They come in brown and black – the hielan coos, that is. The sheep are all black too. The goldcrest was an unexpected treat (sorry, no photos – he was never still for more than a second, but a pleasure to watch – and then a van came down the lane and frightened him away). A very pleasant wander around Much Wenlock, on an end-of-January afternoon that felt springlike (we’ll pay for it in February, I’m sure)

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=361625&Y=300175&A=Y&Z=120

Same start as yesterday, but heading towards the river. Towards the eastern end of the route, the path follows the edge of Birch Wood, which hides a steep drop down into the valley of Dean Brook (we won’t go there…). The path forms a T-junction with a bridleway from Linley to the Severn – I’ll turn right and head past Linley’s old church and across the field to Bould Lane, taking me back to the start.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=368700&Y=298920&A=Y&Z=120

A grey afternoon – need to take a closer look to find any interest…

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367510&Y=297955&A=Y&Z=120

It was bright and sunny just minutes before we set out, but the drizzle soon began – very light, very fine. We weren’t getting wet, but the camera mostly stayed in its bag.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367365&Y=304060&A=Y&Z=120

The fine cold spell continues: this afternoon we’re walking from Benthall Hall, along the lanes to Wyke, thence to Benthall Edge via the Vineyards, completing the circuit on muddy field paths. The air temperature may have been around 5-6C, but in the warm sunshine (which the new lambs at Wyke appeared to be enjoying) it felt like early spring.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=365630&Y=302615&A=Y&Z=120

A cold day on Brown Clee… Apart from a brief look to the west near the Five Springs, we’re staying on the eastern side of the hill. There, we’ll be largely out of the icy wind. Boyne Water is frozen over, there are some interesting displays of ice sculpture where streams run down the hillside, and the tracks are quite slippery in places. The wintry sky begins to clear late in the afternoon, moments before the sun sets – too late!

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=360745&Y=285605&A=Y&Z=120

A walk on the far side (we try not to cross the river too often – it’s a strange and different world over there) – through Rindleford and up the stony-sided valley of the Worfe, returning along quiet lanes and the hamlet of Bromley. Not always an easy walk – many of the surfaces are hard-frozen and slippery – but it’s pleasant out on this fine and mostly sunny afternoon.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=373930&Y=295055&A=Y&Z=120

Out and back along Shirlett Lane. There was a light fall of snow overnight, but by the afternoon it’s mostly melted. The sun came out eventually – could have done with it a little sooner.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=365590&Y=298590&A=Y&Z=120

There’s a lot of weather around this afternoon! Clear air, an icy breeze, bright sunshine followed by some darker cloud, distant snow showers – and it’s great to be out on the Hope Bowdler hills. They’re no great height but they provide a wonderful viewpoint for the surrounding country, with some extensive views. We can see the Brecon Beacons, more than 50 miles to the south-west, and the snow-topped Llangollen hills perhaps 40 miles to the north-west, beyond Chirk’s eye-catching chipboard factory. (We can also see Wolverhampton some 25 miles to the east, but we won’t go there, so to speak). On days like this, it’s a shame to have to leave the hills, but the sun’s dropping behind a huge cloud to the south-west. Time for home!

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=347655&Y=293665&A=Y&Z=120