Where to next?

The end of a year is a chance to look back, and to plan new experiences.
I've been looking through my photos to see some of the places where I have walked - not all this year.
But the world is full of fabulous places. Perhaps some of these might inspire you for next year.
A year of ideal walking:
This was February in Cornwall, at Gillan Creek on the Lizard Peninsula

Easter in Wales 
A bleak wilderness near the summit of Pumlumon (Plynlimon in English). I realise this isn't everyone's idea of a lovely place to walk!

Still Easter, still Wales...

...walking along the disused section of the Montgomery Canal near Pant/Llanymynech 

Summer, walking in Cornwall. Gillan Creek again. You can hire sailing boats here too

The South West Coast path near Helford

Land's End. Yes, I walk in a dress if it's really hot. Still have the boots on though.

In previous summers we have walked in the Pyrenees, in temperatures touching 40 degrees. Hence the hat.

We did self-guided walks with Hike Pyrenees, a small company. We walked over 7000 feet at one point. There's some snow on the distant mountains, even in August 

This was one of our favourite walks ever. Great views over mid Spain, ...

...and vultures (about 500) flying beneath us on the thermals by the cliffs

Early Autumn, and the delights of the Staffordshire Way near Enville...

 ...and seagulls chasing the plough near Halfpenny Green Golf Club.

Late Autumn, the Ridgeway, near Ivinghoe Beacon, Bucks.

One winter we went to Glencoe. At first the snow was only minor.

Then later it covered everything. We were snowed in, and had to walk three miles to the nearest shop.

The wild and lonely Rannoch moor. I have only driven past this - too wild to walk here in the snow

And finally - if the pictures don't tempt you enough, a reminder of the health benefits of walking. Preventing arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome.

All worthy stuff, I'm sure - but the main thing is, walking is fun. Happy New Year!

Cold days in Kinver

Walks have been shorter of late, because of Christmas, and the cold weather. Here are a few pictures from around Kinver over the last three days
The ice on our horse's field water. It's split the far bucket.

Crisply frozen grass

The view over to Stourbridge

Sun on the stables

Good job we weren't changing the electric fence today: the ground is like iron

And where else but Kinver Edge? The view from Nanny's rock today

Still frozen: Nanny's Rock can't get much sunshine.

Another lovely view this time from further along the Edge.

A Winter's walk near Enville

It was a crisp sunny day - the best type of all. We set off on this walk which goes through no settlements at all, just quiet countryside with the odd farmhouse. 
We started down this icy bridle path near Highbarns Cottage, on the back road from Enville to Birdsgreen/Alveley

The haze is from a muck heap which was gently steaming away!

The path got much muddier. I would have to say actually boggy. We considered returning, but I'm glad we didn't

As we reached the higher ground (still muddy) we could see over to snow-topped Brown Clee 

We were at the same height as the Sheepwalks, near Heronsgate, with expansive views

 It's on the map as No Man's Green

We then descended down a steep lane

...and back onto another bridle way - more metalled and less muddy

The weather was great although the temperature didn't rise above 2 degrees

This being Shropshire, there were very few signs to indicate our way (in contrast to South Staffs where signposting is generally very good)

 Thise puddles were still ice-covered.

 This old barn was really nice: ...

...it had a good view through the high arch (for loaded carts to get in and out)

A pleasant duck pond

This hedge is old, judging by the thickness of what's left behind

Near the end of the walk, the land is equestrianised. It's part of Bowen Equestrian 

A short walk along the road, and back to the car.

Would I recommend the walk? It's 4.25 miles, with 330 feet of ascent. The views are good. Navigation is fairly easy, despite no footpath signs. But the first part was so muddy, I would not do this again until summer, which is a shame.

Walk details: Park here (above picture) The third part of the sign points to Lindridge. Follow the bridle path to Heron's Gate, turn right down the road, and take the second bridle path on the left. By Square Coppice, follow the bridle path that turns right (the one that goes straight on isn't really visible). This goes all the way back to the road on which you have parked. The walk is roughly an oblong. 4.25 miles of fairly easy walking. But very boggy when wet.

A gloomy walk on Kinver Edge

I couldn't walk until 3.30 today, by which time, it was pretty gloomy. No snow here - unlike some parts of the country.
The usual parking places were still full.

Setting off on my favourite walk - the 1.5 mile circuit of the Edge. Best views for least effort: that's how I think of it

Though it's winter, the grass is still growing - really quite green still.

Plenty of dog-walkers still about.

Looking over to Cookley.

The Clent Hills have cloud on the top. Later, they disappeared completely.

The gorse is still in bloom.

A better view over to Clent 

The view from Nanny's rock, 

 ...and a second view - too dark for a crisp image, sorry.

 Here's the same view on September 1st this year. I needed the water bottle then!

Back to today. There are lots of seats with views. This one is best in winter.

The start of the "summit"

Over to Kinver/Potters Cross, with the woodland of the Million behind

My camera does its best to give some light, but it's actually almost dark. The lights are on everywhere.

The route: Park at the Kinver Edge Farm Shop/Cafe by the maize maze. Follow the red signposts clockwise for a 1.6 mile circuit of reasonable walking. There's some gentle ascent at the start - you may find yourself out of breath while hardly realising you're climbing. But once you reach the Edge, the walking is very easy indeed. There's a total of 240 feet of ascent.  Great views for much of the walk. Email me if you can't find Nanny's Rock! (Details below)