We walked this way exactly a month ago, on 17 April, in fine spring weather. Today, the weather is showery (yet again!), and some of the showers could be heavy. Our jackets are waterproof, and a cap will keep me dry on top, if the worst happens. It doesn’t, fortunately, and near the top of Round Hill, feeling warm, I take it off. We’re rewarded within a minute or two by a brief light shower of soft hailstones, which stops when I put the cap back on. Must take it with me more often!

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We’re walking along the Harton road from Ticklerton, passing along the way the site of Harton Road station. The railway closed almost 70 years ago – but there’s the old station, just visible through the trees, looking well-maintained and well-loved. From Harton, we’ll head towards Eaton, passing early purple orchids and a pair of gobbling turkeys. Crossing under the route of the old railway again, the sky behind us is looking ominous – and then there are a couple of deep rumbles of thunder. We’re almost back at Ticklerton – will we stay dry? Yes, we made it! (One of these days we’re going to get soaked…)

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It could rain this afternoon: it’s trying to rain as we put our boots on, but it should only be light – we could stay dry. As we leave the car, a few drops are falling, but by the time we’re in the woods, it’s stopped. Nevertheless it’s damp underfoot, and everything is moist, rain-washed – and green! In the woods on Benthall Edge, the world is green – it’s a great place to be.

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… of precipitation, according to the Met. Office. (Does that mean there’s a 10% chance that it will rain at some time during the hour – or that it will probably rain for 6 of the 60 minutes?) It did rain (very lightly), for perhaps no more than 6 minutes – at just the right time for a chocolate stop under some leafy trees… Other than that, a fine afternoon, a little warmer than of late, and very pleasant in the quiet lanes around Church Preen.

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It could be tricky… There’s a short sharp shower just as we’re getting into the car, but we could be lucky after it’s passed… With bright sunshine (at first) and puffy white clouds, it’s a technicolour day, perfect for this wander around quiet lanes near Kenley and Harnage Grange. The most extensive view, to the border hills, sadly is hidden by a tall hedge – but the camera, held high, can see over it… Lastly, there’s cake to be had, to round off an enjoyable afternoon (and we were lucky – stayed dry!)

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How different the world outdoors is, compared with a couple of months ago! Spring greenery is taking over; spring flowers are everywhere in profusion. We’re enjoying a morning walk down Caughley Road, along the old railway track and back up Corbett’s Dingle, where the wild garlic now forms a deep green shag pile carpet.

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Once again, there are showers about during the day, so we’ve decided to take a stroll in the evening, down the other Shirlett lane to Hawthorn Bank and back. There are some wonderful views to the south Shropshire hills, blue (as they’ll be remembered) on the horizon. There are still some showers about, too – like yesterday evening, not everyone will be enjoying the sunshine…

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We’re across the river today for a wander around Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale. The former can be busy, and there are major road works along the Wharfage – we’ll avoid them both by following just some of the minor roads, lanes, ginnels and snickets in this fascinating area.
Near the top of Church Hill, we find ourselves at the place where we stood in December 2019 to watch the power station cooling towers being demolished – see Bang! and the ‘before and after’ photos below.
Remarkably, in a walk a little under 5 miles, we’ve done nearly 1,000ft of ascent. Truly, a walk in the Shropshire hills!

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