6th to 9th August 2020
This may be the wierdest of year ever with Covid-19 dominating everything, but the weather has certainly stepped up to fill a void.
Foreign holidays may be a thing of the past for now, but the English countryside is looking at it's best in the glorious sunshine we're enjoying at present.
After last weekend trip to Anglesey and the weather forecast good for this weekend I decided to head to Church Stretton in Shropshire.
I'd booked a small campsite called Small Batch in Little Stretton, two miles south of Church Stretton.
It's a lovely little campsite, simple but functional. No frills but everything you need.
There is direct access to a footpath from the site going up to The Long Mynd.
The scenery is very beautiful.
On Friday I walked with Louis up Ragleth Hill, 397 metres.
It's quite a steep ascent from the south side which I did, and I was regretting not putting walking boots on. As usual the path up seems to go forever with false summits but the views from the top are worth every bit of the effort.
The views across the valley to The Long Mynd are spectacular.
I lay on grass at the summit and watched two Red Kites circling above for about ten minutes, catching the rising thermals.
In all that time I don't think I saw them flap their wings once.
I couldn't help but think what better way to spend a Friday ?
Thankfully the decent was rather less adventerous. I gently walk across fields and meadows to the lane taking us back to Small Batch.
On Saturday I decided we should head up The Long Mynd and I wasn't disappointed.
There are numerous walking routes around here and I think all are pretty special.
I followed a stream up the valley and Louis enjoyed paddling in it to cool off at regular intervals.
I'd planned a circular walk but Louis was flagging a bit in the heat by the time we got to the top, so we went back down the way we'd come up.
There`s a really interesting little church in Little Stretton. It is the only church I`ve ever seen with a thached roof.
Apparently it`s not that old but is certainly very picturesque.
He needed a good bathing when we got back.
Tea was chicken pasta bake and was delicious but too much, I saved the rest for tomorrow.
All in all it's been a great weekend, made of course by the beautiful weather making the most of the spectacular scenery.
I'll certainly come back to this area again in the future.
