Quiet lanes and even quieter woodland in the little-known country below Wenlock Edge. Other than a cyclist or two on the road, and a distant family (complete with dog), there’s no-one else around – just the alpacas by the old mill, and lots of deer footprints in the woods.

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We start near Tigger’s Ickle Shop (see Holdgate and Rowe Lane) – and we’re there in the nick of time, for as we select one or two tasty-looking items, a horde of noisily-chattering locusts (thirty or more, all dressed as walkers) descends eagerly upon the roadside stall. Minutes later, we’re heading in the opposite direction (by choice) and it’s quiet along Rowe Lane, with good views to left and right from this minor ridge. Rowe Lane was once the main way along Corvedale, and a mile or so later, we’re following another old way – a narrow stream that pretends to be a footpath. Having survived the particularly muddy last few yards of this path (where our spirits are lifted by the call of a curlew), we’re back onto good surfaces, for the track past the remarkable moated farmhouse at Thonglands. A very pleasant wander in a quiet corner of the county.

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The skies have been pretty clear of clouds recently; today, there are feathers in the sky over Willey. We’re out in the morning, and it’s pleasantly warm – jackets not required. The world is turning green, and the clocks go forward at the weekend – whoopee!

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There’s lots of bustling in our hedgerows this afternoon (we’re not alarmed) – shortly after we’d seen and snapped the brimstone, we heard scurrying, and I glimpsed movement. (Was that a weasel, I wondered) Moments later my wife saw it. “Was that a weasel”. I guess it must have been. Some time after, hearing another rustle nearby, we stood stock-still for a little while – to see a small furry body scuttle rapidly out of sight. Mouse? Vole? It didn’t hang around! It’s that time of year, I suppose, when the local inhabitants are busily preparing for the coming season. Spring cleaning? Who knows!

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Four times – and (quite by chance) in chronological order. The Iron Bridge dates from MDCCLXXIX (or 1779), the Coalport bridge was built in 1818. Next in sequence I’m crossing the Jackfield Memorial Footbridge, dating from 1922. My last crossing is over the modern ‘Free Bridge’. It replaced an earlier free bridge in 1994 – ‘free’ as in toll-free, unlike the 1779 bridge where a toll was levied. They’re all free now, of course.

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Sounds vaguely familiar? It’s certainly a familiar route – down to the old railway track which we follow to the Coalport Bridge, over the river and along to the YHA, where there may be tea and cakes. Maybe? No, not today (don’t believe their website!). We’ll use their outdoor tables for a chocolate stop instead, before heading back up the (dreadfully muddy!) path through Corbett’s Dingle. It’s a bit breezy, but there’s not a cloud in the sky.

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Out past the asparagus fields to cross Dudmaston Big Pool’s dam. We’d thought about tea and cake at the hall, but it’s not open on Fridays and Saturdays at present (another time perhaps?).  Instead, we’ll follow the pleasant path through the wooded dingle back to the main entrance and head across the road to the sawmill. From there, the path leads us back to the start past Seggy Pool and Brim Pool, where there are frogs galore…

Dudmaston (NT)

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It was rather wet yesterday afternoon (no outings!). This morning the air feels fresh, well-cleaned by the rainfall, and pleasant in the sunshine (which won’t last – that’s why we’re out this morning…)

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“Where to?” It must have been the kind of afternoon we associate with the Hope Bowdler hills – we both came up with the same idea. Blue sky, bright sunshine, a cool breeze – perfect for a chocolate stop at the Battle Stones!

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Wandering around Willey on a windy afternoon. We’re not far from home – the weather forecast says it could rain around 4pm – and as I write, I can hear the rain falling outside.

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