Monday 11 January 2016

Sunlight falling on alders

Sunday afternoon winter walks resumed this week to the benefit of my blood sugar levels.  Our intention is complete Preston's Guild Wheel in sections, but this time instead of joining it close to home we took the car, parked up and walked for a little way beyond the M6.

Winter walks bring me so much pleasure. The presence of sunlight is paramount, the low rays of the declining sun pierce the clouds and fall like a spotlight on the deep red twigs of alder trees, birches and hazels.  There is the sound of running water in the brooks which to my relief in this area have not broken their banks.  There is the joy of wearing wellington boots, squelching through mud and detouring up rutted tracks without a map but still with an eye to the landmarks -  motorway, farms and the wooded valley on the right.  

We splashed on towards some outbuildings, located the Guild Wheel and walked a section to complete our circuit.  It then began to rain again as I scrambled over a rivulet to reach the driver's seat.  I am a lowland person, not for me the heavy weather gear, the kit, the O/S maps, the compass and mint cake.  I like the familiar Sunday afternoon, complete with exercising dogs and cyclists and the prospect of toast and tea.  

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