We’re heading for the bluebell woods; on the way there, the broom is in bloom…
Staying dry
It could be tricky… There’s a short sharp shower just as we’re getting into the car, but we could be lucky after it’s passed… With bright sunshine (at first) and puffy white clouds, it’s a technicolour day, perfect for this wander around quiet lanes near Kenley and Harnage Grange. The most extensive view, to the border hills, sadly is hidden by a tall hedge – but the camera, held high, can see over it… Lastly, there’s cake to be had, to round off an enjoyable afternoon (and we were lucky – stayed dry!)
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Cold Clee views
After much rain, a dry evening, and a very cold one. It’s early May, but it’s barely above freezing. Patches of white under the trees – surely not snow? No, there’s been a hailstorm earlier, by the look of it. Should have brought my gloves! The clear rain-washed air and the fine views to the Clee hills more than make up for cold hands.
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The lane and the dingle
How different the world outdoors is, compared with a couple of months ago! Spring greenery is taking over; spring flowers are everywhere in profusion. We’re enjoying a morning walk down Caughley Road, along the old railway track and back up Corbett’s Dingle, where the wild garlic now forms a deep green shag pile carpet.
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Another evening
Once again, there are showers about during the day, so we’ve decided to take a stroll in the evening, down the other Shirlett lane to Hawthorn Bank and back. There are some wonderful views to the south Shropshire hills, blue (as they’ll be remembered) on the horizon. There are still some showers about, too – like yesterday evening, not everyone will be enjoying the sunshine…
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Evening sunshine
First one this year – a walk in the early evening. It’s been showery all day, but the clouds have cleared (there are still some big ones on the horizon – someone not far away may be thinking “what a horrible wet evening”). Familar territory – the loop around Willey and Linley Brook – looking different in this lovely light.
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Green Lane
It’s a tarred surface, but the surrounding are especially green in the odd burst of morning sunlight. With showers forecast after lunch, we’re enjoying a quick morning sortie on Shirlett Lane
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Ironbridge: roads less travelled
We’re across the river today for a wander around Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale. The former can be busy, and there are major road works along the Wharfage – we’ll avoid them both by following just some of the minor roads, lanes, ginnels and snickets in this fascinating area.
Near the top of Church Hill, we find ourselves at the place where we stood in December 2019 to watch the power station cooling towers being demolished – see Bang! and the ‘before and after’ photos below.
Remarkably, in a walk a little under 5 miles, we’ve done nearly 1,000ft of ascent. Truly, a walk in the Shropshire hills!
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Barrow and Willey – a Shirlett circular
We’ve walked this route several times – today we’ll vary it slightly at the start, taking the direct(ish) path to Barrow from Shirlett Farm. There’s a dark smudge of smoke on the horizon – later we find that a Telford recycling depot has gone up in flames. No smoke here – the air seems especially fresh today, and Shropshire is turning noticeably green. It’ll soon be summer!
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Fields and pools
Out past the fishing pools near Hurst Farm, down the drive at Aldenham, skirt the potato field, pass Shore Pool, up through the next field, through the copse and back along the lane past the fishing pools. Once again, there’s a cool breeze, but it’s pleasant in the sunshine.
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