We’re in the woods on Benthall Edge, a good place to be on a warm morning. There are still a few bluebells, though their season is more-or-less past. A few wood violets soldier on, and the swamp near the hall is full of beautiful water violets. Indigo: Not sure, but there are certainly some early purple orchids, the first we’ve seen this year. As one season ends, another begins.

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That’s Stretton Westwood and Bourton Westwood – and almost into Bourton itself. It’s an amble through arable farmland on the slopes of the Wenlock Edge, taking it easy on this warm afternoon. The old quarry at the start provides an interesting and pleasant alternative to a short walk along the edge of a busy road, and the well-preserved remains of old kilns are an interesting and unexpected bonus.

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Sounds rather daunting! Malcolm Saville’s Witchend is reckoned to be Priors Holt, in Nut Batch, where we begin our walk up to the southern end of the Long Mynd ridge. We’ll amble along to Black Knoll then down towards Plowden, and return by the path around the south-eastern side. It’s a bit of a plod at first, but never steep, and the view from our picnic spot (some comfortable heather armchairs) is wonderful, looking over the hidden world around Bishop’s Castle and beyond to the Welsh border. And what a great day for it! Hazy at first, the air gradually clears: it’s sunny, pleasantly warm with a light breeze – and there’s no mud! At last!

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Inevitably! Will the summer weather come with it? It felt summery today, wandering between Broncroft, Peaton and Bouldon. A few more days like this and things may begin to dry out (did I see thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow? Oh dear!)

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It’s the first of May today! It’s a dry, sunny and warm morning too – we’re really not used to this (it will rain this evening). Perfect for a walk from Bedlam, down the old railway line to the Coalport bridge, then back past the china works and over the Jackfield footbridge.

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Fields full of sunshine! The oilseed rape is in full bloom: colour when the skies are grey, brilliance when the sun shines. Yes – though cold, it’s sunny for a while, but as we near the start at Cound Guildhall, there are a few spots of rain in the wind.

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Not a warm one, but the light’s lovely – just right for a stroll along Shirlett Lane to the chocolate gate and back…

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