Friday 11 June: a walk from Llangunllo to Knighton, in weather that makes the landscape feel very soft and green. There’s dampness in the air, and for a time we have our waterproof tops on, but they’re hardly necessary. “We ought to see a red kite or two” – yes, we did! One landed on the fence, just about within camera range, and perched for a while (looking soggy and grumpy) before, with little more than a flap, gliding away, making the most of the lightest of breezes.

This is a walk of two halves – Wales and England (Shropshire). Knighton is a Welsh town, but its railway station is in England (just, a matter of yards). We leave the train at Llangunllo (Wales), and walk to the crest of the ridge of Wernygeufron, which descends very gently to the hamlet of Lloyney. There, we cross the river Teme to find ourselves in England again (at Llanfair Waterdine). A steady pull, steep in places, takes us up to Offa’s Dyke and another enjoyable ridge. Finally, a steep descent leads us down to the river once more. Walking downstream and eastwards, we find a sign: Croeso i Gymru – Welcome to Wales. Fifteen minutes later, a pint (of Shropshire beer, from Bishops Castle) is well-earned refreshment – croeso i gwrw! – welcome to ales…

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Walking with the camera on a grey day, across the fields and along the lane to Wyke, then on to Benthall Edge. We’ll turn back at the chocolate seat and return through the woods to Benthall Lane and back to the start.

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The Severn is always cloudy by comparison with, say, a chalk stream, or the peaty waters of a highland glen, but at present they’re muddier than usual – must be all the rain… Speaking of which, it was supposed to rain all day, but we found a likely dry spell in the forecast, and enjoyed this short walk from Bedlam furnaces (car parking) up and over the hill to Coalbrookdale, and back through Ironbridge. On the riverbank is the shed where (we remember him well) Eustace Rogers used to build his coracles. Sadly ‘Eusti’ was the last of his line, and the shed is now a tiny museum, which can only be visited by peering through the glass window. Just below the world-famous Iron Bridge, here’s another fascinating little bit of history on an altogether more human scale.

Tributes paid to coracle man BBC News 10 February 2003

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Starting from Willey (where the village hall’s new roof looks truly splendid) we’re heading up Scots Lane and down to St Leonard’s church at Linley, a quiet spot amongst the trees and bluebells. The sun’s gone behind the clouds as we return through Linley Brook, but it’s soon shining again. Raindrops land heavily minutes after we arrive home…

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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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