Shifnal and Kemberton

Winter can be a very frustrating time for the explorer, where a succession of grey skies and dreary weather can rather ruin any chance of getting photos. Then again, winter can also offer its own special kind of magic with the prospect of snow and frost adding a whole new dimension to the landscape. This magic was very much evident last Saturday as Dad and I enjoyed a walk around Shifnal and Kemberton.

I must admit I was slightly concerned as we drove across to Shifnal - there were dense patches of fog either side of the A464 and the in-car temperature gauge at one point read -7. It was still bitterly cold as we parked up by the village hall, but once we were underway the temperature didn't seem to matter. The walk was full of interest, beginning with a look at Shifnal itself. I didn't get any photos, instead preferring to make mental notes of future targets. I spotted a good selection of pubs, some attractive half-timbered buildings and the entrance to the railway station - plenty to keep me occupied on a return visit.

Leaving the town cente, we branched off down Park Lane before heading across fields to Lodge Hill. The scenery was delightful, with frost-capped hedgerows, a frozen duckpond and the sun shielded by a screen of fog for a very atmospheric eerie quality. We head down through a farm and then on through woodland before emerging into Evelith, a little hamlet with an impressive old mill house where the weather undoubtedly contributed to the pervading sense of remoteness and isolation.

From Evelith we tackled the frozen mud of King Charles Wood then negotiated the site of Kemberton Mill, complete with footbridges, plunge pools and half-derelict outbuildings. Next was Kemberton village itself, which proved to be the star of the show. The camera was soon in action taking pictures of the local church and the Masons Arms pub, although my eye was also taken by some striking houses that perhaps belonged to old manors and farmsteads. The village hall, school house and little red post box all contributed to the traditional atmosphere and charm, although we did discover some newer buildings too as we searched for Field Lane to lead us back towards Shifnal.

The return leg took us past a sewage works and around the rather exclusive Manor Barns, where we joined the driveway up to the main road. Church Street led us back into Shifnal town centre, providing me with a closer look at St Andrew's Church and the chance for a couple of photos as the church clock ticked around to quarter past eleven. Soon we were back at the car, reflecting on what had been an excellent walk, six and a quarter miles full of interest that had made the most of a beautiful morning. On another day in different conditions the walk would have been enjoyable, but I actually felt we were very lucky, timing it just about right to see winter at its magical very, very best. I couldn't have asked for a better start to my 2009 explorations.