Middlestown RFM Blue Line Walking with Lacey

 Middlestown

RFM Blue Line 

Walking with Lacey

13/01/25

Today was the first day of the end of a deep winter cold spell so the warmer air, about 4C, was thawing the icy lanes and paths creating an extreme slip hazzard of water on ice. The walk was slow as we carefully picked our way across the vicious underfoot conditions.

We chatted with an older lady as we left the small estate onto the fields. I just love Yorkshire people, we are so friendly. A dog walker passed us as we took these photos and commented on the good view. The view towards Wakefield was lovely but the light even darker than the photos suggest.

I'll let these photos speak for themsleves. We abandoned the lane and went into the field to drop down to New Hall farm as the lane was just too slippy.

Looking south the sky looked like a sunrise but actually it was mid-morning, the winter sun struggling to make an impact.

Passing the duck pond at New Hall farm the path was extreme and any ducks around were tucked up warm somewhere.

We followed the straight road away from New Hall Prison and Young Offender Institution seen through the trees surrounded by a high fence. The avenue of trees were very pleasant.

The view across the fields from New Hall was bleak.

Before we reached the road to Flockton we passed this piece of industrial heritage, a lone chimney. We wondered what story it could tell but there was nothing else there but the derelict chimney.

We passed a couple of ramblers and a dog walker on the way to Flockton all using the road to walk on as the path was an icy unusable mess. Mercifully the road was quiet so there was little danger. Interesting winter sky.

The lane out of Flockton Green was, what a suprise, icy. There was a mass of noisy small birds mainly tits and Goldfinches. A pair of male, pristine, brightly coloured Great Tits sung loudly high in the hedge and were a joy to behold.

This is a very long distance view of Wakefield. 

Emley Moor mass stood stark on the monotone horizon.

We followed the road back towards Overton past the National Mining Museum.

It was good to see the minature nativity outside the chapel near the car but it is a bit late to still be on display.

A good walk, not too long at about 4 miles but slow going on the treacherous surface. Long enough.

Lacey's photos