In the jungle

On the map, the public footpath along the north bank of Linley Brook, east of Linley Bridge, looks inviting. When we tried to access it a few weeks ago, we encountered thickets of brambles and, unable to see a path, gave up. When I heard, earlier today, that the obstruction had been cleared, I decided we ought to try again.

As we’d hoped, there was little difficulty today in starting along the way, and the path looked usable. At times it’s close to the brook, which runs here in a mini-gorge on a rocky bed – beautiful! However, it became increasingly clear that we were the only two-legged users of the path for some time, and eventually it seemed to peter out as more brambles gathered. We might be able to continue in the field just beyond the jungle – let’s try it. Yes, sure enough, there are the waymarkers – we’ve made it, and we’re soon back to civilisation! A most interesting and enjoyable exploration, but emphatically not to be attempted in shorts…