Friday Five (or even Six): another local walk

I had to take the book I was reading on loan back to the library.  I couldn't renew it because it was on hold for other readers, but the walk in the park was still an opportunity for some fresh air and exercise. 

The mansion, now council offices and a library hub was built in the Adam style of architecture and opened in 1779 whereas the pavilion for the bowling green club based in the park was completed in 2006.

Sometimes I walk to the lake where there are coots, geese and ducks swimming around and now-and- again gulls that have flown inland away from a stormy coast, but I didn't go right down to the water on this occasion.  

Neither did I go in the walled garden that day as it's closed at certain times usually when the gardeners are busy working there.  However, there are plants in the formal flower beds to appreciate even in the Winter months ....

.... and the trees sustain different forms of wildlife.

A good surprise was this decorated pebble that had been left on a low stone pillar for another person to enjoy.  The lily-of the valley is my birthday flower so I felt I was meant to see it.  I photographed it and left it there for someone else to see.  Decorating pebbles or stones and leaving them for others to find is a lovely idea.

Thank you once more for coming by.  Have a good day!

A local walk

The days go by and it seems a while now since I walked around our neighbourhood.  I had been curious to see if the snow had reached the higher ground on the nearby farmland and then go onto the Common.  Although the first lot of snow was fairly light in comparison to what we've been experiencing lately the roads on that sunny day were clear. It was a good time to take that all-important walk and enjoy a change of scene.

In some areas the farmland was exposed to the elements, but this farmhouse complex and outbuildings were sheltered by the woods and plantations of fir and deciduous trees on the surrounding hills.

At the high school I could take a photo of the scene, something I wouldn't do if the children were there in the playground.  The exercise yard was empty and silent. The children were at home studying by remote learning.  When the young people are there I imagine a rota would be organised for small groups to take a break during this time of challenge for students, teachers and other staff.

The road leads to High Bradfield, but there is a descent down into the village and then a further one down into Low Bradfield. It wasn't the sort of day to drive any further that way so we turned around and headed for the Common. Slowly and carefully we passed the rider on horseback making sure that the horse was not disturbed.

On the Common the paths were hard and frozen by the overnight frost. There were quite a few walkers around as usual, but I didn't venture far as Mr P was waiting in the car in the parking area by one of the entrances.

Winter deciduous trees are fascinating.  The bare branches stand out against the landscape and when the sun is out they cast shadows, in this case upon the stone building and fence.

 Across the road from the entrance to the Common the roads go down in terraces.  In a garden a palm tree looks quite exotic, but in fact I see quite a few of them growing in sheltered places in our area.

The snow has melted now and rain is forecast for the rest of the week with perhaps some more sleet by Thursday.   I've plenty to do at home and I've the walk in the park to share with you another time. Meanwhile, thank you for your visit. Have a good day!