It's a long time since I walked into Church Stretton on my tour of south Shropshire - far too long but sometimes life just gets in the way. Anyway, a few days off work allowed me a Friday in the hills and so it was off to Church Stretton that I went.
Actually, it was Bridges first - from where I caught a taxi back to town and began walking. Carding Mill Valley is the honeypot, the Dovedale of the Shropshire Hills and will be crowded on summer weekends and during the school holidays but there is a reason for its popularity - it's quite beautiful.
P1060158 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
I know the National Trust occasionally receives criticism on the forum (and is equally stoutly defended) but the Chalet tea-rooms are a lovely place for an early coffee:
P1060165 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
Just uphill from the Chalet is this beautiful tree, looking at its best in the glorious sunshine:
P1060191 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
P1060197 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
The well-made stony path follows a little stream and eventually steepens appreciably - by now the crowds have long been left behind and rucksacks and walking boots are largely the order of the day. Regular stops to (a) catch my breath; and (b) turn round to enjoy the views allowed still more photos.
P1060227 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
I climbed the last few yards with a fellow walker and despite the breathlessness we somehow managed to have a decent conversation before we met a couple of ladies out on horseback and chatted with them for a few minutes, while I fussed over Harry, the nearer of the two horses.
P1060234 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
Our paths soon parted and I took a smaller track cross-country, the Stiperstones on the horizon helping with navigation although the path was pretty clear:
P1060247 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
As I settled down for a light lunch I was surprised to see three black and yellow helicopters flying below me - I did get a couple of photos away but nothing worthy of this forum - before the highlight of the day as a red kite glided over (ditto, re the photos).
Down into Ratlinghope I went, popping in briefly to see the attractive church:
P1060271 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
A last half mile alongside the little River East Onny brought me back to Bridges, The Horseshoe Inn and my car (but not before a couple of drinks and a home-made scone with jam and cream at the pub).
P1060284 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
P1060286 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
P1060135 by
Nick Lee, on Flickr
Another glorious day in a wonderful part of the world. I'll be back sooner rather than later for the next stage over the Stiperstones to Bishops Castle.