Friday 1 October 2021

A Break In The Clouds

Staying much closer to home this week as fuel supplies remain uncertain. There's plenty I could say about that, but I'd rather get out for a walk in the fields. Are you coming?



As it happened there was just one day when the relentless rolling rainclouds paused for a few hours in their westward progress, though to judge by the strength of the breeze it won't be long till normal service is resumed.


I'd better tell you where we are: we're on the chalky hills to the west of the town of Royston. They are not very high hills but they do give extensive views to the north and west. We're following the Icknield Way long-distance path from the village of Wallington, westwards towards the small hamlet of Clothall.



There are a few sunflowers growing along the edges of some fields, they will provide cover and food for game birds during the winter; the other birds will also benefit.



Because of the general flatness of the landscape distant panoramas are a rare subject for the camera in East Anglia so I always make the most of this little bit of hillier country. And some of the best viewpoints are around Clothall.



I've visited the little church at Clothall in the past and wrote a whole post about it: "A Special Place". This time the weather's too good to go poking around in old medieval buildings so we'll make a turn around little streets of Clothall and head back by a different route.



The path we're following on the return journey is part of "The Hertfordshire Way" and leads you through some of the best scenery in that county. Like most of these designated routes it's merely a linking together of the existing public rights of way into a longer route.



That's not to say you'll find a paved way to follow, but the local authorities do cut back the vegetation once a year or so and there'll be little arrows nailed on to posts where there's any doubt as to where the path goes.



It's all very pleasant. Very pleasant indeed.



And before you know it we're back on the edge of Wallington, passing by the farm.



There are even a few sheep around here, though most of the land is under the plough.



Wallington today is prosperous and well cared for, with several quaint cottages, but it wasn't always so scenic. Long-time readers might recall that it was once the home of the writer, George Orwell, when he was writing "The Road To Wigan Pier".



He rented the little cottage above, which at the time was in a very tumbledown state. If you want to know more about Mr Orwell at Wallington you can read about him in this post from 2015: "A Writer's Residence".


Take care.


24 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your travels and gorgeous photos, John. Your mention of East Anglia reminded me that I once owned a little Ford Anglia car. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for your beautiful post.

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  2. We have been reading about your fuel shortages. Perhaps the result of that will be a healthier population taking more walks like this one. I guess the lack of fuel is not going to last that long, is it?!

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    1. I think we're getting back to normal. See my answer to Marie's comment for more explanation.

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  3. You can't beat a stroll through the countryside. Beautiful photos, John.

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  4. I’ve read of the shortages too. Is public transit a priority for the fuel? I imagine people are walking more which is a good thing.

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    1. I don't think there ever was really a shortage. There is a shortage of drivers for the fuel tankers - some European drivers went home as a result of Brexit, a few must have Covid, and training and testing of new drivers has been held up by the virus. In a few places deliveries of fuel were delayed and the media got hold of this and made it sound like a national emergency. As a result there was panic buying of petrol and diesel. Around here there were long queues at the petrol stations but few places ran out of fuel except for very temporarily while awaiting fresh supplies. Things seem to be getting back to normal now.

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  5. I enjoyed your stroll today. I do wish there were country side views - Oh there probably are, but I've not walked them. And most of the hikes are too steep on the mountains of NC. But I do like driving through the mountains and aim to do so soon!

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  6. Thanks for such a lovely walk. To do that around here we'd have to stay on the roads - no right of ways through farms and woods here.

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  7. So many lovely shots. You have to take advantage of good weather like that and get out & about.

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  8. A lovely walk in the fields there, John. Thank you for taking us along.

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  9. belle campagne avec ces chemins ensoleillés cela invite à la marche à pied.
    bon weekend

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  10. It's good to get out and walk between the bouts of rain. Such a lovely walk and great photos:)

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  11. I know what you mean about fuel, I managed to fill up the day before if all kicked off, when my wife wet to fill up the next day the petrol station was empty. George Orwell ended up being buried a long way from there, just along the road from me at Sutton Courneay

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  12. A very, very pleasant walk indeed. Thank you. Muchly.

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  13. I always love going on your walks with you...such beautiful views.

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  14. You and your brother find the loveliest places to hike. Good that you take such nice photos and share them with us.
    I think you are right about the gas crisis there - more a media creation about lack of drivers to create the panic! Do the gas stations charge more then? I wonder sometimes if it is a weird marketing ploy! :)

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  15. I love your first paragraph. I’d rather be out walking than paying attention to the news as well! I love those sunflowers and perfectly plowed fields. I wish we had public footpaths through the countryside to walk as you do in England.

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  16. That is a beautiful walk. The sunflowers add a real splash of colour.

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  17. Yes, would much rather read your posts and see these lovely photos, John, then to read about the fuel situation. That said, glad you ere able to get out for this post. I read your reply to Marie's comment above and glad that things may get back to normal, so you can continue sharing your rambles with us. The sunflowers were a lovely sight!

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  18. Another wonderful walk John. Love those rolling hills.

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  19. What a beautiful walk today. I love the cottages and the sunflowers. It's such a peaceful scenery. You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.

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  20. Hi John - you take wonderful photos - they are gorgeous and you bring us the best of your surrounds. Gorgeous thank you - cheers Hilary

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