Some of the things we find in the hedgerows and woodlands are a little bit out of the ordinary – wild hops, belted Galloway cattle and stinkhorns, perhaps – but not entirely unexpected in these parts. Another grey day, exploring the lanes, tracks and paths around Willey, Linley Brook, Round Hill and Ned’s Lane.

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We were here in April (see Causeway Wood); there’s been a summer (of sorts) since then. The path which completes the circuit around the wood (perhaps three-quarters on forest roads) has turned into a jungle of bracken, brambles (ouch!) and tall grasses – it’s hard work! Causeway Wood is mostly plantation, but on the southern part of the ridge there’s what appears to be ancient woodland, with some fine specimens of huge girth but no great height. Very pleasant country!

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Walking from the car park at Bedlam, and mostly bypassing the bedlam (I exaggerate) that is Tontine Hill in Ironbridge. The north side of the gorge catches the sunshine on this better-than-forecast afternoon, and appropriately, at the furthest point from the start we’re passing briefly though Sunnyside, high above the top end of Coalbrookdale. There’s a peacock on a shed roof!

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It’s a hamlet – just the rather-splendid Plaish Hall and three or four other houses, but it makes for a pleasant wander along quiet lanes, on an increasingly sunny afternoon. The blackberries are ripening, though there aren’t enough to slow us down yet…

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Once again, it’s overcast, threatening rain (just the odd spot – no need to shelter) – so most of the interest is close at hand, in the quiet hedgerows between Hughley, Kenley and Church Preen.

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To the hills today! Hope Bowdler, home of the Gaer Stone (think Matterhorn in miniature!) and the Battle Stones (perfect place for a choc stop). A stiff breeze is blowing the clouds and their shade across the landscape; between them are spotlights of sunshine.

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Another pleasantly warm afternoon – the open lanes and paths are enjoyable, as is the cool air in the woodlands. The fields near Benthall Hall (does it have any true verticals?) have been sown with a ‘bumblebird’ mix of clovers, umbellifers and other plants.

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A different sort of day: after yesterday’s fine evening, it’s dull and grey today. Rain is threatening – an occasional spot or two in the air, no more. It’s not great weather for photography, but it’s perfect for a walk on the quieter side of Wenlock.

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Just a few, from an evening wander around the Willey lanes

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A month ago, there was plenty of colour in the hedgerows. In another month or so, the first signs of autumn will be contributing their own palette to the scene. But now, barely a week into August, most of the flowers are past, and the fruits have yet to appear. We’ll hope for some colour in the broader landscape – golden cornfields perhaps, and some blue in the sky (between showers…)

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