That’s Stretton Westwood and Bourton Westwood – and almost into Bourton itself. It’s an amble through arable farmland on the slopes of the Wenlock Edge, taking it easy on this warm afternoon. The old quarry at the start provides an interesting and pleasant alternative to a short walk along the edge of a busy road, and the well-preserved remains of old kilns are an interesting and unexpected bonus.

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Sounds rather daunting! Malcolm Saville’s Witchend is reckoned to be Priors Holt, in Nut Batch, where we begin our walk up to the southern end of the Long Mynd ridge. We’ll amble along to Black Knoll then down towards Plowden, and return by the path around the south-eastern side. It’s a bit of a plod at first, but never steep, and the view from our picnic spot (some comfortable heather armchairs) is wonderful, looking over the hidden world around Bishop’s Castle and beyond to the Welsh border. And what a great day for it! Hazy at first, the air gradually clears: it’s sunny, pleasantly warm with a light breeze – and there’s no mud! At last!

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Inevitably! Will the summer weather come with it? It felt summery today, wandering between Broncroft, Peaton and Bouldon. A few more days like this and things may begin to dry out (did I see thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow? Oh dear!)

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It’s the first of May today! It’s a dry, sunny and warm morning too – we’re really not used to this (it will rain this evening). Perfect for a walk from Bedlam, down the old railway line to the Coalport bridge, then back past the china works and over the Jackfield footbridge.

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Fields full of sunshine! The oilseed rape is in full bloom: colour when the skies are grey, brilliance when the sun shines. Yes – though cold, it’s sunny for a while, but as we near the start at Cound Guildhall, there are a few spots of rain in the wind.

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Not a warm one, but the light’s lovely – just right for a stroll along Shirlett Lane to the chocolate gate and back…

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Colemore Green and Boldings pools: the oilseed rape is in bloom, and the fish in the pools are up at the surface, warming themselves in the sunshine (and keeping well out of the way of the anglers).

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“How about the walk from Tigger’s Ickle Shop?” It’s a wayside stall offering various and varying home produce – tempting cakes, pickles, eggs and vegetables. We’d better make sure we have some coins for the honesty box… It’s a very pleasant afternoon for a walk around these quiet lanes – Corvedale is particularly attractive at this time of year.

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