Green lane, hollow way, sunken road: there’s a hint of mystery in these byways, not only in the names, but in the sense of times past, centuries of footfall embedded in the earth between ancient hedges; the passing of cottage folk, farmers, drovers with their herds and flocks; times when most people only had their feet to rely on if they needed to go anywhere.
This particular green lane is one of my favourite spots in Bishop’s Castle. The following photos are ones I forgot to post, taken on a late November walk. It was a brilliant day too, following a brief snow fall and several days of hard frost.
The frozen grass and leaves were crunchy under foot, gripping boots and making the walking easy as we climbed up Wintles Hill. We were heading to the dew ponds.
There are essential landmarks en route of course: a hoar-frosty Long Mynd…
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The barns with their rusty roofs that always insist on having their photo taken…
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The skyline ash tree that looks like an arboreal version of Munch’s ‘The Scream’…
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As for the dew ponds, there are three on the hilltop, one very much in use, as you can see from the well-pocked mud around it…
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One dwindling in the next door arable field and so only used by wildlife…
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And the largest in a now enclosed enclave where it is producing a fine crop of bullrushes…
I don’t know why this corner of the field has been hived off, access provided by two stout kissing gates either side of it, but the Shropshire Way footpath passes through it.
It’s a good spot for holly trees, which reminds me. Holly was once grown in farm hedges both to shelter stock and as a valuable winter fodder for sheep (and sometimes cattle) when hay was in short supply. And yes, it does seem an unlikely foodstuff with all those prickles, but apparently the leaves become less barbed as the tree grows taller. And so it was the upper branches that were lopped off for the animals to feed on, the holly trees doubtless thriving on the pollarding (if our brute of a garden holly hedge is anything to go by).
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Water was the other essential in hill country where streams were lacking. Dew ponds have been used at least since Neolithic times. They were also much used in mediaeval times and in the 18th-19th centuries, both periods reflecting a vibrant market for sheep wool.
Pond construction required skill and heavy labour. First a saucer shaped depression was excavated, about 3 feet (1 metre) deep. The diameter varied between 10 feet (3 metres) to 45 feet (15 metres). The whole surface was then covered with straw followed by a layer of mud which had to be puddled to seal the surface. (Canal beds were sealed in the same way, the puddling usually done by labourers in bare feet). Once sealed, rain and field run-off duly collected in the ponds.
In the past, Welsh drovers would have driven their stock through Bishop’s Castle, and on to the town and city markets of the Midlands. This next photo shows the country they would have trekked through – not so tamed and tidy in the eighteenth century. (Wales ahead, dewponds behind me). Perhaps the flocks and herds were gathered and watered at points like these before the drovers broached the town.
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And it was at this moment that thoughts of watering holes had us turning on our heels and heading downhill to town. Toasted sandwiches at The Castle Hotel suddenly beckoned, plus a glass of delicious Clun pale ale.
Cheers and happy festive season to all the Lens-Artists (and their followers).
Many thanks for setting us so many diverting challenges through 2025.
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Lens-Artists: Last chance for 2025 This week Patti sets the theme: last chance to post photos that missed previous posting opportunities.
Big smile for your ending on this one Trish! Looks like such a beautiful area, perfect for walking among nature’s gifts. Thanks for sharing and Happiest of Holidays to you!
All the very best to you, Tina.
Stunning photos Tish.
Many thanks, Jude.
A very enjoyable and informative ramble through a beautiful corner of the planet that’s mostly been a mystery to me. Many thanks.
Thanks for rambling with me, Bob. Happy, too, to reveal a glimpse of unfamiliar territory 🙂
What a gorgeous walk, Tish. Just lovely photos/landscapes. And thanks for the kind words and wishes for 2026. I wish the same for you and your loved ones.
Many thanks, Patti. All best wishes to you and yours.
That dusting of white stuff on the hills is quite enchanting, Tish. Happy hols, sitting by your toasty log fire xx
Happy hols and travels to you and Mick. Tx
Beautiful images, I really like the green lane! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you too, Pamela.
Tish, what a pleasant walk you shared! The area is beautiful, as are your photos. Happy holidays!
Many thanks, Egídio. All the best to you.
These are great Tish, love the scream tree, though I like so many of the images. I would love to photograph countryside like that, however, we just don’t have it here. All the best for the silly season and I will see you next year.
Cheers, Leanne. Thank you for that very nice comment. Happy hols!
Lovely images, beautiful story you have weaved around them! Happy holidays 🙂
Thank you, Saurab. Good to have you along 🙂
Every one of those shots – and the memories they evoke – is definitely worth an outing.
It’s always good to remember you visited our neck of the woods, Margaret. So much to explore 🙂
Indeed!
a fabulous ramble, gorgeous shots and a lovely sense of walking with ancestors as well as leaving footsteps for those who will follow
That’s very nicely put, Becky. Thank you.
thank you for a very interesting history of the dew ponds, Tish – I first came across them on Long Mynd
That drovers route view too is superb -more and more of these routes are being ‘resurrected’ as footpaths so that we can literally step back in time (but cushioned of course with all our modern accessories!)
sending you warm wishes for Christmas (though perhaps that should be dry and merry wishes since the outlook is wet but the Castle will be open) and I look forward to your 2026 posts
Ah, the wild Long Mynd tops. We’ve not been up there for ages. Happier to look at them across the valley, given the hair-raising Burway or the meanders through Rattlinghope.
I’m thinking, too, that the drovers roads must have/probably followed ancient prehistoric trading routes. It’s excellent that they’re being renewed as footpaths.
Thank you for the Christmas greetings, and yes, we’ll have to do our best to make merry in the wetness. Already our local rivers are bursting their banks. Another good thing about living on a hill! Cheers, and all the best for 2026.
Most interesting history, Tish. I used to walk drovers roads in Wales.- in parts liminal places
There’s something very captivating both about the drove roads themselves and the thought of them. I read in our little museum that if the gentry needed to travel, or send their sons on a mission, they would travel with the drovers for safety against highway men etc. Also the drovers acted like bankers, or even DPD, delivering stuff that has been entrusted to them. A drover set up the first Welsh bank, in Llandovery, I think.
Your little museum certainly had some interesting information
Looks like perfect weather for a winter walk, and a perfect destination too! I love that old ash tree 😀 And I always learn something from your posts – this time the construction of dew ponds!
You never know when you might need those instructions, Sarah 🙂
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Festive greetings to you Tish. Your green lane walks look so inviting. Fabulous views too.
Many thanks and all best wishes to you, Flavia.
Love the Munch scream tree!
I also take its photo whenever I pass by.
Wonderful read and beautiful photos. I’m in love with the ash tree. Happy holidays to you, Tish.
Many thanks, Sofia. All best wishes to you and yours.