Last week Judith and I were back in the UK visiting our respective families. While in the Midlands, we had a few hours to spare, so we decided to take a walk along the canal near Great Haywood Junction. Though I should really say canals, as that’s where the Trent and Mersey canal meets the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. It’s like a T junction – see first pic showing a map of the area.
As you will see, it was a pretty grey day, but there’s always something interesting to photograph – not least, in this instance, Shugborough Hall and the fascinating design of Essex Bridge. Twice I had to step to one side into one of the V shapes ‘laybys’ – once for a jogger and the second time for 3 ladies on horseback. It was clearly a popular route. 🙂
Alittlebitoutoffocus 
That’s a wonderful walk, Mike. I love that kind of paths. As you say there is always something to look at 😊
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Definitely – there’s always something interesting. ☺
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your photos reflect how much like Spring it’s looking like, here! It looks like a great route.
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Yes indeed. Everything looked so green after all the white we’ve been looking at in Switzerland. 🙂
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Nice shots Mike, I really like the mono of the bridge it gives it the right feel. Always fascinated by old canals especially in an industrial setting, there seems to be a beauty even in decay and grime. This setting is glorious looking countryside.
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Many thanks for your kind comments. As you say there’s a certain something about canals which draws you in and along. It’s always very peaceful too – away from all the usual traffic noise. (I think I may have seen a butterfly today, but I couldn’t be certain or say what kind).
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Saw my first on Friday, a male Brimstone zipped through the garden a couple of times.
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With the morning temperatures as they are (around zero) I certainly wasn’t expecting to see any butterflies. So it was a bit of a surprise when this thing (apparently) leapt off a tree covered in moss and flitted away. My first thought was butterfly, but then as the flight was quite direct, I thought it could be a very small bird. But since we don’t have any birds of that size… I presumed it must be a tortoiseshell, as they are usually one of the first to appear in our valley.
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Your photos are brilliant..absolutely beautiful place!
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Thank you very much! It was a nice walk, though a little grey!
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