The Apedale Valley Light Railway’s steam locomotives are wonderful things. Their internal combustion locomotives are, in some cases at least, at the other end of the scale (but no less fascinating). This weekend they’re holding their ‘Military trains’ event – I decided to go and take a look on this very fine and sunny day. Visit Military trains at Apedale on Geoff’s Rail Diaries for the full story and more photos
Redundant
The old trig point in the woods at Hawthorn Bank is of little use now. It would have been a good place for the map makers to triangulate, but today’s view is strictly limited to trees no more than yards away. The woods are really quiet here – a perfect place of peace on a fine evening.
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Furrows and flora
The light nights are here! Perhaps ‘night’ is an exaggeration, but it’s great to get out in the evening after we’ve eaten, to enjoy some late sunshine. There’s lots of variety in the hedgerows; between the hedges potatoes are being planted in beautifully-sculpted ridges. The farmers are making the most of the light nights and fine weather too…
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Fields of barley
Warm evening sunshine on the landscape between Astley Abbotts and Colemore Green. The barley is coming along nicely, swaying in the breeze and catching the light
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Betchcott and Darnford
A walk at the north end of the Mynd – out along the grassy ridge of Betchcott Hill, down Golden Valley (it was, too) to Darnford; back up the quiet road past Wildmoor Pool. It’s another clear blue sky day of warm sunshine and a pleasantly cool breeze – perfect!
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Cleehill and Magpie Hill
A cloudless sky – wonderful! With a pleasant cool breeze, it’s a perfect afternoon for wandering in these south Shropshire hills.
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By Linley Brook to Stocking Lane
Thursday afternoon: it’s very pleasant down by the brook. The wild garlic is pungent (it smells like we’re close to a restaurant!); there’s some sticky mud but we’re soon past it and back up to the fields. This one’s full of beans! Heading back via Stocking Lane, we pass fields full of sheep. It’s that kind of place.
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Via Wightwick
Our homeward journey will pass within yards of this Wolverhampton manor house – and we haven’t had our lunch yet. Let’s call in, have a bite to eat, and a wander around ‘Wittick’…
Another fine evening
Waiting in for a parcel meant we had no alternative – but it turned out to be the best time of the day.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367515&Y=298310&A=Y&Z=120