Windmill Hill is probably most Wenlockians’ favourite spot for a short walk, though it does involve quite a steep climb, especially if you approach it from the Linden Field.
When I set off here on Friday afternoon it was under glooming skies. But just as I reached the top, the sun broke through the cloud, lighting up the land all around the town. Here are the views:
Looking west. You can see the allotment polytunnels in the shadows just right of centre.
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And to the east, Shadwell Quarry, long disused, but the land around slated for some sort of leisure development (dive school plus cabins). The pool is exceedingly deep, and every time I look, the water level seems to have risen. Peregrine falcons have a breeding spot in the least accessible quarter of the quarry face.
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And looking from east to south:
These two photos show land that was originally part of Wenlock Priory’s considerable possessions; once the monks’ hunting ground in fact. After the Dissolution in 1540 the Priory assets were acquired by Henry VIII’s courtiers and sold on to London gentry, men with entrepreneurial flair who were intent on further developing industrial enterprises already run by the monks and their peasant workforce: coal mining, iron smelting, charcoal production.
These days, as you can see, it is an agricultural estate (some 10,000 acres) presently owned by Lord Forester, whose family have held it since the 17th century. The distant tree line in the photo immediately above is Shirlett Forest, the site of early coal mines, where it is said, (and somewhat hair-raisingly) that the miners reached the coal seams by being lowered down shafts in baskets. As may be imagined, for some this did not end well.
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And finally looking down the hill to the Linden Field:
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Now you can see why it’s a favourite walk. I also discovered on Friday that a brand new bench has arrived there, bequeathed by two well-loved residents. What a very fine gift to us. Two good spots for sitting and dreaming.
Tish Farrell 
What wonderful views and wonderful light you captured here Tish. Always nice to have a place that rewards you with such views. The dive school plus cabins idea is a bit of a worry for those Peregrines surely?
The plans have been lingering for around a decade now with nothing happening. However, a lot of vegetation and trees have been felled around the quarry, suggesting likely activity. And yes there has been much concern expressed locally about the development (right from when it was first mooted), but this doesn’t seem to get us anywhere.
Well given the current economic climate they might think twice. How’s the development going up by the old power station?
Oh, I thnk it’s going ahead. Shropshire is one big building site these days. You should see the new housing explosion going on around Shrewsbury – hundreds of houses.
It is such a rural county though you have to wonder where all the jobs are going to come from.
That’s just it. Who are the houses for? There’s much emphasis on 4-bed detached but all crammed together. There’s been huge growth in Telford, which I can understand – it has jobs and planned infrastructure.
Like Jude I worry about the impact on nature. This country (ie local and national governments) seems to be getting good at bemoaning or ignoring the effects of development on nature, whilst not doing anything that will look after it
Not much seems to stand in the way of a determined planning application by big business. Local councils are fearful of being taken to tribunals if they refuse an application. They don’t mind refusing ordinary mortals though.
I know I know – locally we have a group of individuals who have been successful in taking our council to judicial review on mistakes with big development plans. They have needed financial backing though
Beautiful images with perfect light Tish. You saw the opportunity and took it!
I did, Anne 🙂
This looks such a good walk, with a bit of everything – and even a bench!
It covers all bases (and even tops) 🙂
I love it when the sun comes out at exactly the right moment, and a wonderful new bench indeed.
Magic moments.
Lovely and peaceful
Thanks, Flower.
Simply beautiful.
Cheers, Mak.
Such light, divine world out there and that old worldlyness in images and feeling. Thanks Tish
And many thanks to you for your appreciative comment, Narayan.
Don’t you just love those light up the sky moments!
Absolutely. One has to hug them tight 🙂
🤗💗
Wonderful views in all directions but I especially like that second shot.
Many thanks, Janet. I missed you.
And I you. 🥰
🙂 🙂
Reblogged this on Hutts Ultra Blogging World.
Beautiful light, perfect for these autumnal views – just lovely!
Thanks, Sarah. It’s hard to think about that light today. We’re under lowering skies and intermittent downpours. V. gloomy.
Miserable weather here in London too 🌧
😦
Oh so lovely!
Could it be that benches are the mark of civilisation?
Definitely a mark of the civilization or even civilisation. I never know which is English or American spelling so use either. But looking just now at the Oxford dictionary (and I won’t remember this) ‘Z’ appears to be the English spelling.
All right. That will end up my own confusion… Z all the way from now on. 😉
Kwaheri sassa.
(Just wondered whether civilisation is with an S or a Z? I think “American” is getting a hold of me. 😉
Beautiful. 😀 … I love those sorts of bench surprises. 😀
It’s in such a good spot too for pondering on our ‘Rip Van Winkle like’ town.
Wow!
What a wonderfully amazing walk towards the windmill. Very lovely 🙂
Thanks, Hammad. It’s a well-loved path.