Category: Walks

Short walks with photos and a Google map.

A sense of space

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

Aston Munslow: a walk up to the Wenlock Edge, the crest of which is over 1,000′ in these parts. It clearly catches the wind – December’s storm Darragh has done some damage. We’ll have to revise our route. Diversions notwithstanding, this is a great place to be on a fine and sunny afternoon. The views across Corvedale are extensive, taking in the Clee hills and Mortimer Forest, beyond Ludlow. There’s a real sense of space up here – and we’ve got it all to ourselves!

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=351190&Y=287735&A=Y&Z=120

A study in scarlet

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

We last walked this way back in July, when the Wenlock Edge was a colourful place to be (see The colour of July). It’s not quite as colourful in mid-March, though the occasional patch of primroses brightens things up. Then a few spots of bright red catch the eye – a fine display of elf cups on a rotting log. Almost back to the start, there’s a very different fungal growth (not quite as eye-catching) – a cluster of black blobs – none other than King Alfred’s cakes.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=359435&Y=298335&A=Y&Z=120

Balmacqueen: white waves, black rocks

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Skye, WalksLeave a comment

There’s sufficient breeze to make white waves on the black rocks of Balmacqueen, and the sun’s doing much better today… I’ve walked this way several times, but it never fails to please, with a fine rocky foreground and extensive views. To the east are the mountains of mainland Scotland; to the north-west are the rugged hills of Lewis. Between them is open sea – next stop (well over the horizon!) the North Pole…

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=144323&Y=874438&A=Y&Z=120

Glenhinnisdal: the sunny side

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Skye, WalksLeave a comment

It would have been, if the sun had shone… It tried, and eventually succeeded, but not until I was back from this walk up the glen of the Abhainn Hiniosdail. We’ve walked up the south side many times – a pleasant track through the community forest, with some interesting side-paths. Today I’m on the surfaced road – potentially brighter, and the views are different, but harder on the feet…

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=140929&Y=857850&A=Y&Z=120

The ferry and the fairies

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Skye, WalksLeave a comment

Uig: after two days of rain and strong winds, there’s a dry afternoon in prospect. The southerly wind’s still quite strong – mid-40s mph – so some shelter would be good, as would a dry surface to walk on. The Fairy Glen! I was reluctant – last time I was here it was crawling with visitors, but it shouldn’t be too bad in early March. (It wasn’t – a few others, all heading for Castle Ewen, were easily avoided). Fairies notwithstanding, Glen Conon is an attractive and peaceful valley, with some magnificent waterfalls on its northern slopes.
As I set out, the ferry was docking at Uig pier. When I next overlooked the bay, on my way back, it was just rounding the headland on its way out. Nice timing for a most enjoyable outing!

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=140673&Y=863556&A=Y&Z=120

Spring!

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

It’s a fine sunny day too. Not that there are many signs of the changing season. No daffodils for St David’s day. No new green on the hawthorn either, but there’s dog’s mercury beside the old railway track (it’s not very photogenic). Leaving the railway, we walk up through Chestnut Coppice, where the bluebell leaves are emerging. There’s much evidence of December’s storm Darragh – many fallen trees. At least the path has been cleared.

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=371930&Y=296550&A=Y&Z=120

Shropshire hills

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

Last day of winter, according to the Met. Office. Spring may begin tomorrow, but there’s less sign of it than at this time in the last few years, and it’s cold out of the sunshine.  It will be St David’s day too, but the daffodils will have to get a move on. There’s plenty of blue sky though, and big white fluffy clouds, one of which seems to be shading us for most of our short walk along Shirlett Lane. Good to be out though, and greatly preferable to rain and murk!

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=365920&Y=298080&A=Y&Z=120