A walk on the far side (we try not to cross the river too often – it’s a strange and different world over there) – through Rindleford and up the stony-sided valley of the Worfe, returning along quiet lanes and the hamlet of Bromley. Not always an easy walk – many of the surfaces are hard-frozen and slippery – but it’s pleasant out on this fine and mostly sunny afternoon.

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Out and back along Shirlett Lane. There was a light fall of snow overnight, but by the afternoon it’s mostly melted. The sun came out eventually – could have done with it a little sooner.

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There’s a lot of weather around this afternoon! Clear air, an icy breeze, bright sunshine followed by some darker cloud, distant snow showers – and it’s great to be out on the Hope Bowdler hills. They’re no great height but they provide a wonderful viewpoint for the surrounding country, with some extensive views. We can see the Brecon Beacons, more than 50 miles to the south-west, and the snow-topped Llangollen hills perhaps 40 miles to the north-west, beyond Chirk’s eye-catching chipboard factory. (We can also see Wolverhampton some 25 miles to the east, but we won’t go there, so to speak). On days like this, it’s a shame to have to leave the hills, but the sun’s dropping behind a huge cloud to the south-west. Time for home!

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Walking from Benthall Hall, via Posenhall to Arlescott, and back through Wyke and the Vineyards. The views to the west are extensive: there’s snow on the Berwyns and the Llangollen hills. Closer to home, there are new(ish) lambs in the fields by the Vineyards – a new season begins!

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None of them are big enough to call villages: Baucott is just a couple of farms, though Tugford has an ancient church and Broncroft a castle, no less (and little more). The spasmodic sunshine in the early part of our walk is pleasant; later we become aware that, though the sky above is mostly blue, it’s mostly cloud where the sun should be. The fields are sodden – this is a tarmac walk, along quiet lanes which are in part minor watercourses…

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An improving afternoon in the lanes around Church Preen. The trees are at their best against skies like today’s.

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