Summer social – Leintwardine walk

Ludlow and Marches Humanists held their 2023 summer social event on Saturday, July 15th.

Here are some reflections on the outing from Malcolm Rochefort with photos from Malcolm and Frances Lloyd.

The sun has often shined on our Summer Socials, so we were hoping that the capricious British summer would oblige again. Well it did, but only for 50% of the time…

We planned a walk from a locally favourite inn (The Sun at Leintwardine), intending to eat fish and chips from the equally renowned Fiddlers Elbow, in the garden of The Sun (which is allowed with permission).

The forecast on the morning of the walk was not propitious – we almost cancelled, but a few stalwarts made it to the start line in time for our jaunt. We started in sunshine, but within 10 minutes the forecast storm arrived and drenched us thoroughly. Luckily, as we approached the top of Haregrove Wood, the rain eased off and we were then lucky to find spectacular views of the Clee Hills to the east, and the Teme Valley to the South, with a glorious sunny descent through flocks of sheep to Leintwardine and the Sun Inn.

As we dried out and enjoyed the excellent beer range at The Sun, other members joined us and we ate our lunch (under the balcony, as the shower clouds were still lurking), and chatted, looking out over the garden – by now in full sun.

I think all enjoyed it, and we’ll try to arrange better weather next year, but don’t bet on it. If only there was a higher power we could prevail upon…