Evening ramble

20 August 2012

Short evening walk to test out new head torch and sort out route from The Lawley. Set off at 7.05pm. First wildlife was slow worm on path near Cwm Dale. Through All Stretton then lane off to right and across railway and A49.

Never seen any of these properties before, good-looking barn conversions at Botvyle Farm.

Reached the point where the path down from Caradoc meets the lane just after Caradoc Cottages at white picket fence at 8.03pm, 3.65km. Then down the lane past Comley Farm where the path goes up to The Lawley. Met Mr Farmer at 3.9km, nice chap who said no problem with cows in field although one of the mothers seemed a bit too interested in me and then they all stampeded across to the other side. 

Spotted a fox running in next field, much more wildlife around early and late in the day. Arrived at the house with the tin man at 8.29pm, 4.9km. Last time we had turned right here but the correct way is to go left and then take first footpath on right just before Heath House. Horses in field very interested in us and escorted us through two fields to the stile. More farmers out and about here moving sheep, then just couple more fairly straight paths to A49 reached at 8.40pm, 5.4km.

After crossing onto the All Stretton lane, took footpath immediately to right and first use of torch to see the map. Tawny owl heard and shadowy form seen in next field which was also full of horses that were keen to come and see us. The path then crosses the lane and continues past a cottage and through bracken all the way up to lane at Gogbatch. Reached lane at 9.03pm, 6.3km and decided to head for home. Properly dark now so good chance to test torch which was pretty impressive. Reached home at 9.45pm.

OS website calculated the walk at 7.8km to Gogbatch, 10.9km to home which meant we had made better pace than we had thought. Still going to be tough going to make the Hike in 24 hours though …