Not exactly… (aren’t they supposed to lead to a bad end?) The paths really aren’t fit for walking – I’ll stay on the surfaced lane, itself wet and muddy, with an assortment of potholes. I wouldn’t want to drive along these lanes! There’s no shortage of the pale yellow flowers now, and one or two other shades are starting to appear – there are a few violets, and – what’s this? I’ll have to look it up when I get home. Apparently it’s toothwort, a pale parasite, not the commonest of plants.

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A very pleasant stroll, a little under five miles, between Ironbridge (bridge 1) and Coalport Bridge (2), calling in at the youth hostel for coffee and cake (yes, it’s open! Must be spring!) before crossing the Jackfield footbridge (3) and the new free bridge (4) to return to the start.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=368345&Y=302620&A=Y&Z=120

It certainly feels like it – pleasantly warm in the sunshine (hat and gloves in pocket, jacket unfastened…), and with practically no wind, it’s very enjoyable wandering around these lanes. (Later, the sun hides behind the clouds, and it’s not quite so warm. It comes out again as soon as I’m in the car, driving home)

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=356010&Y=304045&A=Y&Z=120

A morning job that overran meant I was around an hour late beginning my walk – and, as forecast, it became much sunnier from around 3pm… It’s a clear afternoon, with great views from the higher ground – but it’s very wet underfoot. Squelch squelch!

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=366905&Y=295650&A=Y&Z=120

Cool, bright, breezy – when it shines, the sun is welcome… A pleasant afternoon wandering up Kenley Ridge, then dropping down the path through the trees to that hidden hollow, before walking back through Harnage Grange. Fresh air and some fine views!

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=357220&Y=301550&A=Y&Z=120

The start, near Church Preen school, is well below the Wenlock Edge. At the highest point of my wander, a little way beyond Church Preen village, I’m almost at the same height, and can see the Clee hills beyond – nevertheless the Edge dominates the eastern horizon. Looking west now, there are fine views towards the Welsh border, though the distance is rather hazy. To the north, the Wrekin’s in charge. This is very pleasant quiet country.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=354860&Y=298485&A=Y&Z=120

…and it will be spring, by the Met Office’s definition. It certainly felt springlike when I set out. There will be rain later – there’s been a lot of it recently. The fields are completely sodden, and refuse to accept any more water, so instead it’s running off down the roads. Despite the wetness, the signs of spring are everywhere – hawthorns leaves are brilliant green in the hedgerows, there are primroses and periwinkles (garden escapees?) and the blackthorn blossom is starting to appear.

View OS map in Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367470&Y=298250&A=Y&Z=120

The days are getting noticeably longer, and the seasonal changes are becoming more noticeable. There are hundreds of snowdrops everywhere, the celandines are coming into flower, and up Bould Lane (it’s quite sheltered) hawthorn is coming into leaf. Plenty of time yet for wintry weather, but spring can’t be far over the horizon.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367575&Y=297830&A=Y&Z=120