Author: geoffspages

Sheinton Coppices

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

Wandering south of the Severn, through quiet woodlands and fields. The OS map defines several of the small woods as coppices, and one or two were still recognisable as such, though no recent work was obvious – unlike the extensive clearance that had been taking place at Traps Coppice. A small herd of wild deer grazed on the hillside just to the north of Farley Coppice – if they had seen us, they weren’t concerned. The rabbit saw us eventually…

Map
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=362460&Y=303461&A=Y&Z=120

Walk in the woods

On By geoffspagesIn PhotographyLeave a comment

It may be chilly, but the bluebells don’t seem to mind – they’re out in profusion in the local woodlands, with almost a full spectrum supporting cast – from the white stitchwort and palest pink lady’s smock, through the yellow dead nettle and the fresh greens in the woods, to the various blues of bugle, forget-me-not and the bluebells themselves – and still no shortage of violets, though they’re rapidly disappearing beneath everything else. Nothing red though.

Bridgnorth in May

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A short wander around Bridgnorth – down to the Severn, where the geese and their goslings are basking in the sun, then up to High Town. A short sharp shower found us under the bridge near the top of Stoneway Steps – perfect timing! Bridgnorth is busy on a sunny Sunday – after a quick walk around the castle grounds and up the High Street, we’re back to the car and home, away from the bustle.

Packetstone and Ashes

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

Having made a plan, one should adhere to it… This walk was going to be “Callow Hollow and…”, but when we’d followed the route through the plantation to gain access to Callow Hollow, we looked at the descent, then looked at the steep but inviting ridge ahead – and continued up the hill instead. The good path which we joined on reaching the plateau gradually fizzled out, and we eventually gained the road after struggling through tussocky heather. There is, of course, an excellent track on the southern flank of Packetstone Hill, but I’d forgotten about it…

We had debated leaving jackets in the car – although the air was cold, the sunshine in Little Stretton was comfortably warm. We got this decision right – we were glad of them on top where, when the sun dodged behind the clouds (few and far between) the breeze became a bitter wind. Dropping down into Ashes Hollow, we were out of the wind, and the late afternoon sunshine was very pleasant.

Map

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=342505&Y=292436&A=Y&Z=120

Wesley Brook

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, WalksLeave a comment

Thursday: a waterside walk from Shifnal to Grindleforge bridge, near Ryton, following the Wesley Brook as it makes its way toward the Worfe – down the west side, and back up the east. It’s all very gentle country – we’re not in the Shropshire hills today. That may be a good thing – there’s only the lightest of breezes, and it feels warm in the fields – the shady wooded stretches come as a relief. Spring is really getting going now – lots of colour beside the path.

Map

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=374345&Y=305606&A=Y&Z=120