A less-exciting day today (can’t push my luck too often) – less snowy too. The white stuff is melting steadily in the sunshine – and we need the sunshine, as it’s still very cold in the shade. We’re walking along the lane past Hurst Farm pools, turning back when onward path passes into the shadow of the trees. It’s very pleasant up here – and fields are remarkably stripy today.

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Wednesday 20 November: It’s icy cold out, but also dry and sunny, under a clear blue sky. To stay indoors would be unforgiveable! So we’re enjoying a short (and fairly slow) walk on the Hope Bowdler hills – over the main ridge to the Battle Stones, and back across the moor. It’s wonderful up here – the snow has drifted a little, carving some interesting shapes; it’s deep in places. The (invisible) path isn’t always easy, as we step in and out of the (deep!) few footprints left by others, but it’s fun! And there’s no-one else about – just one young woman descending with a dog, in the first half-mile. After that, the hills are ours for the afternoon!

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A Sunday morning along Shirlett Lane, making the most of a dry spell (there’ll be rain this afternoon). There’s even a little sunshine!

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These golden days will soon be over – we’re making the most of the colours in Comer Woods. Everyone else seems to have had the same idea – there are lots of other people (and their dogs) out and about today. They seem to be getting further from their cars today too – perhaps they’re having to walk to keep warm. There’s plenty of room here though – much of the time, there’s no-one else in sight (or earshot!)

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Wandering around Willey on a quiet autumnal morning. It should have been sunnier, and it’s not warm, but the leaves are glowing in their last days

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It’ll be a short one! There’s just time to get to the top and back before the light goes. I’ll take the longer way up, along the forest road, up to the ridge and the chocolate seat, and return by the direct route. Wish I hadn’t – the mud is horrendous on the descent! It’ll take a warm dry spring and summer to make it fit to walk again.

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Another grey, still and dry day. No sunshine. Fine for a local wander – Round Hill, Ned’s Lane and Willey. Autumn leaves and toadstools!

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Hallowe’en – a fungus-finding expedition seems appropriate today (no pumpkins, toads, witches, bats or other symptoms, fortunately). We were hoping for some fly agarics – there were some here a couple of years ago, but no sign of any at present. Maybe in a week or two? The leaves, mostly on the ground now, are colourful; the woods are definitely autumnal and the fungi (in a variety of shapes and sizes) are fun!

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It will be the best part of the day – let’s get out while the sun’s shining. Hurst Farm lane and Aldenham Park – just a mile or two down the road, always pleasant and fairly quiet (the main road is rather noisy while we’re down by the park gates – can’t have everything). A red kite wheels above us, silently – we’re clearly of no interest. The day’s changing by the time we’re back at the car.

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