An afternoon at Amerton, on the occasion of their annual steam gala. On this occasion, no fewer than seven steam locomotives were in action – two Bagnalls, four Wrens and a Sirdar – on the not-very circular 2ft gauge line. For more on the event – and lots of photos – visit ‘Small South Staffs Steamers‘ on Geoff’s Rail Diaries.
Orchid meadow
Another warm afternoon – some shade would be pleasant. Benthall Edge woods will provide it – and on the way, we can check out the orchids near the hall. Someone (NT, presumably) has now put up a sign pointing the way to the ‘Orchid meadow’, and in the scrubby wooded area where many of the orchids grow, they’ve mown a maze of ways for walkers. There are thousands of the eye-catching flowers, of the common spotted variety, and plenty more in the unmown meadows nearby. After the colourful display, the bluebell wood and the Edge woods provide welcome shade and coolth (is that a word?).
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=366255&Y=302960&A=Y&Z=115
Coalport on a warm evening
It’s not really long enough to call a walk – barely two miles, but that’s enough on the warm evening of the longest day. On the south side of the river we follow the old Severn valley railway track – cool and shady – before crossing the bridge and walking up the Coalport branch track as far as the china works.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=369710&Y=302327&A=Y&Z=115
Two for the price…
Out this afternoon with a friend who wanted to take a look at the disused station at Linley – and out again this evening (the fine weather is too good to waste) for a wander around the Willey lanes. Lots of colour in the verges and hedgerows – truly, sumer is icumen in (though sadly, no cuccu)
View OS maps on Streetmap: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=370860&Y=297845&A=Y&Z=120 and http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367575&Y=298255&A=Y&Z=120
Rowe Lane in summer
We walked this route in early March. Now it’s almost midsummer, and what a difference! The weather’s different too – bright and breezy then, with lots of sunshine. The June sun is reluctant to come out from behind the clouds, but the hedgerow flowers are out in profusion. Despite the lack of sunshine, it’s a colourful scene
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=356005&Y=289605&A=Y&Z=120
Yesterday evening…
…it was hard to believe the weather forecast. It was correct though. Yesterday’s clear blue sky and warmth (27C by mid-afternoon, only a little cooler by mid-evening) gave way to todays rain, and temperatures in the low teens. What a difference!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=365230&Y=297895&A=Y&Z=120
Warm afternoon at Blists Hill
Taking it easy – after lunch at the All Nations, it’s the only way.
Visiting the pyramids
No need to fly to distant lands – these pyramids are orchids, reliably plentiful along this part of the Wenlock Edge in early summer.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=359215&Y=298296&A=Y&Z=120
Pools and pollen
It’s a fine still evening, perfect for a stroll. The air is heavy, and laden (I fear) with pollen, which is bursting forth everywhere…
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=370730&Y=296845&A=Y&Z=120
Sheinton, Homer, Wigwig and Harley
On a fine June afternoon, we’re wandering through mostly quiet places. It’s not quiet where we have to cross the busy main road, but that only takes a moment. Although we only meet one other walker, there’s no shortage of sheep (as ever in these parts), there are lots of butterflies (though only one of them poses obligingly) and a tiny vole, truly a Tom Thumb, looking rather lost in the middle of the (very quiet) lane. Once we’ve recorded his presence, we relocate him to relative safety and wander on. Hope he appreciated our efforts!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=360845&Y=302615&A=Y&Z=120
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