Countryside explorations

By Rhiannonw

As the title says, verse that has come out of various ambles, explorations, enjoyments in the countryside. They were in my 'Nature' collection, but as that has grown I thought it would be useful to form a specific collection for these.
  • 2307 reads

A brown Christmas …

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 28 Dec 2012

A brown Christmas, dead buzzard in the mud, fields a-flood, welcome sight of clearing sky a breeze up high to make clouds skud away awhile; still warm and bright the friendly smile,
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

A clear autumn afternoon

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 26 Oct 2012

The fog has lifted, autumn colours glow and warm, crisp, crunchy footfall on the ground, then far away glint pale grey silhouettes – Welsh hills against the golden clouds,
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

A lovely walk ’til adrift in drizzle

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 21 Sep 2013

A beautiful walk along the cliff path, sunlight on the ocean – glowing bands … drizzle blows in …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

A relaxed ramble

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 22 Sep 2012

Along the lane from Arthur’s Stone [collapsed remains from times long gone, some ‘cromlech’ ancient burial mound once buried underneath the ground] to Merbach hill, with blue-domed sky:
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

A Short Trip to Llandegley Rocks

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 06 Jul 2013

Council-paid sitter has come to stay for 4 hours: time for us both get out away together , a break from the care and watching we share of our elderly pair.
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

A sunlit autumn walk

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 17 Oct 2011

Kington*, nestled among the hills, where footpaths meet at the edge of Wales. We take one leading to Castle Twt, a neat ‘look-out’ mound, – but keep to the foot-
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Along the Cat's Back

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 26 Aug 2011

(at the edge of Black Mountains, Olchon valley)
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Autumn Shades

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 23 Oct 2013

Multi-shades and shapes of brown scattered on the green, where the wind has blown and thrown – sun sparkles dewy scene. Green and yellow, brown and...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

Beauty on a Dungheap

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 15 Aug 2012

Bobbing flight, dips out of sight, and up – ‘peep bo!’ then duck below. Perching on the pile of muck, wagging tail perfect stance to give a chance for photo-shot.
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes

Beauty: vast and tiny

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 27 May 2011

(at a secluded spot in Radnorshire)
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Brecon Beacons Climb

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 02 Aug 2011

Misty layers of mountain folds, tramping higher, new views inspire, and give excuse to stop, turn round, to stare, lift eyes up from the ground, and drink it in before more slog
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Bute Park, Cardiff (IP)

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 29 Aug 2013

[cf Iolo’s Great Welsh Parks (1) BBC 2, 6.30pm 5/8/2013] From the castle and shops past flower beds ablaze, and sports fields; roam woods (… green...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

Deep in the Forest of Dean

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 08 Nov 2013

Evening light in the afternoon, secluded valley with autumn trees above and around, but the sheep munch on as we walk along, startled pheasants erupt...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Elusive Woodland Birds

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 02 Oct 2013

Soggy wood, early autumn bounty: seeds and insects, spiders’ webs, mixed tall tree tangle, whistling tweets surround up high, social gathering; necks...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Even on the dullest day …

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 15 Feb 2013

A wishy-washy day: brown and tired-green, and grey, views are clammy, torporous, ruminations misty, vacuous … but … cheer in day austere …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Footpath through a Herd!

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 15 Jun 2012

Footpath through the field, a crowd concealed of cows young and frisky (any nursing young, or short-fused bulls?) – is it too risky? we can’t turn back: walk quietly forward,
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Hafren* Forest and the Source of the Severn

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 17 Feb 2012

Babbling brook and tumbling river, damp decaying needles cover soggy, spongey forest floor, mossy clumps, tree trunks, tree stumps, sodden banks of greenery, quiet, placid scenery:
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Holywell Dingle in a Wet Winter

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 28 Jan 2013

We went in the back end, didn’t know we’d have to wend through a field like a paddy, squishy mud to squelch and puddles to paddle, then, firmer ground where sunshine catches
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Hopesay Common, Shropshire, 27/11/13

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 29 Nov 2013

Walking along, high over the views of hills, dips, valleys – grey-day hues, space all around, and breezy air; most of the trees are skeletal bare,...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Hurricane Katia’s tail-edge

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 17 Sep 2011

Llŷn peninsula, north-west Wales, September12&13 Lashing, dying hurricane tail, bashing, pushing, gusty gale: whirling map-bag – whipping, slapping; wrenching hat to make it rocket,
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Kyre pools

By Rhiannonw on Sun, 29 Jan 2012

Clear blue sky, bright winter sun, fresh, crisp air, a touch of breeze, rippled patches, still reflections – tracery of the edging trees; none but us, and singers hidden
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Monnow Valley – early spring

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 22 Mar 2011

Monnow valley – gentle, calm, whispering river, – soothing balm, hills enclosing, set apart, bird song, – shadows flit and dart; by the water, wagtail grey
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Gold cherry

Nant Gwrtheyrn, and the Goldcrest

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 30 Jan 2012

prompted by the IP, but it's not on the list!
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

November Severn, and its Queen Swan

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 08 Nov 2011

5/11/11 a bit above Bewdley Heavy, steady, Severn flow, reflecting banks of autumn trees, steam train chuffs and chugs, and whistles by, not disturbing ducks, and geese, and swans;
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

on the headland, September 4

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 14 Sep 2013

Spongy turf, bright, glowing gorse and heather – carpeting quilt of gold and red [prickly feather bed], with a sprinkling of harebells quivering,...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Peaceful Ramble at Skenfrith

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 03 Jun 2013

Hustling, bustling narrow stream tumbles into gentle Monnow gliding, flowing, slowly going on its steady way; round the bend a stony bed, – water rippling, sunlight stippling;
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Tandeming down the Herefordshire lanes …

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 28 Apr 2011

… a relaxing back seat!
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

To‘bottom’ing, at Caer* Caradoc (23:3:13)

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 26 Mar 2013

[*Ki.r] Plunging, crunching through the deep, crisp snow – what fun, but, oh, so slow! then up the hill we go (the sky a-mist with floating drift), but when we reach the steeper bit
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

View from Stac Polly, (Stac Pollaidh) (IP)

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 03 Sep 2011

(place of unexpected, strange, particular pleasure)
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

View from Tre'r Ceiri*

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 02 Dec 2013

Climbing up Tre’r Ceiri, high to where the old stone circles lie – suddenly the far off sight of overlapping mountain folds – Snowdonia greyscale,...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Visit to Clun

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 05 Jan 2013

Clustered village in a vale of sombre hills, high mound aside with towering ruin: gaping, ragged window voids that frame stunning views of drop to valley floor
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

visiting Romers Wood, Bockleton

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 01 Aug 2013

Breeze-blown ripples on a barley field, feathers waving, weaving: golden yield; whispy clouds across the vast domed sky, dips and dells and hilly swells nearby …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Walking on the Dyke, above Knighton

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 23 Jun 2012

Propitious weather window, favourable circumstances allow a few hours for a walk: stiff climb to the ridge, valley far below, narrow meandering ribbon-river, two-coach tiny train,
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

Wigmore Castle

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 01 Nov 2011

Herefordshire The grandchildren like walking up Wigmore castle hill: up and up, past ruined bits of tower, – steps, then level, higher, higher;
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Aber Mawddach*

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 23 May 2012

( anglicized to ‘Barmouth’) The streams are flowing, the river growing, from mountain tumble to lowland amble that slowly wanders and meanders, until an estuary with tidal range,
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Holiday Destinations

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 19 Jul 2013

Overheard in a Post Office queue – “We’re off to Majorca, what about you?” … I’m hugging inside a thrill of my own – excitement which these may never have known
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Late Spring

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 06 Apr 2013

Warmth is creeping, touching sheltered nooks where plants are sleeping – an opened primrose promises delicate bouquet to come, a celandine spreads narrow petals
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Soggy November Day

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 07 Nov 2011

Saturated hedges drip, visibility murky, thick, misty haze obscures the views, greying out familiar hues; hands in pockets, slither, slip, oozy puddles, wellies stick,
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Rural and Urban Night

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 24 Nov 2011

Darkest black of winter night, far away from man-made-light scattered dusty stain like milk, glittering jewels on black silk like a giant dot-to-dot – join them up somehow to plot
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

January trees

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 04 Jan 2012

Stark, dark sihouettes, clean lines unencumbered
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

New Year’s Day Tandem

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 02 Jan 2013

Blue sky, crisp air, glinting floods, reflections of reversed bare-boned trees; refreshing breeze; dashing down dips (he’s in front, hope he’s taking care) struggling up hills
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Interlude

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 17 Jan 2014

A dome of heavy cloud, oppressive shroud … here and there a thinning glow – and seachlights fan out, show a dappling on the valley floor … torn rags...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Aldon Gutter and Stonehouse Pools 22/1/14

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 01 Feb 2014

Disgorging clouds retreat: lull, brief leisure to explore out into the myriad hidden nooks of the beckoning, great outdoor: A small, secluded, valley...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

4 day holiday 14-17/2/14

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 22 Feb 2014

[Bitter storm …sunshine … full waterfalls … coal tits]
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

On Hergest Ridge 18/3/14

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 24 Mar 2014

On Hergest Ridge, vast wide blue sky … relief-map, below, unfurled
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Welcome Sunshine (IP)

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 01 May 2014

Sun is bright, and hot and cheery after wintry weather dreary; triggers vitamin for bones, shading skin to bronzing tones. Extreme exposure isn’t...
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Where the 2 rivers meet

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 19 Jun 2014

Lingering by the lapping Lugg longing to glimpse another flash of Kingfisher blue in the leaning willows fringing and shading the earthy banks, sooty...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Dingle through the seasons

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 30 Jun 2014

We went in the winter, just after the floods*, we went in the spring when the opening buds of the trees, arching towers stood high over surges of sparkling flowers …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

East Dinmore and Bodenham Lakes

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 24 Jul 2014

Burning sun, sheltered, silent wood, quiet stroll (one patch of squelchy mud), then hot open ride awhile, and back into dappling sunlight, butterfly...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Mid-Wales – (in August)

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 18 Aug 2014

Humpy hills, all ups and downs, with glowing purple heather crowns, paths of turf between fern patches, bilberries, lichen, moss and rushes. Skylarks...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Down by the riverside

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 12 Sep 2014

(river Wye, near How Caple, 10/9/14) Sunshine dapples river ripples, leaves drift down and float along the current’s steady onward flow. Bankside...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Ysgyryd Fawr/Skirrid …

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 04 Oct 2014

… sliced off the Black Mountains, solitary sentinel, rocky berg anchored at the edge of the rolling, green waves of the cultivated plain. Tough pull...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

Water Break-its-neck.

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 07 Nov 2014

… viewing through the screen of trunks sunshine bands across the slope dark long shadows afternoon autumnal light …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Snowfall Ramble

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Melting in the valley down below but the higher up the hill we go boots squeaking through ... second-hand tablet seems to say …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Aston on Clun Ramble

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 30 Jan 2015

28/01/15 Gusts of whirling hail-balls white, surround, then drift away, sun peeps through and glitters bright upon the little brook, runs through the...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Scramble Ramble

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 10 Feb 2015

… slipping, gripping grassy clumps …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes

Millhalf Brook

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 20 Feb 2015

… peaceful, no-one around but us.
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Wye Trail Sheep

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 09 Mar 2015

Wye trail through field of quiet scattered munching sheep “Meh! Meh! Me-e-eh! Me-e-eh! Who goes there? Meh! Meh! Me-e-eh! Me-e-eh! Meh! Meh! fellow-...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Little Almeley Amble 18/0315

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 19 Mar 2015

Primroses and sunshine, a blaze of celandine … finding the sounds of birds, and tumbling water so soothing …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Catching the eye

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 01 May 2015

Patchwork views of greeny hues – blot on the landscape, gaudy rape; verge splash – stitchwort stars bright, tippex-white, forget-me-not haze …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

Dress for the weather!

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 07 May 2015

Spitting rain, sunshine – glittering lush growth bejewelled; whirling wind, billowing crop, large field, swaying, waving trees; skylarks, darting...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Up to the Wind

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 18 Jun 2015

Burrow Fort, Shropshire 17/6/15: Hills around us, patchwork scene – farm fields, woods in hues of green; meadow rippling in the breeze, and sound...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Disgwylfa* Hill

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 26 Jun 2015

* Diss-gooil-va [the word means ‘waiting expectantly for something/someone’, but we weren’t, just enjoyed what was there for us.] …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Gwaun* valley (Pembrokeshire) in May

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 06 Jul 2015

Gwaun* valley quiet, lush, green, munching sheep by a glittering stream, bird song and baas (but very few cars), narrowing down til the grass has...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Unexpected Harvest (2/9/15)

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 14 Sep 2015

Picking early blackberries, rain drifts in, tumble into car, explore a maze of lanes. See a new path … the rain has stopped a-while. … ‘Shouldnt we...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Lost! (Poetry Monthly??)

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 15 Oct 2015

or how to add 3 miles to the end of a short walk …
Humour
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

On the Mynd

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 28 Oct 2015

Bright, crisp, gingery bracken, bilberry clumps, and heather, spread of fields below, folds of hills beyond, fringe; net of sunlight beams fan out...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

November Arboretum

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 05 Nov 2015

… murky and dark, a splash of blood-red, a pattern of peach … … yellow stars outspread on a background screen of conifers’ drab
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

… The Bright Day Interlude following

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 18 Dec 2015

[near Whitney Toll Bridge, near Hay-on-Wye] … Good to get out when the weather is dry, with breeze that will freshen …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Mud, mud, mud …

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 05 Jan 2016

Away from the flood there’s abundance of mud to slip and slide, slither and glide, enrobing our boots in dark chocolate goo, and smattering … a spatter pattern scattering, of syrupy brown mixture –
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Mid-winter wander

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 14 Jan 2016

[Gaunt brooms scratching blue sky … embedded spear heads, spiky patches … wild snowdrops are coming!]
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Up Brown Clee Hill

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 25 Jan 2016

… highest hill in Shropshire (20/1/16) At home, hoar-frosted trees against the milky, misty fog, drive north, the scene clears, blue sky; venture...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Surprise Crop

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 19 Mar 2016

and up to the ridge … Two big fields hold surprise at the top …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Pembrokeshire in April

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 27 Apr 2016

Bank-lined lanes – slopes spattered with soft-pale primroses, and celandine sparkles, clumps of scurvy grass, tippex-white; carpets of golden...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Visiting Bury Ditches

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 01 Jun 2016

Thick netting of cow parsley borderng the narrow lane, waving in the wind, frothy hawthorn trees scattered on the hillsides, fields of buttercups,...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

The Hare in the Middle

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 16 Jun 2016

A bridge reflected … tiddlers and dragonflies, a swish of large fish, walk through buttercups – glittering gold … 'Haring' out of the rape …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

The Begwns*

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 04 Jul 2016

… dramatic northern scarps of the Black mountains and Brecon Beacons …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Habberley Valley

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 19 Jul 2016

Soft, lumpy sandstone outcrops …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Above Knucklas

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 20 Jul 2016

Strolling up into the green and humpy hills – views close, and further off; cotton-wool clouds above like a perforated ceiling a little lower than...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Shady Skenfrith

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 26 Aug 2016

Shady Skenfrith, Monnow gliding, sunshine glinting, rippling burble, from white water tumble edging small pool where family laughter splashing to...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Visiting Aberedw Rocks

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 20 Sep 2016

Leaving home in the milky mist, blue sky emerges as we travel west, park in a village close to the Wye, little river Edw bubbling by to meet the big …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Late Blackberrying

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 21 Oct 2016

Late for blackberries, missed it this year - let’s go up Wort Hill – ‘look-out point’ over Shropshire dips and ups, and on to Edgton – enjoy the air...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Bright November Late Afternoon

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 11 Nov 2016

[The photo is of another day, and time of day, and weather, but the same place]
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Preparations!

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 07 Dec 2016

Base vest layer, shirt, fleece, sturdy anorak with large hood, waterproof (and windproof) trousers, walking socks and boots, scarf, woolly hat,...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

Up Mortimer’s Forest 12/2/17

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 16 Jan 2017

Early morning – a sprinkling of snow shining in the sun, children out chattering in the garden before school; soon melting, drive north, icing...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Still January around White Castle, Monmouthshire

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 28 Jan 2017

A misty walk to White Castle … but the hills not totally obscured … Remember the banks of violets seen before; now all around suspended growth … a beautiful ivy spread …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

River Clun Wander - Mud and Wild Snowdrops

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 07 Feb 2017

Rushing, bulging river flow, sodden spongy tussocks, mucky mulch, slithery, squelchy mud; drizzle curtain passes over, buffeting, refreshing wind, sodden sheep …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

February Wander

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 20 Feb 2017

Furry pussy willows peep, buds begin to crack, dog’s mercury pokes through the dead leaf mulch, and celandine leaves make pools of green beside the track.
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Wild Daffodil Wood

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 02 Mar 2017

Delicate wild daffodils scattered on the woodland floor … With the onward march of March more buds grow and swell, unpeel, sunbeams falling through bare trees a lemon host reveal.
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

On Little Mountain, near Bredwardine

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 11 Mar 2017

Little Mountain where once we got lost* (wrong path curves far, as we found to our cost) amongst dead bracken with a blue dome sky glimpsing far down...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Bringsty Common

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 18 Apr 2017

Three-dimensional dips and ups, carpets of dead bracken, wide-open violets peep out here and there, and the stark, bare Malvern Hills rise high: crown the horizon …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Walk along the Wye

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 26 May 2017

Among the humpy bare hills of mid-Wales, we walk by the Wye out of Builth* …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

On the Stiperstones*

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 01 Jun 2017

Craggy rocks along the crest, short pull up to walk the ridge, or clamber on each ‘dragon’ pile. In sweeps curtain of fine rain – mysterious now the...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Mynydd Troed

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 03 Jul 2017

(Munith - [hard ’th’] Troeed,) Black Mountains
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Path blocked

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 07 Aug 2017

Along the low ridge, blue skies and white clouds – Clee hills to the left, Wenlock Edge to the right; then on to the lane … cows, calves and a bull moved to greet us, squashed up close – inquisitive? should we squeeze through …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
Gold cherry

Nordy Bank Fort 5/10/17

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 09 Oct 2017

“Blow-your-hat-off” wind blustery, bustling, dying bracken rustling, boots crunching, sheep staring, silently munching – up to the fort, flat peak ‘...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Merbach Hill, again

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 19 Oct 2017

End of flat grass ridgetop, vast sky, Dore valley meets meandering Wye far below. Hay Bluff sharp sliced off finger of Black Mountain range...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Above New Radnor

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 21 Nov 2017

… Radnor Forest humps and dingles – empty land, ideal for fighting training … for the rambler views afar – Pen-y-fan, Beacons’ double peak, clear and stark on the horizon … and south-east – spread below, like a raised relief map …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Path of Bovine Mud

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 29 Jan 2018

Lovely wide, quiet, green cultivated valley behind Wenlock Edge: bridle path runs alongside the cowshed – heads out, eating from the trough; soft mud...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

Near Kilpeck, February

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 10 Feb 2018

Leaves slip through the mud – unnoticed – anonymous to untrained eye, ‘til the flowers … first the pioneering buds appear …
Nature
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

Visiting the Dingle after early March snow

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 20 Mar 2018

… we sink to our ankles, splash, wade, frequent suck-glugs as haul-pluck at mud-clasped boot …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Effort & View

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 27 Apr 2018

Black Mountain Ridge sweeps down to quiet Olchon valley – dead end, springing to life! ‘Our path’s up there.’ “Oh! maybe we’ll have lunch half way up...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
Gold cherry

The Malverns

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 18 May 2018

Bare, windswept hills… iconic skyline of the Malvern hills, peaked ridge, seen from afar – natural ‘dyke’ between two cultures …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Ramble by the Severn

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 12 Jun 2018

Pink wild roses, and fields of ox-eyes, bees drinking from purple comfrey, and poppies in the corn …Picnic ‘gallery seat’ on the river bank… entertainment laid on – swallows … a flash of peacock blue? …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

Discovering Craig y Cilau*

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 03 Jul 2018

… feel a beautiful cool updraft as from a deep-freeze. …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Ross on Wye and Chase Wood 15/11/18

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 23 Nov 2018

Full Wye flows around the town – town sitting on its cliff; with wooded slopes behind. Walk along the Wye out west of town, then turn towards the hill …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U

Losing the planned path

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 29 Dec 2018

We hadn’t a large-scale map. The path looked “straight-ahead” from A to B, but on the ground, with missing arrow-signs, and new …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

“Stonking Views”, it said

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 04 Jan 2019

… a sign to the castle (divert up for “stonking views” …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
Gold cherry

Circle from Craswall 11/1/19

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 18 Jan 2019

Soggy day and squelchy ground, but rain has gone, far views have cleared, air is fresh, we circle round through ups and downs east of the Bluff*...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Above Clun

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 09 Feb 2019

(7/2/19) A sharp shower as we climb out of the village, then steeply up the fields into the wind and sun, high above Clun, with the green waves of...
Nature
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

Walking Part of the Herefordshire Trail

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 16 Feb 2019

Mellow Herefordshire trail, mist lifting … warm sunshine, crisp air, lunch at Bache Camp with ground dropping …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

On Pippin’s Hill

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 16 Mar 2019

… a sense of depth and space …
Nature
Poem
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Poem of the week

Wild daffodils of field and meadow*

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 22 Mar 2019

* south of Dymock, north Gloucestershire, 21/3/19
Nature
Poem
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1 likes

Way?-markers

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 02 Apr 2019

When walk instructions are unclear, and arrow-signs the worse for wear – why does the colour disappear? – they might, if shaped to point the way...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

The Puzzles’ Enigma

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 23 Apr 2019

Walking along Hergest ridge, comfortable, spongy turf, burbling melodies pour down from skylarks unseen, high in the blue; enjoying the freedom of a...
Humour
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Cherry

Symphony of green

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 06 May 2019

Driving westwards, symphony of green – hillsides’ soothing concert chorus of the spring: fresh foliage unfurling in fragile hues, bronzings (maybe...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Cherry

Up Carningli

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 17 May 2019

(north Pembrokeshire 7/5/19) Beautiful lush green peaceful Gwaun Valley: walk up through woods of birdsong on to the heathland – bilberry, gorse, heather beginning to green … scramble up the path through the highest pile of rocks to the ‘crow’s nest’ with 360° views … :careful!
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Cherry

Scenic Variations of the Wye

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 29 May 2019

Curved meander of the Wye, cow parsley waving fringe, field of meadow buttercups, Canada geese here, swans there – then a bevy, one upending, then...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Little-used public footpath

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 07 Jun 2019

a vast sea of wheat … try not to wobble on unsteady feet!
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Gold cherry

Day on the Heart of Wales Railway

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 04 Jul 2019

Chugging along through the heart of Wales, one or two coaches hugging the rails … lush fertile fields, and soft hillsides surround, bridging bright rivers … After four hours journey, we’ll savour the sight of Singleton Park, and the sea and the sand, and return up the line by the evening light.
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

Peace Around the Golden Valley

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 15 Jul 2019

12/7/19 The ‘Golden Valley’: dappled greens and fair ripening crops [‘golden’ – a mis-translation of the river Dore – not from the Norman ‘d’or’, but...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
Cherry

The Long Mynd, Shropshire (12/10/19)

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 16 Oct 2019

On top of the Mynd with its autumn brown, soft waves and humps and troughs reaching down; glider takes off flung high to drift round for bird’s-eye...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

Bodenham lake, Herefordshire

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 19 Oct 2019

Disused gravel pit became wild life haven, deep waters. Working now to make reedy shallows on the lake edge and islands: more habitats, more...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

Travelling down the Wye Valley 28/10/19

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 02 Nov 2019

and high above Chepstow, the ‘Eagle’s nest’ looks out … heavy, heavy rainfall in Wales now nearing the estuary to join the ocean. …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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1 likes
Cherry

The End of a Brighter November Day

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 30 Nov 2019

Long shadows, low glinting golden winter evening sunshine …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Water-Break-its-Neck, Radnor Forest

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 08 Jan 2020

Moist and mossy humid glade, crystal stream from waterfall shooting over cleft’s cliff end – heavy rains the tumult swells.
Nature
Poem
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Gold cherry

Grey-Day rambling

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 30 Jan 2020

… around part of Wenlock Edge Squelchy mud – don’t slither, slide, slippery stile – its steps not wide enough for muddy boots to stand securely …...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Up from Titley (2/3/20)

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 03 Mar 2020

Blue sky and sunshine (though …) … boot-sucking mud-goo paths …snagging, tripping bramble-snakes … glorious far views
Nature
Poem
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1 likes

March 10, Herefordshire.

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 13 Mar 2020

… soggy … boggy … soft primroses …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Cherry

A revisit to Aberedw

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 19 Mar 2020

Last time it was autumn, now in March, but a beautiful day, a beautiful drive over westwards to meander amongst the humpy, bumpy mid-Wales hills into...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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1 likes

Evening Exercise

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 09 Apr 2020

Short walk, bit of exercise before it gets dark; boots on, down our short lane, passing the magnolia (just beginning to drop its petals) over the...
Nature
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Spring in Full Swing!

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 08 May 2020

Farm track verges wave in the breeze, crowded abundance shining overflowing variety: campion red and campion white, buttercup and big yellow daisies...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Cherry

Dream with the breeze

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 08 Jun 2020

Evening sunlight, escape and rise … – breeze waves the barley …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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The benefit of a short walk

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 31 Aug 2020

A short walk at last from village out to weir …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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1 likes
Cherry

Near Mortimer’s Cross, Herefordshire 12/12/20

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 14 Dec 2020

Big sky, evening light, full Lugg churning on, meandering …
Nature
Poem
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Cherry

Good Friday Stroll, 02/04

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 09 Apr 2021

Sparkling celandines and deep-hued violets shining in the sunshine amidst the new rich green ground cover. Hawthorn leaves squirting out of buds,...
Nature
Poem
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Gold cherry

Finding the Castle in the village of Richard's Castle.

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 15 Jun 2021

Waves of ox-eye daisies shaking in the breeze … up the old steps to the top of the ruined keep
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Gold cherry

A sleepy mid-July mid-afternoon

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 14 Jul 2021

Azure sky green leaves lie against the blue, and puffs of white float by. All is quiet except a wood-pigeon’s constant thrusting note. A car sweeps...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

Westope Wood Hill

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 05 Aug 2021

(30/7/21) Steep up the hill ’til reach the woody crown, and see so far; stop and stare, let your eyes take their fill; stroll round the wood to the...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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1 likes
Gold cherry

Separating West from East

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 18 Aug 2021

Bare ridge, stark, striking iconic horizon silhouette – not high …
Nature
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)
Poem
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1 likes

Out of the Marches*

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 20 Aug 2021

Where shall we go to explore and escape? North to the Shropshire hills (Long Mynd, Caer Caradoc, Stiperstones …)? East to Bringsty Common, the...
Nature
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

Turn of the year ’scape

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 31 Dec 2021

Scrawny trees stark on pale clear sky tangled twigs and mistletoe orbs; jaded damp sodden turf, wintery stillnes ’til sudden stormy shake of blasting...
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes
Cherry

Near Upper Kinsham

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 07 Jan 2022

(28/12/21) Out into the soggy countryside such a thrill after so long confinement when somewhat ill. Feeling the freshness of air and breeze, hearing...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
3 likes

near Orcop

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 13 Jan 2022

4/1/22 Circling the hill, half way up, soft mud track high above the Herefordshire plain lumpy hills criss-cross it here and there and far north the...
Nature
Poem
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Cherry

Roam with me to the footbridge by the ford

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 25 Jan 2022

A short walk from the ruined castle half-way up the hill (– the rain had stopped!) up the lane to Hanway common on the Aymestry ridge ; (cows lean...
Nature
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)
Poem
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1 likes

Wonderful Ludlow View

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 16 Feb 2022

Look over the river Teme with its weirs, circling below; at the castle rooted firmly above the water, on the other side with the nowadays town...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U

Three-dimensional landscape around Bache Camp

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 21 Feb 2022

(19/02/22) Bright late afternoon sunshine, long shadows, ups and downs of hills all around and the grassy mounds of the hill-fort to clamber up and...
Nature
Poem
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1 likes

More Snowdrops ! (hidden away)

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 02 Mar 2022

Is that a drift of snow peeping over the top of the bank? …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Cherry

February Shropshire Woods

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 11 Feb 2022

In the copse’s sere tangled undergrowth, mulch and crumbling ginger bracken below bare brown branches splashes of bright white snowdrops – burst –...
Nature
Poem
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Cherry

Sheep, flowers and sunlight

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 28 Mar 2022

Park the car, hungry excited sheep and lambs run down to the gate …the conical steep wooded hill … what is that odd stick-stalk at the side of the way? Soon a troupe of them –
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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2 likes

Climbing up from Minton

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 21 Apr 2022

15/4/22 Rolling Shropshire hills ‘little Switzerland’: humps and valleys with Caer Caradoc standing sentinel on the east; Stiff climb up, but...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

Evening peace

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 07 Jun 2022

Barley swaying in the breeze, stricken sentinel stands stark, no scarecrow but a symbol bold of strength and beauty, permanence – impermanence...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes
Cherry

Mid-Wales Haiku?

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 30 Jun 2022

Soft green lumps of hills …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes
Cherry

Going on a Way-hunt!

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 05 Jul 2022

“ Can’t go under it, can’t go through it, we’ll have to go over it … or variations!”*
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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2 likes
Gold cherry

Near Titley

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 04 Aug 2022

Path mown through the bracken, up the slope, over the humpy field – sky so large – …
Nature
Poem
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2 likes
Gold cherry

Above Old Downton Lodge

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 18 Oct 2022

– nice to so quickly get on top of the world! …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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3 likes
Cherry

Golden Valley* in October

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 27 Oct 2022

“ Golden Valley*”: wide, bright green fields, but misty mysterious, atmospheric this day. Far hills, sentinels, peer over from beyond. Up on the...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes
Gold cherry

by Craven Arms

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 19 Nov 2022

(18/11/22) Bright November afternoon: on the Onny, late low sunshine glints, river flowing full (border rain) tumbling sound, trees still holding...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes
Gold cherry

Afterglow

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 09 Dec 2022

Twigs stretching high to scratch the sky, sun’s remaining red hue across the deepening evening blue …
Nature
Poem
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Cherry

Wind and squelch and far views

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 05 Jan 2023

4/1/23 Blasting wind on the Shropshire hills squelching down beside the narrow wooded Lydehole Dingle looking northwards over Cove Dale to Wenlock...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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2 likes
Gold cherry

Silver Path on the Green, Green Grass

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 08 Feb 2023

… sunlight catching fine wispy cobweb carpet, glistening, shaking, shimmering in the breeze.
Nature
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)
Autobiography
Poem
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2 likes
Cherry

Coxall Knoll

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 18 Feb 2023

Feeling well enough to go out. Mist has cleared, sunshine back and fore. Not too late, afternoons longer now. Let’s go out – where? Quick look at the...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes
Gold cherry

Midsummer Hill, southern end of the Malverns

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 25 Feb 2023

Up the lane towards Midsummer hill, soon such views westwards – … out on the fort top – on top of the world …
Nature
Poem
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Cherry

A few early wild daffodils in the woods

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 15 Mar 2023

Trees above seem dead and dun; fragile …
Nature
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

Above Clunton

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 24 Mar 2023

One pleasure of woodland in late autumn, winter, and early spring is the views visible through the skeletal trees, especially in the hills of the...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes
Gold cherry

Up Disgwylfa Hill again

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 06 Apr 2023

Steep climb up, gorse bushes and dead bracken – most gorse bushes dusty and flower-less but a few full of flowers. Sky larks (singing their hearts out); below us …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

Above Upper Hill

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 02 May 2023

(20/4/23) Just a little time to go out, and a beautiful day before the rain returns tomorrow. Quick look at map, and find a suggestion – up the hill...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

The Green 'Sea'

By Rhiannonw on Mon, 08 May 2023

Green seas, billowy hills, froth of flowers here and …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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2 likes

Around Longtown, upper Monnow Valley

By Rhiannonw on Fri, 02 Jun 2023

27/5/23 Black mountain ridge sweeps up above us on the west of the beautiful Monnow valley: majestic, gentle. Walk a little way up and turn along for...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Cherry

Boisterous Youth

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 21 Jun 2023

Large field, herd of frisky bullocks (or heifers?) far off the other side; inquisitively they start moving together to see who we are; a noise behind...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes

A riddle?

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 30 Aug 2023

A bench with a view … but what does it say?
Humour
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes

Answer to the ‘Riddle’

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 31 Aug 2023

ORE STABIT FORTIS ARARE PLACET ORE STAT = O rest a bit for tis a rare place to rest at [ spaces removed and repositioned] [ A riddle? | ABCtales ]
Humour
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Gold cherry

Up to the Hoar Frost

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 02 Dec 2023

The sun is shining, hardly a cloud in the big blue sky. Drive up the steep hill from Church Stretton, (a bit icy, careful – precipice to the right … white ‘flowers’ on the dead ferns …
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes
Cherry

Tumbling river and tangled footpath

By Rhiannonw on Wed, 13 Dec 2023

Near Gladestry (11/12/23) The sun was shining, we scrambled down the squelchy leaf-mould, mulch-carpet sloping floor of the riverside wood. (There...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
2 likes
Cherry

Above Weobley

By Rhiannonw on Sat, 27 Jan 2024

(26/01/24) Late afternoon low January sunshine bright glinting on the wet grass and squelchy mud, dazzling in the westward walk – so blundering in...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Gold cherry

Up on the Mortimer Trail

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 15 Feb 2024

After so much rain our lanes are full of potholes hidden under puddles. We had to drive carefully cross-county to a point where we wanted to climb up...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Gold cherry

Titterstone Clee (533m)16/02/24

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 22 Feb 2024

Scrambling up the old overgrown quarry cliff to see more of the far (though hazy ) 360º views wandering around in the blasting refreshing gale. Brown...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Cherry

Clehonger to Ruckhall Circular

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 29 Feb 2024

24/2/24 I do like 3-dimensional walks, with ups and downs (though the ups not too long, but bringing new views throughout the little walk). We hadn’t...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
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Cherry

Above Pencombe, a cold day

By Rhiannonw on Tue, 26 Mar 2024

23/3/24 Ramble around Hegdon Hill in the cold, views over gentle country east to the Malverns, west to the far Black Mountains, sunlight rays...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes
Gold cherry

Above Peterchurch, east of the Black Mountains

By Rhiannonw on Thu, 04 Apr 2024

30/3/24 Clear lovely views of the Black mountains as we travelled west to Peterchurch [in the Golden Valley – the river Dore, thought of as D'or, 'of...
Nature
Autobiography
Poem
Certificate U
1 likes