A walk down the lane, visiting the site of the old mines and the sheep at the top of the bank. No sunshine today, and a certain amount of gloom – though there’s a touch of blue in the sky as we near home.
Author: geoffspages
A walk to Willey
We could do this as a circular walk, but one leg (and therefore both feet) would be very muddy. So we’re doing it as an ‘out-and-back’, but varying the first part – out by the Fiery Fields, and back past the little toll house. It’s cold again, but there’s no wind, and the sunshine is bright.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367555&Y=300185&A=Y&Z=120
White and Red Lane
Twenty-four hours later, I was proved wrong (see yesterday’s post Walking from home). There’s been a hard frost overnight – and mist. Everything is white and sparkly – and the mud is rock-hard. “Shall we try the path to Red Lane again?” No problem – we’re through! Red Lane is, of course, white today.
Back to Shirlett
For the next few weeks, we’re going to be walking in very familiar territory, within a mile or two of home… “Shirlett should be quiet.” It was, of course. There are one or two others out and about, but there’s plenty of space and fresh air up here. Let’s hope the weather stays dry!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=365660&Y=298545&A=Y&Z=120
Early January
Monday: returning from Shrewsbury, we’ll pass the Cound road end. It’s cold, but it’s dry – we’ll stretch our legs around the quiet lanes. Someone’s lit a bonfire, but apart from those bright flames, there’s very little light this afternoon. No winter sunset skies today.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=356010&Y=304045&A=Y&Z=120
Chilly Church Preen
First outing of the new year (blame the weather!). It continues to be cold, but at least it’s dry today. Last week’s snow still lies on the (slightly) higher ground around Church Preen, which adds a little something to the photos. The light certainly isn’t going to help today, though for a few moments the sun tries to break through. By 3pm the light’s gone, and soon after, we’re heading for home.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=355085&Y=298270&A=Y&Z=120
Late sunshine
We thought we’d seen the last of the sunshine when it became overcast and grey around lunchtime – but as the sun went down, the sky cleared. It was still pretty cold though. Nevertheless, a pleasant afternoon for a wander through Linley Brook, up to Willey and back past Lower Pool and the Smithies.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367620&Y=297945&A=Y&Z=120
Last full moon
Late afternoon: it’s stopped snowing and the day’s looking brighter – but not for long. We’re walking down the lower lane at Shirlett, and as we walk back, though the sky is clearing, the light is going. It’s too cold to stand and watch the sunset. Instead, turn through 180° and see the last full moon of the year rising.