Tag: woodland

#365daysofbiking Another grey Sunday

Sunday February 21st 2021 – For some reason we aren’t getting many bright, cold days this winter – but we are getting lots of dull, middling, anonymous, colourless days. Which is a shame, but at least it’s not continually wet like many recent winters have been.

There’s always a reason to be positive, after all…

On a test ride around Stonnall after some bike fettling, I stopped on Cartersfield Lane to make some adjustments and noticed there was a little brightness to the end of the day, albeit colourless: The sun was just retreating behind the woodland and electricity line up towards the quarry further up the hill.

On days like these, you take the beauty where you find it.

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#365daysofbiking A maintained tradition

Christmas Day, Friday December 25th 2020 – There’s normally a short ride on Christmas Day – maybe over to Shenstone, or Hints; more often than not it’s up to Castle Ring and that’s where I headed on a frosty, sharp Christmas lunchtime.

There were one or two people about. The roads were quiet. The message not to hold gatherings seemed largely to be heeded.

I love Castle Ring – it’s an ancient hill fort, and a Pagan place. Sadly, the views it has commanded for the last 20 years are now slipping away as the woodland planted below it gets taller. I suspect it will soon be coppiced again and visibility restored.

I know the derelict cooling towers at Rugeley are due to come down in January: Those coming up here to watch the spectacle may be disappointed – the station is barely visible from Castle Ring right now.

There was one tradition I could not maintain – that of having a swift Christmas lunchtime pint in a pub on the way back – all the pubs are shut.

Never mind, it’ll wait a year more. Merry Christmas, everyone!

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#365daysofbiking Unexpected discoveries

June 1st – I had been to the steam event at Klondyke Mill near Draycott-in-the-Clay as is usual the first weekend in June, and had left on a dull but warm late afternoon to have a pint and a rest at the Vernon Arms in Sudbury – which to my total consternation was closed, and had been for some time.

That pub – opposite Sudbury Hall and with a fantastic beer garden and architectural impression – should be a goldmine. I have no idea how it could fail.

Sad but undaunted, I headed for Rolleston on Dove via Scropton and Marston on Dove. Arriving at Rolleston, I found the beautiful Spread Eagle pub.

After a lovely drink on the benches by the river, watching ducklings potter around the and enjoying the comings and goings of this charming village, I rode south to Anslow.

On the way though, I by chance took a look to my right and noticed a high weir arrangement in woodland. For the first time ever, I’d noticed Brook Hollows Spinney, despite passing it by for 25 years or more.

I can’t find much online about it at all – it’s a high weir with a beautiful footbridge with a double arch; behind it there’s a pool and an island and all around, tucked in by the houses of the south of the village, wild garlic scented woodland.

It’s tranquil and nthoroughly gorgeous.

I must return when I have more time…

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#365daysofbiking The magic of the bells

May 5th – Up at Whittington Hurst, a lovely secluded bluebell wood by the roadside I’ve never noticed before.

I left the house seeking peace and healing. And in this wood in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by delicate, English bluebells, I found it.

Here’s to recovery, and a better day.

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#365daysofbiking Regrouping:

 

February 10th – there were a very large number of deer on the north heath – loafing in the marsh, and up in the woods towards Fly bay. There must have been 45 or so.

Of course, they always regather in herds in spring, and the animals were content to browse the scrub, meadow and heather and doze in the copses.

I still can’t believe we have these wonderful animals right here on our doorsteps. They are so beautiful.

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April 15th – A good 50 miler over the Chase, Shugborough and around Blithfiield Reservoir rewarded me with sights of deer, rabbits and even a sheep with a curious resemblance to an old-fashioned teddy bear. So good to be out in the spring, despite the gloom, cold and strong winds.

Such a pleasure too to see the fallow deer who’ve been scarce of late, looking scruffy in the moult. Summer is coming for sure!

February 8th – Back to Telford mid-morning and I noted the tree surgeons at work still clearing scrub from around the pedestrian bridge at the station, in preparation for the new one to be built.

This nonchalant, confident lumberjack was just hanging around about 8 metres up, his chainsaw dangling from a lanyard.

I so admire people who work at heights.

December 26th – A ride up to the Chase on a windy but beautiful day. Starting late, I had to be back early too, so it was a bit of a race with a good companion who’s considering buying a bike and borrowed a steed for the occasion.

Near Cuckoo Bank, we saw a herd of deer in a roadside copse – I assume they’d moved off Chasewater which was very busy, to avoid the dogs and crowds of folk enjoying a Boxing Day walk.

In the low sun, the dear looked beautiful, and there were at least ten or more loafing in the scrub. I didn’t take these photos, my companion did, but they’re too good not to use.

A lovely ride.