Herefordshire 2023 - November Visit - Part 3: Leominster

 

On the Thursday rain was forecast but it was actually dry, if cloudy, all day.

We've moved the birdbath to the border under the hawthorn hedge so we can see it from the kitchen window.

We've put the sundial where the birdbath was at the side of the caravan.  The pot isn't as tall as I would have liked a plinth to be but at least we have somewhere to put the sundial itself.

View from the window by the table. 

D and I had talked of going to the Hop Pocket Shopping Village on the Thursday and I was hoping to stop off too at Bishop's Frome church but B wanted some things from Leominster so Leominster it was!  Sorry the posts this visit are all a bit samey and I know I post about Tenbury Wells and Leominster a lot!

As with other market towns in the area Leominster is blessed with a good selection of independent shops.  This stationer's is one of D and I's favourites.

This is the little art gallery where B bought my 70th birthday painting last year - some of you may remember it.

I spent a fortune in Rossiters bookshop.  Some presents but I have to admit a few sneaky items for me too!  I've found another print of a British Rail poster of Herefordshire - this time featuring a view of Weobley village.  I also bought a recently published book comprising The Shropshire Lad by A E Houseman illustrated with photos of Shropshire.

A yet to be decorated Christmas Tree in the market square.

We stopped off at B and Q and went a walk along the River Kenwater which was very high.

All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera. (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one or one of my son's I would be grateful for an email first - thanks).

Back to Herefordshire - Part 5: Riverside Walk at Leominster

 

Friday was thankfully cooler and B suggested we try and find a riverside walk.  A bit of googling revealed a Riverside Route in Leominster taking in two rivers.

We parked in the car park by the Priory and B went over to check the River Kenwater which runs along one side. Unbelievably he saw yet another Kingfisher and oh joy! I saw the same bird a few minutes later.

We cut out the first part of the route through the town centre and picked it up by Leominster Priory.

I've not seen the Priory House on previous visits.  It is one of the few surviving buildings built by the monks of Leominster Priory. Others include Fobury Chapel and of course the Priory Church itself.  Priory House was probably built in the mid 1100's although there have been alterations over the years.  Some researchers think it was used as an infirmary by the monks to treat the sick. Alternatively it could have provided lodgings for the prior. When the monastery was dissolved in 1539 it was kept as a private residence.  

From 1836 until the early 20th century it was used as a workhouse for the poor. It then became a hospital and then offices for the County Council. Today it is used as a youth hostel.

This area is known as The Tranquil Place.

This archway and sculpture is by Walenty Pytel who lives locally.

At this stage we had to walk across a terrifyingly high railway bridge to cross the railway line (I don't like heights!) before emerging into woodland.

This dragonfly mosaic was made by local people and sadly it now looks rather worn and damaged.

Into Easters Wood

Before retracing our steps through the wood and across a meadow to reach the River Lugg.

From this bridge we saw another Kingfisher!

Walking back along the River Kenwater  I was chuffed to see a Dipper.

Rowan berries 

Worryingly on this large buddleia I saw just one butterfly - a White.

It was a pleasant walk and took about two hours although we did dawdle at times.  

A nice way to end the break - we came home at lunchtime the following day.

I hope everyone is staying safe and well.

All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera.  (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone ever wants to use one I would appreciate an email first thanks)