Short walks with photos and a Google map.
A fine afternoon – how about Haughmond Hill? We haven’t been there for a while. There are some pleasant autumnal tints, a few interesting fungi (mostly kicked over) and great views to the south Shropshire hills. There are others about, mainly on the walk to, and at, the viewpoint. Elsewhere it’s quiet, just the odd dog-walker (and some who look fairly normal)
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=354325&Y=313945&A=Y&Z=120
We’re out on the hills, on this fine, bright and dry October day. The hills in question would have been the Stiperstones, to be followed by tea and cake at the Bog Centre. Disaster – it’s closed (earlier than usual) until next spring! So we’re starting at Bridges, a mile or two further east, for a walk up the beautiful valley of Darnford Brook, up onto Betchcott Hill, along the ridge of the Long Mynd as far as Shooting Box, and back down the track to Coates and the lane to Bridges…
…where, instead of tea and cakes, we’ll have to make do with Three Tuns beer and some excellent crisps. Disaster? Certainly not!
View OS map on Streemap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=341170&Y=296630&A=Y&Z=120
It’s only a little one! We’re in Church Stretton for essential edibles (‘Entertaining Elephants’. It’s a shop!); afterwards there’s time for a short leg stretch – Carding Mill Valley, and a walk up to the reservoir. Bright sunshine, blue sky (with fluffy white clouds) and autumn colours – wonderful! It’s busy in the valley, but walk for just ten minute and they all vanish!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=344085&Y=294492&A=Y&Z=115
The breeze picks up whenever I point the camera at anything flighty (leaves and the like). Fortunately the fungi (it’s their season now!) are much more down-to-earth, and pose properly. The only problem for me is getting down to their level. It’s a fine afternoon, and it was supposed to be sunny. It was sunny just a little further west – clear blue sky was tantalisingly close, but the cloud never cleared above Cound. Can’t win every time.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=355695&Y=304040&A=Y&Z=120
A quiet 90 minutes in the quiet lanes around Willey – familiar ground, but none the worse for that. Plenty of autumnal colour and some bright sunshine – just what’s needed.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367515&Y=298310&A=Y&Z=120
A couple of sunny hours on an otherwise cloudy day. Like yesterday, the air is clear and cold – the sunshine makes a world of difference. The clouds seem particularly clear-cut against the sky, there’s a kite wheeling just above and there are some interesting fungi here and there. Parasols are supposedly good to eat, and giant puffballs (which can only be mistaken for footballs, apparently*) likewise. I’d rather just photograph them and leave them to grow.
*https://www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guide/giant-puffball/
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=354860&Y=298485&A=Y&Z=120
There was a frost this morning… It’s still cool later in the day, but it’s sunny, calm and clear – perfect for a wander past Hurst Farm and down to Aldenham, and despite some heavy and ominous clouds, it’s stayed dry. Will it last?
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=366905&Y=295650&A=Y&Z=120
Black bryony berries in the hedgerow – a few are still green, others yellow or orange, but the great majority are red now. Eye-catching! Shame they’re poisonous. The leaves on the trees are turning too, and despite the sunshine, there’s a definite autumnal feel to the air today
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=367515&Y=298310&A=Y&Z=120
Geese and toadstools! A wander around the estate from the sawmill car park – down to the pools (Wall, Seggy and Brim), through the asparagus farm, down to the big pool and back past the house, pausing at the bookshop and the cafe. (I’m not sure we’d earned the cake, but we enjoyed it…)
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=374837&Y=288945&A=Y&Z=120
Saturday 5 October: A new one for the blog – we’ve been here before, but not for many years (the trees have grown considerably, I’m certain, since our last visit). It’s not a huge area, but it’s popular and has its attractions, especially if you like trees, or have dogs to exercise. We passed dozens of dog walkers, a few who were exercising children (and dogs, in some cases), and possibly only one other dog- and child-free couple. We were starting to feel conspicuous until we met the latter. As well as trees, there are some clear grassy areas, and from the far south-eastern corner, an extensive view towards the Black Country (which feels sufficiently distant), complete with a chocolate seat. Admittedly, it faces the other way, into the woods. Perhaps that’s intentional?
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=383920&Y=290100&A=Y&Z=120
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