Dudmaston in October

Geese and toadstools! A wander around the estate from the sawmill car park – down to the pools (Wall, Seggy and Brim), through the asparagus farm, down to the big pool and back past the house, pausing at the bookshop and the cafe. (I’m not sure we’d earned the cake, but we enjoyed it…)

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Highgate Common

Saturday 5 October: A new one for the blog – we’ve been here before, but not for many years (the trees have grown considerably, I’m certain, since our last visit). It’s not a huge area, but it’s popular and has its attractions, especially if you like trees, or have dogs to exercise. We passed dozens of dog walkers, a few who were exercising children (and dogs, in some cases), and possibly only one other dog- and child-free couple. We were starting to feel conspicuous until we met the latter. As well as trees, there are some clear grassy areas, and from the far south-eastern corner, an extensive view towards the Black Country (which feels sufficiently distant), complete with a chocolate seat. Admittedly, it faces the other way, into the woods.  Perhaps that’s intentional?

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Back on terra cotta…

… as a gaelic-speaking local of Skye once said to us, describing her feelings on being back on dry land after some lengthy sea trips (we know what she meant). After our week on Skye, we’ve come down to earth (the 500-odd mile drive contributing to that experience) and to celebrate we’re wandering around some very familiar local lanes. It’s good to be back…

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Above the Gold Cave

Those five fine days are gone, and it’s grey. It could rain, but I might be lucky. After a busy morning, a last leg stretch would be good – tomorrow we’re on the road again. The clifftops at Bornesketaig  would be good, and I can look down on the rocky shore around the Gold Cave (yes, I was lucky – the rain held off)

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