Short walks with photos and a Google map.
It’s a hamlet in the quiet country between the Wenlock Edge and the Stretton hills. It’s notable for its 16th century hall, apparently one of the earliest brick-built houses in the county. The views would be wonderful from its elevated position – but not today – it’s murky, and only just starting to feel warm as we return to the car. A very pleasant leg-stretch nevertheless.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=353520&Y=295320&A=Y&Z=120
An evening stroll, where the air’s cool under the trees. Other than a bull serenading a cow in the field at the other side of the lane, it’s very quiet up here – no-one else about. It’s Saturday – perhaps they’re out enjoying themselves. Just like us…
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367107&Y=297480&A=Y&Z=115
We’re walking the quiet lanes around Cound, Harnage and Coundmoor, on this warm afternoon. The sky may be grey but there’s colour in the fields and hedgerows. The Wrekin is a prominent landmark, and quite a fine shape from this direction.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=355890&Y=304016&A=Y&Z=120
…before the rain. A warm, breezy afternoon – lots of cloud and the odd sunny interval – very pleasant for a quick wander.
On our return, as we approach the car, the first drops are falling.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367420&Y=297950&A=Y&Z=120
An evening wander, up Ned’s Lane and back down past Round Hill. There are thick tangles of wild hops in the hedges beside the road, and some of the bindweed and bramble leaves are decidedly warm-toned. A few low-dangling damsons (I’m thinking of jam already!) have been tested by several fingers already, but the fact that they’re still there means they need a little more ripening. Soon…
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367107&Y=297480&A=Y&Z=115
In January, we walked over Nordley Common and down to Linley Brook, where what should have been a pleasant path beside the stream was more like a jungle assault course. Perhaps in early August it will be fit to walk? Yes, it is – though still quite muddy in places, it’s more like the enjoyable amble we’d expected. Varying our route a little now, we stop to watch four sheepdogs, who clearly know what to do and how to do it (see the YouTube clip below).
Crossing the main road again, Stocking Lane takes us to a quiet field path leading over the hill and back down to the start.
View OS map on Streetmap https://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=368150&Y=297381&A=Y&Z=120
A familiar route which we follow more frequently in the other direction. The weather forecast suggested the the showers would clear (they did!) but the sky would be heavy with cloud (those little dark grey symbols). Yes, that was true too – but with little gaps to let the sun through, spotlighting little details in the surrounding countryside.
The dragonfly (a black-tailed skimmer) was very good at flying off, further up the path through the barley, whenever I got almost close enough for a half-decent photo. They know, don’t they?
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=366905&Y=295705&A=Y&Z=120
Taking a closer look beside the path from Barrow to Wyke and back. There are poppies in the wheat and barley, and more butterflies than we’ve seen for a long time. Most are nervous, taking flight before we’re aware of them, but others are prepared to pose, too interested in a spot of nectar to worry about passing snappers. Our walk is delayed by refreshments too – the blackberries are ripe and juicy!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=365225&Y=301215&A=Y&Z=120
Nothing to do with motorcycles or poets… Between the two, we’ll pass through the farm hamlet of Wigwig – where did that name come from? It’s a short walk (just over 4 miles) in mostly quiet* country below the Wenlock Edge, and very pleasant it is too!
* except the very last short stretch approaching the busy main road
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=360720&Y=302125&A=Y&Z=120
Ned’s Lane, Willey and Linley Brook – four quiet miles on a quiet afternoon. The cuckoo pint berries are prominent low in the hedges near Lower Pool, and the pure white of the convolvulus catches the eye in the higher reaches of Bould Lane and beyond.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367490&Y=297955&A=Y&Z=120
