I just love spontaneous events and this weekend was no exception. I was whisked away to The School House, which is a fabulous Bed and Breakfast in the picturesque village of Chapel Lawn, nestling in the Redlake Valley in Shropshire. There, we were greeted by our wonderful hosts Claire and Dave. The weekend was made extra special, as our friends Roy and Karen from Thirsk, had made a booking for the same weekend, so it was great for us all to catch up and reminisce on days gone by. By the way, I have never heard anyone play the post horn gallop so well as Roy!
As you all know, I just love my walks and we were blessed with a dry weekend. So early on Mothers Day, I set off to discover the Brineddin Wood walk, especially as the room we stayed in, was named after the woods. It took me a little over an hour, as I stopped to take photos and take detours from the fallen trees. Even Shropshire suffered from the recent storms as you can see from the photos.
Claire and Dave had taken time to put together maps for various walks, but the one to the woods somehow drew me. On the walk, I saw a fox, pheasants and all manner and kinds of birds.
Before entering the woods, you follow the Chapel Lawn lane and cross over a bridge. As I was about to take this photo, a kingfisher flew under the bridge from behind me along the river. How wonderful was that!
Not only did the walk provide fabulous views of the Redlake Valley and Caer Caradoc, but you get to explore the quillet, which is a small section of the wood, adopted by the village.
I can only imagine, being back there in April, to see the carpet of bluebells. in the woods.
I managed to take a video (which I hope you will be able to access and download by a double click). In the words of my son Paul, “I was not alone”.
After leaving the woods, you walk through a field, which last Sunday, was full of pregnant ewes. I respected their domain and walked along the hedgerow to the lane, but was amazed when they all started bounding towards me! I guess they were curious but I didn’t stop to take photos and took this one when I got to the lane.
I would really recommend at break at The School House if you are ever visiting Shropshire. If you like peace and quiet, then this is the place. Claire and Dave are such a lovely couple and they really go out of their way to make your stay special (even creating a picnic!)
“Find what you love and love what you find”