We’ve parked at Benthall Hall, and followed (mostly) quiet ways, to Posenhall and Wyke, and back via Benthall Edge Woods. After damp days, and misty days, it’s dry and bright – barely a cloud in the sky, and the air’s clear and cool. Perfect walking weather!
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Just published to “Geoff’s Rail Diaries”, an illustrated account of yesterday’s trip to Wales, celebrating 50 years of the Shropshire Railway Society. Visit “SRS 50 on the W&L“
2019 is the 50th anniversary year of the Shropshire Railway Society, and to celebrate, we chartered a train on the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway. A truly splendid train it was too – one of the two original locomotives, “Countess”, hauling the three replica coaches (the originals having been scrapped many years ago). Running from Llanfair to Welshpool and back, with ample time for a most enjoyable lunch, it was a great day out, an excellent way to mark our half-century.
It’s open today, but there’s no-one at home… It’s one of those National Trust properties which are only open to visit on a few days each year. Today is one such – and, unusually, it’s empty, being between tenants (and undergoing a certain amount of conservation work and spring cleaning). Afterwards, there’s tea, coffee and homemade cakes in the church nearby – and the proceeds are for local funds, so everyone’s happy if we call in…
Bank Holiday Monday (again!) – we could use some fresh air, but we’ll need to avoid the hot spots… It should be quiet down by the river near Colemore Green. It was, too – apart from the inevitable cyclists on the old railway track (and the fishermen at the pools) there was no-one else around. It’s another dull grey day, and cold – some sunshine would have given the photos a bit more sparkle, but at least it’s stayed dry.
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…or is it “Ne’er cast a clout”? Either way, don’t do it “till May be out”. Does the old saying relate to the May blossom – which is out – or the month? It’s certainly too cold at present to cast any clouts – but at least it’s stayed dry, and with light winds, it’s very pleasant up here on the Edge near Much Wenlock.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=361955&Y=300376&A=Y&Z=120
Saturday 4 May continued… Tricky! The sun was shining brightly, almost straight behind 7029 “Clun Castle” (returning from Llandudno), but there wasn’t really time to find a better spot. One of those occasions where some thin high cloud would have made things easier. Nearly an hour later, 34052 was homeward-bound near Battlefield. It was on time, so I can’t complain, but the sun was on the horizon. If it had been five minutes early…
34052 “Lord Dowding” (he’s really 34046 “Braunton”), in action this morning near All Stretton. He’s hauling the “Welsh Marches Express” from Crewe to Cardiff, and going well. The train left Shrewsbury 4 minutes late, but by Marshbrook, just a few miles to my south, it was on time. No diesel on the back either. Sunshine, steam on – great!
Ironbridge: a short stroll after a day of heavy showers. This time last year it was under wraps. The wraps are off now – and that red paint really catches the sunshine (when the sun’s not behind the clouds) on this fine spring evening.
From Benthall Hall – out along the chestnut avenue and through the bluebell wood to Workhouse Coppice, then back through the woods above Ironbridge and the power station. Very pleasant!
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