Sunday, 11 July 2010

Cold Drinks, Sandwiches and Country Walks

Once again, another weekend spent walking in the countryside. The weather was perfect for the 8 mile sponsored walk that we did earlier today.  Starting (and finishing) at Packwood House, and organised by Knowle and Dorridge Lions to raise money for Diabetes UK, you could choose a 2, 4 or 8 mile walk.  We opted for the 8 mile and it was thoroughly enjoyable. 
It took us just over 3 hours, stopping off for a quick drink at The Wharf  Tavern on the way. The route took us through Lapworth and Hockley Heath and took in 2 canals, fields and country lanes.  We also stopped in Lapworth at a little shop besides the canal to get a much needed ice lolly.

There was a very good turnout.  I'd like to know how many people did the 8 mile walk.  I think a lot went for the 4 mile as after we had walked for a bit the amount of people we saw seemed to dwindle.

Following the walk we left the friends we were with to join up with other friends who had just completed the 4 mile walk. I made sure I got my Walk The Extra Mile medal before we headed off. We decided to get something to eat and found a small farm with retail outlets and a small cafe. Yew Tree Farm at Wootton Wawen. A cold drink, sandwich and a stroll around the shops was a gentle way to spend the afternoon.

Yesterday we went to Cardingmill Valley. It is a lovely place in Shropshire just above Church Stretton. It cuts into the side of the Long Mynd and offers walks to the top of the escarpment and a stunning view. On a sunny day it is a lovely place to go for a walk and a picnic. 

We chose to walk up onto the Mynd. The walk up can get a little steep towards the top but once you are at the top it's worth it.   The scenery is stunning.  Although warm it was a little overcast on the way up. This probably made it a little easier.  The sun came out on the walk down and in the sunshine the valley looked beautiful. 

Again after the walk, a cold drink and a sandwich at a cafe in Church Stretton did the trick.  We had a quick stroll around the town before heading home.