It’s a waterfall, a little way up the valley of the Afon Eiddew, one of the two rivers that feed the head of Lake Vyrnwy. At this time of year, the sunshine brings out the colours in the hillsides – but also casts shadow over the lower parts of the fall. We’ll perhaps have to go again – either later in the season, or earlier in the day, when the morning sun would be shining straight up the valley.

This would have been a pleasant walk on an airy ridge. There was some mist on the higher ground, though it didn’t look too bad. The sun was trying to break through – we even had some blue sky and sunshine as we approached the Gaer Stone. Then the mist came down… It was cold too – we were starting to ice up (yes, really) by the time we came down from the ridge.

It snowed quite heavily, for these parts, on Friday, rested on Saturday, then continued to snow yesterday. Today, there’s just the odd flake fluttering down in the still air, and a hint of brightness in  the west. We followed, as far as the hall, the route taken in the previous post, “Lingering Frost” – with some similar subjects for the camera, in somewhat different conditions.

A cold afternoon, with the frost lingering where the sun hadn’t shone – not one for standing around. We walked to Benthall Hall via Broseley’s “Fiery Fields” (an inappropriate name today). As promised, the sun became watery as the afternoon wore on – will we get some snow?

It was foggy at home – but the forecast said it would be clear just a little way to the south and west. It was right. The air was cool, but the sunshine was warm and the light was bright – one of the afternoons that should go on for ever.

We walked around the “Starboard Way” – the cutely-named alternative to the Port Way through the gliding field – and followed the fairly level path , along the western edge of the Long Mynd, southwards to Black Knoll, just over two miles distant. Here, the path descends to Plowden –  we would now retrace our steps (with a slight detour). The temperature began to dropping noticeably with the sun – until, as we arrived back at the car, it dipped into a bank of cloud. Perfect timing!

It was still foggy at home…

We walked much of this route, around and through Much Wenlock, a few weeks ago. It was even worse underfoot on this occasion (though we did manage to stay on our feet – a close-run thing). Enough said – at least the views are pleasant and, to the east, extensive.

A dry afternoon – brighter in the Marches than further east, according to the forecast. How about a walk over to Hurst Farm and Aldenham? The skies were certainly very promising, but there’s a certain inevitability about that bank of heavy cloud that rolls in from the north-west, outstaying its welcome on the still afternoon. Inevitable, too, is the sky clearing again as we arrive back at the car in the gathering dusk.