Cold on top

A walk along the Long Mynd ridge, from Robin Hood’s Butts to Pole Bank and back. It felt cold at first under a stubborn bank of cloud, but once that cleared the sunshine was very pleasant. Not the quietest of places on a fine Saturday, even in late January, but most enjoyable, with great views in all directions. Near the top of Mott’s Road, a sizable flock of birds circles before landing nearby. Are they golden plovers? Later, as we near our starting point, we hear grouse exchanging chuckles. “Go back, go back, go back”. Yes, we will, soon, but we’ll listen to you for a minute or two first. The icing on today’s icy cake!