed ramble in the hills of Miyun County.
The Rolling Hills hike is a good one for winter - nice and long, and with just enough hill climbing to keep you warm in cold weather.
The trail took us through villages and farmland, with some nice detours up on to ridgeline trails for views of the snow-covered countryside.
We saw a lot of fresh animal tracks in the snow, including one spot where it looked like a rabbit had just escaped the clutches of a falcon.
And with the weather so cold it was pretty much just us out in the hills. Very peaceful!

We hiked into the farmland behind Stonewall Valley Village.

Chestnut trees.

Falcon feather print in the snow, with signs that the rabbit made a getaway.

Little paths lead between fields and villages.

We were greeted by a friendly dog.

This gaggle of geese were on guard, and we may have received a few pecks if not for the fence.

Heading for the aqueduct.

Taking a closer look at the icicles hanging down from the aqueduct.

Continuing past a chicken farm.

Crossing a snowy field.

The trail continued through a pine forest.

Up onto a ridgeline trail.

We stopped for lunch on this sunny slope.

The trail would take us further into the hills in the background.

Cornfields.

Hiking along a ridge, heading for ‘The Bowl’.

Rolling hills and a pine plantation.

A view of ‘The Bowl’.

We finished the hike by walking out this valley.

Picnic by the roadside.