A very pleasant stroll, a little under five miles, between Ironbridge (bridge 1) and Coalport Bridge (2), calling in at the youth hostel for coffee and cake (yes, it’s open! Must be spring!) before crossing the Jackfield footbridge (3) and the new free bridge (4) to return to the start.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=368345&Y=302620&A=Y&Z=120
It certainly feels like it – pleasantly warm in the sunshine (hat and gloves in pocket, jacket unfastened…), and with practically no wind, it’s very enjoyable wandering around these lanes. (Later, the sun hides behind the clouds, and it’s not quite so warm. It comes out again as soon as I’m in the car, driving home)
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=356010&Y=304045&A=Y&Z=120
A morning job that overran meant I was around an hour late beginning my walk – and, as forecast, it became much sunnier from around 3pm… It’s a clear afternoon, with great views from the higher ground – but it’s very wet underfoot. Squelch squelch!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=366905&Y=295650&A=Y&Z=120
Just published to Geoff’s Rail Diaries, a set of photos from our short spell in Carlisle on Wednesday. We were due in at 10.01, to catch the 10.58 to Leeds via Settle. Visit “An hour at Carlisle” for the full picture…
1st March – St David’s day, and the Met Office’s first day of spring. Inevitably, it’s rather cold, with a sprinkling of snow on the Clee hills, and the daffodils are reluctant to flower. Warmer days will come, I’m certain. Meanwhile, it’s good to be out and about in this quiet part of the county.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=365840&Y=298200&A=Y&Z=120
Wednesday 28 February: a trip that was planned back in January. Northern Rail’s great ticket sale meant we could get from Carlisle to Crewe, via the Settle and Carlisle to Leeds, and along the Calder Valley line to Manchester, for just £3.50 each! On that basis, we can afford some luxury – first class seats from Crewe to Penrith, also for a bargain price – with breakfast thrown in. We’ll have the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, please. And coffee – and orange juice… Just the job!
Travelling most of the day meant few opportunities for photos, except at Carlisle where we had a little while to wait before we could board our Leeds train. But what a great day out we’ve had!
Cool, bright, breezy – when it shines, the sun is welcome… A pleasant afternoon wandering up Kenley Ridge, then dropping down the path through the trees to that hidden hollow, before walking back through Harnage Grange. Fresh air and some fine views!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=357220&Y=301550&A=Y&Z=120
Just published to Geoff’s Rail Diaries, an account of the rail-related aspects of my trip to Skye, via Kyle of Lochalsh and the Caledonian Sleeper from Crewe to Inverness. Visit There and back again for the full story and more photos.
The start, near Church Preen school, is well below the Wenlock Edge. At the highest point of my wander, a little way beyond Church Preen village, I’m almost at the same height, and can see the Clee hills beyond – nevertheless the Edge dominates the eastern horizon. Looking west now, there are fine views towards the Welsh border, though the distance is rather hazy. To the north, the Wrekin’s in charge. This is very pleasant quiet country.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=354860&Y=298485&A=Y&Z=120
…and it will be spring, by the Met Office’s definition. It certainly felt springlike when I set out. There will be rain later – there’s been a lot of it recently. The fields are completely sodden, and refuse to accept any more water, so instead it’s running off down the roads. Despite the wetness, the signs of spring are everywhere – hawthorns leaves are brilliant green in the hedgerows, there are primroses and periwinkles (garden escapees?) and the blackthorn blossom is starting to appear.
View OS map in Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367470&Y=298250&A=Y&Z=120
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