I was trying to get a half-decent photograph of the sparrowhawk on our shed roof when the woodpigeon arrived, and sat there looking quite unconcerned. I suspect the hawk could have made mincemeat of the pigeon, but after a few moments reflection, he thought better of it and wandered off.
Tautology on the Mynd
No, nothing to do with the once-popular pets – in fact we kept up a pretty good pace (these new boots must have belonged to Mercury; happily their wings are invisible to mortals). We were walking an 8-mile circuit from the Cardingmill, out via Cwm Dale and Batch Valley – which might roughly translate as “Valley Valley” and “Valley Valley”. Nomenclature notwithstanding, it’s a very pleasant route, which takes us to the Mynd plateau and an easy stroll to the highest point at Pole Bank. The days are getting longer, but so were the shadows as we approached the top, so the photos must end there…
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Chasewater
I’m walking-in some new boots, though I suspect they don’t really need it. A slightly-extended circuit of Chasewater is just the thing on this cold, bright and breezy afternoon. It’s an interesting and popular spot. There are swans, ducks, geese and coots by the dozen. There are deer (at least, there are the heads of deer). There are dog-walkers, families and cyclists: some are quiet, some have to talk very loudly, and some chat with invisible people using little hand-held gadgets. Two of the cyclists are pushing their machines, for no very clear reason (other than the obvious “push-bike”). Close to the car park, there’s a truly crazy golf course – but surely that can’t be the hole? Back at the car, the boots appear to be suitably muddied – and though they didn’t need walking-in, their owner enjoyed a walk out.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=403480&Y=307860&A=Y&Z=120
Attingham on a sunny afternoon
A sunny afternoon (especially after a wet night and morning) is too good to waste at this time of year! We’ll have a walk around Attingham Park – the footpaths shouldn’t be too bad there, and the longest route is a reasonable leg-stretch. We can say hello to the crocodile* in the far pool (he wasn’t there! Where’s he gone? Warmer climes perhaps)…
*see “Snowdropping” Feb 2015
Great Orme…
…and a great day out!
The journey to Llandudno was a chapter of accidents (not literally). Bitter cold and a hard frost at home (scrape scrape), almost forgot to put my boots on, thought I’d miss the train (road works and heavy traffic), but actually managed to catch the earlier (9.00am) train. Congratulated myself on that – the 9.06am was running ten minutes late, and I’d have missed the connection at Shrewsbury. Except that the Cardiff – Holyhead train was ten minutes late too. It stopped for several minutes just after leaving Wrexham, and the driver eventually admitted that he didn’t know what the problem was, but our train was now so late that it would be terminating at Chester. He helpfully gave us the times of connecting trains there – the first being the 11.00am Manchester – Holyhead. We eventually made it (35 minutes late now) to Chester with five minutes to spare. The 11.00am was a loco-hauled train – comfortable, spacious, quiet and smooth – wonderful. I began to think I should have chosen Holyhead as today’s destination.
On arrival at Llandudno Junction, my plans went further astray. There would be no train to Llandudno for three quarters of an hour. I eventually discovered the bus stop – the timetable said I’d just missed one (and the next wouldn’t be for ages) – and then it arrived, three minutes late. Hadn’t expected to arrive at my destination by bus, but I got there.
The purpose of the trip was a walk around the Great Orme, that huge block of limestone jutting into the Irish Sea to the north-west of the town. I started out on the road by the pier, but it would be in deep shade (and very cold!), so followed a path up to the sunlit plateau. It’s a popular spot, especially with the dog-walkers, but there’s plenty of space up here, with interesting coastal scenery, some attractive limestone outcrops and cliffs, and extensive views. It’s a perfect day for it too – bright sunshine and a clear blue sky. The time went by all too quickly, and I was soon back at the railway station, for a return journey that was, in complete contrast to the outward run, flawless.
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Clee Mist
A walk from Clee Hill village to Magpie Hill, returning via the three-forked pole and Hoar Edge. It’s misty to the south – it’s a beautiful day up here! The pictures can do the talking…
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=360315&Y=276666&A=Y&Z=120
Towers and chimneys
Ironbridge, on a cold January afternoon.
To Coalport
Beautiful sunshine from an almost-cloudless blue sky – and a biting wind, the air temperature barely above freezing. We’ll be out of the wind in the valley – unfortunately, there’s little sunshine down there at this time of year.
Grey day at Ironbridge
A walk down to the river – a breath of fresh air on a cold grey afternoon. We’d better not dawdle – rain is forecast for later in the day.
Kenley and Harnage
Not exactly a classic outing, photographically, but nevertheless a very pleasant stroll around the lanes, in a quiet part of the Shropshire hill country below the Wenlock Edge. We were led to believe that it might be sunnier…
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=356775&Y=301621&A=Y&Z=120
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