a "what's new" guide to the whole of Geoff's Pages, and a selection of bits and pieces that never made it to the site
It’s another dry, bright afternoon – once again, too good for indoor duties. We’re off to Haughmond Hill, near Shrewsbury – the woodlands should be pleasantly late-autumnal, and the views to the south Shropshire hills will be good, though it’s not particularly clear today.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=354385&Y=313946&A=Y&Z=120
A local wander, through the fields and along the back lanes and hidden ways, on an afternoon when it’s too good to stay indoors.
New routes around the Dudmaston Estate’s woodland have recently been created by the National Trust, adding to some pleasant waterside walks. It’s a grey afternoon – perfect for a walk amidst the autumnal colours.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=374855&Y=289516&A=Y&Z=120
Friday 2 November: it’s still half-term for the local schools, but the rules say the cafe closes at the end of October… At least the benches and tables haven’t been taken away, so we can sit for a few minutes and enjoy a small amount of chocolate, sufficient for the long pull back up the hill. The sunshine is very pleasant, but the day’s changing as we approach home.
Sounds like something from the Wild West, doesn’t it? This is England’s “Wild West”, not far from the Welsh border, and it’s quite a strange kind of place. The quarry on Clee Hill is still active, but there are many remains of old workings and their associated buildings and structures. There are more strange and tottering structures at Magpie Hill – we make our way there via the remarkable three-forked pole, near a place called “Random”.
When we started out, it seemed like a perfect day for an outing, but the weather grew increasingly gloomy as we walked back from Magpie Hill. The first drops of rain fell as we unlocked the car – how’s that for timing?
Cleehill or Clee Hill? One’s the village, the other? Guess!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=360205&Y=276346&A=Y&Z=120
(Monday 29 October) That’s where the Battle Stones are – a perfect objective for a short walk on the hills, on a bright but bitterly cold afternoon. It’s a regular route for us, though we’re having to use a different departure point – this is half-term week, and there’s no space below the Gaer Stone. So we’re starting from Hope Bowdler village, walking a short way along the road, past the end of the inviting-looking footpath to the church, tucked away behind the houses. We’d better accept the invitation.
Curiosity assuaged (what an interesting spot!) we’re off up the lane onto the hill. It’s a more-or-less circular walk, with an out-and-back to the Battle Stones. Once we’re away from the road, it’s quiet – almost totally silent in places. And the views – wonderful! It’s not especially clear, but the light (unlike the air!) is warm, and there are autumnal shades everywhere in the landscape. It’s a shame to have to return to the car, but the light is fading – it’ll be dark soon.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=348105&Y=293496&A=Y&Z=120
…while the sun shines. Not that there’s much hay to be made at the end of October. It’s very cold on the Hope Bowdler hills, but the light is lovely. Haven’t had time to play with the photos yet – tomorrow perhaps. Meanwhile here’s a taster.
