Lower Wye Ramblers celebrated the foretaste of spring on Sunday 16th. March with a four-and-a-half mile circular walk at St Briavels.

Descending Wyewards on paths on which the mud was rapidly drying, the warm sunshine banishing memories of the past winter horrors, the walkers turned to follow the valley side past Lindors and Mork to meet Slade Brook.

Following the brook, the footpath led through woodland where the sunshine shone down through branches, as yet bare, but already bearing the gleam of fresh green growth.

After pausing to debate the origins and purpose of an old, man-made and spring fed pond, the group passed through Slade Bottom and ascended Dark Hill to return to St Briavels. Along the hill-side they were treated to panoramic views across the valley basking in the sunshine. For information about Lower Wye Ramblers contact Bill on 01291 628656 or go to http://www.lowerwyerambles.co.uk">www.lowerwyerambles.co.uk