For the first mile and a third I’m on the surfaced lane from the Shirlett road junction. The views (when I’m not in the forest) are extensive – the Berwyns in Wales, the Malverns (just) – and there’s a steady breeze. Then I’m heading down Ned’s lane, along the very minor road through the Smithies and back up Round Hill – and down there it’s a different world, in more ways than one. Its certainly much less windy! After Round Hill, I’m retracing my steps to the start, and already the light is going. It’s been an very enjoyable wander in this quiet part of the world

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=366240&Y=297950&A=Y&Z=120

According to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, the winter solstice was at 3.27 this morning (I was fast asleep – didn’t feel a thing!) – and there I was thinking it was on the 21st. On the basis that Midsummer Day comes a day or two after the summer solstice, it must be now be Midwinter – more-or-less. The days are certainly very short, especially if there’s no sunshine. I’m out trying to make the most of the afternoon daylight on this breezy afternoon, and despite the lack of the sun’s rays, it’s pleasant out in the local fields and lanes.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=366900&Y=301950&A=Y&Z=120

 

The solstice is tomorrow:  I’m already looking forward to the longer days. They’re certainly short at present – it’s just after 3pm when I get back to the start, and I’ve put the camera away… It’s very quiet along the lane past the fishing pools, and out around the Aldenham fields, and very pleasant too.

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

It’s a fine bright afternoon – mild, no wind. It’s good to be out on Nordley Common, then up Ned’s Lane and back down Round Hill, but if I’d realised just how muddy some of those fields and lanes were, I’d have stayed on the road…

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367690&Y=297465&A=Y&Z=120

Starting with a walk on the wild side (the east bank of the Severn): I’m getting a lift to Sutton Maddock – I can walk back on mostly good farm tracks – just a tiny stretch of tarmac over the river at Coalport. Wild maybe; it’s not very exciting on the far side, until I start to descend to the riverbank, on a path that’s made walkable (just) by wooden boardwalks and steps. Serious mud in these parts! Once over the river, I’m on safer ground, though there’s little daylight left – the sun’s set by the time I’m home.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=369940&Y=301125&A=Y&Z=120

Monday 11 December: we’re walking roads less travelled (by us), just a little further west. We realise why, after the first mile or so. The country around here, a mile or so east of the A49 south of Shrewsbury, is somewhat flatter than our usual stamping ground, and the lanes, narrow though they are, are much busier. Nevertheless, there’s much of interest – especially the iron bridge at Cantlop, over 200 years old. According to English Heritage, it’s the only Telford-approved cast-iron bridge remaining in situ in Shropshire. It’s been bypassed for 50 years or so, by the new road bridge beside it. We can walk over it though.

After using the footbridge at Boreton ford (looks rather deep at present) we come to Condover. At the impressive gateway to Condover Hall, a sign says ‘Alternate Entrance’. I wonder what that means? A little way beyond the hall, I enjoy an impromptu poetry recital from my wife, who surprises me now and then:

Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas
Cos’ turkeys just wanna hav fun 

(Benjamin Zephaniah RIP)
(https://benjaminzephaniah.com/books/talking-turkeys/

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=350820&Y=306065&A=Y&Z=120

It was rainy during the night – the sound of running water accompanies us throughout our wander around the Willey lanes. It’s not quite as quiet as usual – the wind is whooshing through the bare trees, buffeting us in the more exposed stretches (and blowing away the cobwebs!). The sunshine is bright and warm on our backs – it’s good to be out.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367515&Y=298310&A=Y&Z=120

Although the frost’s gone, there’s still a little ice here and there (my fingers are frozen…), and a couple of tiny patches remain from Sunday’s snow. Picking my way through the mud in Ned’s Lane warms me up (my digits have defrosted!). There’s precious little light, but there’s no wind and it’s very pleasant wandering in these quiet ways.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367475&Y=297980&A=Y&Z=120