No, not the TV programme. This Blue Peter is LNER-designed A2 60532, back on the main lines after a lengthy absence. Today’s trip was a loaded test run – five (very assorted) coaches and a locomotive at the rear, there only for emergency and shunting. Recent rain would probably have made our favourite spot inaccessible – “Let’s try Oakengates…”. A few more photos from Oakengates will appear on Geoff’s Rail Diaries – soon.
It’s the first of May today! It’s a dry, sunny and warm morning too – we’re really not used to this (it will rain this evening). Perfect for a walk from Bedlam, down the old railway line to the Coalport bridge, then back past the china works and over the Jackfield footbridge.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=368985&Y=302615&A=Y&Z=120
The hedgerows are really colourful at this time of year (makes up for the lack of sunshine…). Windy too, and not very warm, but it’s quite sheltered in these quiet lanes
View OS map in Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367470&Y=298250&A=Y&Z=120
Fields full of sunshine! The oilseed rape is in full bloom: colour when the skies are grey, brilliance when the sun shines. Yes – though cold, it’s sunny for a while, but as we near the start at Cound Guildhall, there are a few spots of rain in the wind.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=356010&Y=304045&A=Y&Z=120
The paths should be dry… It’s not warm – we won’t hang around – but there’s some pleasant sunshine from time to time, and it’s sheltered in the walled garden (I suppose it would be…). The woodland is attractive too, well-covered now in fresh spring greenery.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=355090&Y=310005&A=Y&Z=120
Not a warm one, but the light’s lovely – just right for a stroll along Shirlett Lane to the chocolate gate and back…
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=365840&Y=298200&A=Y&Z=120
Colemore Green and Boldings pools: the oilseed rape is in bloom, and the fish in the pools are up at the surface, warming themselves in the sunshine (and keeping well out of the way of the anglers).
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=370945&Y=296885&A=Y&Z=120
“How about the walk from Tigger’s Ickle Shop?” It’s a wayside stall offering various and varying home produce – tempting cakes, pickles, eggs and vegetables. We’d better make sure we have some coins for the honesty box… It’s a very pleasant afternoon for a walk around these quiet lanes – Corvedale is particularly attractive at this time of year.
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=356005&Y=289605&A=Y&Z=120
Blossom in the trees, oilseed rape in the fields, and in the hedgerows bluebells, stitchwort, garlic mustard, lords and ladies – they’re all there! It’s a fine morning for a walk down Stanley Lane, along the old railway line and up through Chestnut Coppice (it’ll rain later…)
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=372065&Y=296465&A=Y&Z=120
Mid-April – the trees are coming into leaf. The brilliant green of new growth catches the light, and there’s some warmth when the sun shines. Can we put winter behind us now? Perhaps a little less rain too? Please!
View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=354860&Y=298485&A=Y&Z=120
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