Croft and Bircher

On 18 Nov 201819 Nov 2018 By geoffspagesIn Photography, WalksLeave a comment

Herefordshire hill country, up towards the Shropshire border (and not far from Wales either)… Days like this are rare in November, so we’re off again, to walk a route we followed a couple of years ago, at the opposite end of the year. Then, we walked through abundant May blossom and bluebells; today there are toadstools and larch needles, and warm autumn shades against a cold blue sky.

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By Coundmoor Brook

On 17 Nov 2018 By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

It’s hardly a major watercourse, nevertheless it has carved itself a very attractive shallow but steep-sided valley, ideal for an amble on this bright but hazy afternoon. Heading back, our path overlooks the valley, with more extensive views the other way. Am I alone in thinking the Wrekin resembles Mount Fuji from up here?

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=355905&Y=304091&A=Y&Z=120

Haughmond Hill in November

On 14 Nov 2018 By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

It’s another dry, bright afternoon – once again, too good for indoor duties. We’re off to Haughmond Hill, near Shrewsbury – the woodlands should be pleasantly late-autumnal, and the views to the south Shropshire hills will be good, though it’s not particularly clear today.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=354385&Y=313946&A=Y&Z=120

Back lanes

On 13 Nov 2018 By geoffspagesIn PhotographyLeave a comment

A local wander, through the fields and along the back lanes and hidden ways, on an afternoon when it’s too good to stay indoors.

Comer Wood

On 08 Nov 2018 By geoffspagesIn Photography, WalksLeave a comment

New routes around the Dudmaston Estate’s woodland have recently been created by the National Trust, adding to some pleasant waterside walks. It’s a grey afternoon – perfect for a walk amidst the autumnal colours.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=374855&Y=289516&A=Y&Z=120

No cakes at Coalport

On 03 Nov 2018 By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hillsLeave a comment

Friday 2 November: it’s still half-term for the local schools, but the rules say the cafe closes at the end of October… At least the benches and tables haven’t been taken away, so we can sit for a few minutes and enjoy a small amount of chocolate, sufficient for the long pull back up the hill. The sunshine is very pleasant, but the day’s changing as we approach home.

Clee Hill and the Three-forked Pole

On 31 Oct 2018 By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

Sounds like something from the Wild West, doesn’t it? This is England’s “Wild West”, not far from the Welsh border, and it’s quite a strange kind of place. The quarry on Clee Hill is still active, but there are many remains of old workings and their associated buildings and structures. There are more strange and tottering structures at Magpie Hill – we make our way there via the remarkable three-forked pole, near a place called “Random”.
When we started out, it seemed like a perfect day for an outing, but the weather grew increasingly gloomy as we walked back from Magpie Hill. The first drops of rain fell as we unlocked the car – how’s that for timing?
Cleehill or Clee Hill? One’s the village, the other? Guess!