Endeavouring to try somewhere different to walk, we returned to a forestry patch we have visited twice before. It's not great for paths, nothing signed but at least it's accessible and wide. I'd forgotten the boggy patch underfoot from weeks ago which had turned into a massive stretch of flood, frozen water and bog surrounded by your regular forestry debris of fallen branches, brambles and all those ferns I've forgotten the name of. Oh, bracken that's it. When it transpired that our tiptoeing round the edge of multiple large floods was just the start and it went on as far as the eye could see we had to admit defeat and take the high path out of the mess. Not quite such a long walk but at least we saw a new route. 

The high path out!
Seed head still standing.
The area had been extremely quiet, we saw nobody else at all for the best part of an hour. A buzzard was disturbed by our appearance and flew off. 


Still a lot of snow on branches, resting on every notch as well as the bracken.




A reasonable slope, probably the best sledging path for miles. I don't think anyone would have wanted to drag a sledge this far though. Just as well. 


All the snow made for pretty scenery.

 

The snow fell and lasted a week. Our cold frosty winter turned into a snow clad one; only snowing minimal change over the days until suddenly, just like that, the rains came and washed it all away. It was a bit of a magical time; albeit with the added risk of falling over or 'having a fall'. The roads were treated but many lanes became impassable altogether save for tractors or a particularly adventurous 4x4. Fewer than normal people took to the paths which felt like a reprieve from lockdown crowds. We froze, we chilled, we numbed but we went out and enjoyed the moments that mattered. Coming home for coffees and central heating. 

Pictures from Sunday morning, the rains started as night fell that evening. Daytime temperatures of zero, icy winds.
Waterways still featuring ice. Heavy snow in drifts following strong winds overnight.

Against the monochrome of the trees and snow featured the beautiful red stems, I expect it's dogwood.
A red kite circled overhead briefly. I wasn't focussed in properly but you can tell it's a kite. These birds have increased in numbers around our patch, we often see them now. 

 

For the moments of silence and emptiness, it was beautiful.












Taka care,