It rained heavily in the early hours, and there could be heavy showers today. We just missed one – and timed the lengthy ‘sunny interval’ to perfection. The hedges along Shirlett lane have been trimmed – there are new views!
Kenley ridge
Once again, we’re keeping to the surfaced lanes – they’re pretty quiet in these parts. Sadly, the morning’s sunshine is gone. There were going to be “sunny intervals” throughout the afternoon: we must have been in the wrong place. Similarly, <5% chance of rain. Hmm (it didn’t rain heavily, and only for about 10 minutes). Nevertheless, it’s very pleasant to be out and about.
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A sunny morning
The afternoon will be cloudy – let’s get out while the going’s good, around the lanes from Willey.
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In the woods
It’s grey, dull and breezy – not an afternoon for wide open spaces. We’ll walk down Stanley Lane, then back along the old railway track and through Chestnut Coppice. One of the regular paths up through the woodland has been closed. Why would anyone want to do that?
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Down to Coalport
It’s a regular destination for a good leg-stretch. Today we’ll walk up into Broseley and Broseley Wood, down ‘the slip’ and through Jackfield, then over the footbridge to the Coalport canal bank, where the sun is shining brightly. In better times (and in season) there would be tea and cake at the YHA café; today we’ll make do with the chocolate we brought with us (it’s what camera bags are for). We’ll need the energy to get back up the hill from the old railway line – and by then, the light is fading.
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One misty moisty morning…
… we stayed at home. It’s not much less misty in the afternoon, but we need a leg-stretch – didn’t get out yesterday (far too moisty!). It’s grey along Shirlett Lane (it feels grey!) but there’s lots of colour in the woods, most of it on the warm side of the spectrum. There are still some colourful autumn leaves, but very few of them are on the trees. They’re mostly lining the road and the paths (hiding the deep muddy holes!). It feels brighter down by the Smithies – is the sun going to come out? No – it’s just as misty and moisty on Shirlett Lane as it was earlier, and though it’s only 3.40 pm, it’s beginning to get dark when we arrive back at the car.
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Around the estate
Not ours! The only way we can enjoy the little bit of Shropshire within this circuit is by peering from the fences, through the trees, or over the parapet of the bridge which crosses the estate road. Nevertheless, ‘around the estate’ is a pleasantly varied walk, and it feels very different on this cold, almost wintry afternoon – last time it was a pleasantly warm September day.
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…and back to Benthall
Yesterday we walked to Benthall Hall and back. Today, we’re leaving the car at Benthall Hall, and walking out to Wyke, then following woodland paths along Benthall Edge. We’ll pause for a (chocolate) moment or two at the viewpoint, then conclude the walk by heading through Workhouse Coppice to the track (which we walked yesterday) taking us back to the hall. There’s a nip in the air today – a hint of wintry days to come.
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To Benthall and back
Thursday: walking with the camera, across the Fiery Fields and Lodge Lane to Benthall Hall. We’ll find a different route home again through quiet back roads.
Bould Lane and Round Hill
Wednesday 4 November: a walk from Willey – down Bould Lane, through Linley Brook, up the track to Round Hill, and back down Ned’s Lane. There’s barely a breath of wind, and though it’s not as sunny as forecast (and slightly damper…), it’s very pleasant to be out.
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