Severnside spring

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

On the whole, it’s a pleasant early-spring afternoon – the sun, when it shines, is warm. There are one or two showers about though. I felt a few drops, and began to wonder if I was going to get wet, but it soon passed. Later, approaching the woods along the old railway track, there must have been a few drops blowing in the breeze, as there was a faint rainbow. Sadly, the crock of gold was on the other side of the river…

View OS map on Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=372065&Y=296465&A=Y&Z=120

Primrose paths

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

Not exactly… (aren’t they supposed to lead to a bad end?) The paths really aren’t fit for walking – I’ll stay on the surfaced lane, itself wet and muddy, with an assortment of potholes. I wouldn’t want to drive along these lanes! There’s no shortage of the pale yellow flowers now, and one or two other shades are starting to appear – there are a few violets, and – what’s this? I’ll have to look it up when I get home. Apparently it’s toothwort, a pale parasite, not the commonest of plants.

View OS map in Streetmap http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=367470&Y=298250&A=Y&Z=120

It’s spring at Cound

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Shropshire hills, WalksLeave a comment

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

Carlisle and the S&C

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Railways...Leave a comment

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!