Short walks with photos and a Google map.
The usual short leg-stretch – and yes, it’s very pleasant, especially in the morning sunshine. There’s not a cloud in the sky! Not many leaves on the trees either, but the winter wheat (or barley) is greening the fields like velvet.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367515&Y=298310&A=Y&Z=120
The Tern’s flood plain is well filled today! ‘Lake’ is fair description of the temporary expanse of water, the outcome of Bert’s downpours and the rapid melting of snow. The ground’s rather soggy too, in places, but mostly the walking is good underfoot. Once again, we’re following a different route around the extensive parkland – the deer are out and about, and we won’t get a good view of them if we stay in the woods. We won’t be able to enjoy the sunshine there either.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=355180&Y=310120&A=Y&Z=120
The snow and the leaves… There are still a few little patches of white, but most of the ground is bare, and though a few leaves remain, the trees are mostly skeletal. Ten days ago, it was autumn around Willey; now it’s winter.
View OS map in Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367470&Y=298250&A=Y&Z=120
A less-exciting day today (can’t push my luck too often) – less snowy too. The white stuff is melting steadily in the sunshine – and we need the sunshine, as it’s still very cold in the shade. We’re walking along the lane past Hurst Farm pools, turning back when onward path passes into the shadow of the trees. It’s very pleasant up here – and fields are remarkably stripy today.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=366865&Y=296250&A=Y&Z=115
Wednesday 20 November: It’s icy cold out, but also dry and sunny, under a clear blue sky. To stay indoors would be unforgiveable! So we’re enjoying a short (and fairly slow) walk on the Hope Bowdler hills – over the main ridge to the Battle Stones, and back across the moor. It’s wonderful up here – the snow has drifted a little, carving some interesting shapes; it’s deep in places. The (invisible) path isn’t always easy, as we step in and out of the (deep!) few footprints left by others, but it’s fun! And there’s no-one else about – just one young woman descending with a dog, in the first half-mile. After that, the hills are ours for the afternoon!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=348115&Y=293760&A=Y&Z=120
A Sunday morning along Shirlett Lane, making the most of a dry spell (there’ll be rain this afternoon). There’s even a little sunshine!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=365920&Y=298080&A=Y&Z=120
These golden days will soon be over – we’re making the most of the colours in Comer Woods. Everyone else seems to have had the same idea – there are lots of other people (and their dogs) out and about today. They seem to be getting further from their cars today too – perhaps they’re having to walk to keep warm. There’s plenty of room here though – much of the time, there’s no-one else in sight (or earshot!)
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=374735&Y=289590&A=Y&Z=120
Wandering around Willey on a quiet autumnal morning. It should have been sunnier, and it’s not warm, but the leaves are glowing in their last days
View OS map in Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367470&Y=298250&A=Y&Z=120
It’ll be a short one! There’s just time to get to the top and back before the light goes. I’ll take the longer way up, along the forest road, up to the ridge and the chocolate seat, and return by the direct route. Wish I hadn’t – the mud is horrendous on the descent! It’ll take a warm dry spring and summer to make it fit to walk again.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=359785&Y=285965&A=Y&Z=120
Wyre Forest: a walk in the woods. From the Hawkbatch car park it’s a pleasant walk, especially now that the leaves (those remaining…) are in their autumn shades. There are picnic benches at the viewpoint above the river – a great spot for watching the trains running up and down the Severn Valley Railway, but it’s close season in November. However, someone has been topping the fence posts with bird seed, and if we stay still and quiet, we might get a photo or two. In truth, that’s nearer 50, but the photographic success rate is very low (half a dozen…) – they’re not still for more than a second, and they’re away again at the slightest hint of movement. Good fun for 15 minutes anyway!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=376705&Y=278005&A=Y&Z=120
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