I gave Mr C the choice of walk for today’s excursion. He chose to walk to Hadley Locks via Hurley Brook.
I started the walk along a bridle path near to our house which connected to a walking route published by Wellington Walkers are Welcome. Part way around we struggled to find the pathway between the houses that led to the former water mill. After retracing our steps, we found the pathway and the mill. I prefer my usual route to Hurley Brook, it is prettier, does not involve walking through houses and it is only a few steps away from the path to see the mill.
When we arrived at the locks they were much more visible than earlier in the year. What a difference when autumn strips the leaves from the trees and bushes. They are guillotine locks which means they were opened by raising and lowering rather than a hinge.
Shortly after the locks, there was another point in the route instructions that was unclear. We set off on what we thought was the right path and ended up at a T junction that did not fit with the leaflet directions. I had a gut feeling of which direction we needed to go, however Mr C checked his mobile phone for directions and took us in the opposite direction. This took us down a derelict road near to a factory eventually emerging a short distance away from where we should have been according to the route instructions.
Mr C was not particularly enjoying his urban walking experience so although we were back on track I decided to flex the route so that it was slightly less urban. I set off on a route to Leegomery pools, at this point Mr C stopped to consult his phone. I told him he didn’t need it because I knew where we were. He sceptically put his phone away. When we emerged by the pool he exclaimed I didn’t realise we were here! This shows how different things can seem on foot rather than in a car.
Back at home we watched a movie before enjoying another fine dining experience, the last of my lockdown birthday celebrations.
Now, that’s celebrating a birthday, the more as I presume your years are not five times longer.
This year has seemed shorter than ever. The days tend to blend into one another.
I have enjoyed my birthday adventures
Have followed your Lockdown Birthday pictures on Facebook. Good that you were able to get out and about, and even have some new, if a trifle urban, experiences
I enjoyed all the walks even the urban one
Even the Queen only has two Birthdays…
She is obviously not doing birthdays properly