It’s not at all clear today – hazy in all directions – but it’s very pleasant walking along the top of the Long Mynd. There are others around, but only one other person at Pole Bank, where we’ll pause for a while to enjoy the (somewhat limited) view. There seem to be more ponies than usual – there are a couple of foals (one of which looks very young) so perhaps that explains it. And there are tadpoles in the pond!

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It could rain – we might need an umbellifer… No shortage of them, of several varieties, in the lanes today. Lots of fried eggs in the hedgerow too (I think perhaps they may be wild roses…). A walk around the lanes from Willey, including Round Hill and Ned’s Lane – a most enjoyable outing for another grey afternoon.

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It’ll soon be midsummer’s day – it should be warmer! Later, the sun breaks through the clouds and the temperature rises a little. It’s comfortable walking weather anyway. The hedgerows around Kenley Ridge know it’s summer – there’s plenty of colour!

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Friday 11 June: a walk from Llangunllo to Knighton, in weather that makes the landscape feel very soft and green. There’s dampness in the air, and for a time we have our waterproof tops on, but they’re hardly necessary. “We ought to see a red kite or two” – yes, we did! One landed on the fence, just about within camera range, and perched for a while (looking soggy and grumpy) before, with little more than a flap, gliding away, making the most of the lightest of breezes.

This is a walk of two halves – Wales and England (Shropshire). Knighton is a Welsh town, but its railway station is in England (just, a matter of yards). We leave the train at Llangunllo (Wales), and walk to the crest of the ridge of Wernygeufron, which descends very gently to the hamlet of Lloyney. There, we cross the river Teme to find ourselves in England again (at Llanfair Waterdine). A steady pull, steep in places, takes us up to Offa’s Dyke and another enjoyable ridge. Finally, a steep descent leads us down to the river once more. Walking downstream and eastwards, we find a sign: Croeso i Gymru – Welcome to Wales. Fifteen minutes later, a pint (of Shropshire beer, from Bishops Castle) is well-earned refreshment – croeso i gwrw! – welcome to ales…

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Walking with the camera on a grey day, across the fields and along the lane to Wyke, then on to Benthall Edge. We’ll turn back at the chocolate seat and return through the woods to Benthall Lane and back to the start.

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