Not as sunny as it could have been, and pretty chilly too, barely above zero with a cold breeze. We’d better keep moving – not always easy on the sticky, slippy clay along the field edges. There are lambs at Wyke – the new year has begun.
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Walking from Coalport, through Jackfield – by the canal, over the river, past the two former tile works and the little brick-built church.
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A path across the fields from Munslow to Aston Munslow ends this walk, which takes us to one of the highest points on the Wenlock Edge, overlooking (if there weren’t so many trees) the well-hidden hamlet of Middlehope. From Munslow Common, a little further on, it’s a long descent back to Munslow and that field path. The sky is blue sky, there’s no wind and no-one else about – apart from a friendly farmer who stops his tractor for a chat. Another perfect January day!
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We’ll wait until the drizzle has cleared before setting out – it should be brighter later on. There are patches of blue in the sky from time to time – and three red kites – but we’re not getting any sunshine. Eventually, as we return to the car, there’s a little more colour in the sky.
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Another clear blue sky – third day running! It can’t last. We’re walking to Benthall and back, a pleasant circular route with lots of variety. (Farmers have some great toys!)
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We started under a clear blue sky, but when we came to the path beside the railway line, near the former Lightmoor Junction, patches of mist were forming. It’s thickening over the river – rather atmospheric by the bridge…
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A perfect January day – sunshine from a clear blue sky and a light breeze. The view from our lunch table – the Packet Stone – is extensive, with ridge after ridge gradually fading into the haze. And (despite all the cars in the Carding Mill valley) there’s no-one else in sight or sound! It can’t get much better than this. It’s a shame to have to come back down to earth, but the light’s fading rapidly as we get back to the car. We’ve made the most of it!
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A fine sunny afternoon in the open country between Harley and Cressage. It’s cold, but we’re soon warmed by our walk. From Wood Lane, the Wrekin looks very shapely; further on, as we look back near Belswardyne, it’s more obviously a ridge.
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Walking down to Ironbridge – over the bridge, and up behind the church, seeking out some of the quieter corners. In the churchyard are this year’s first snowdrops. Spring will come!
Wednesday 5 January: there’s a thin layer of snow at home – the hills should be good today? Yes, they were, a great day to be out on Willstone Hill and Caer Caradoc, but there’s no snow. We’re well prepared for the cold and frosty weather, and the uphill stretches keep us warm. A patch of thicker cloud towards the end of the afternoon brings somewhat gloomier conditions for a time – and a few snowflakes – but without a doubt we’ve chosen a good day for this most enjoyable outing.
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