Weekend in Ludlow

Another weekend away - this time with a few more home comforts, in a cottage in Ludlow where we've stayed before. Travelled on the train as usual, and managed a swift glass of Bucks Fizz, and got there in time for lunch in our usual pub, The Church. Nice glasses for the local brewed Ludlow beer. I'm still trying to lose weight, so no beer for me, on the basis that white wine and soda has less calories.  No chips either (I've not eaten chips for 10 weeks.....), but a good lunch anyway!  Then a trip  to Tescos for the weekend shop - we're very domesticated.

Some of us managed a quick walk after sorting the cottage out, Stuart stayed behind to practice his banjo. down to the River Teme, and the Horseshoe Weir, where we didn't see a heron, or a kingfisher. Someone had obviously forgotten to book them. The Charlton across the bridge looked inviting and we needed to book a table for a meal, so we popped in there for a little rest!  Lovely pub, with a great terrace over the river. Then back up through the town, and a trip to the local butchers for proper sausages to go with the mash for tea.

After a meal, we made it out to the The Wheatsheaf for a drink, and then bed.

Saturday we walked to Bromfield. Lovely walk, by the river, across some fields, and through the estate of Oakly Park. Oakly Park looks lovely - it's a shame we have to stick to the edge of it as it's private. Lovely clear day, very different to the fog last time we did the walk. Lots of primroses and daffodils out along the way, and great views of the castle.



There's an old derelict mill along the way which we've looked at many times, and thought how good it would  be to restore it, it would make a fantastic house. Was really pleased last time we came past to see that it was being renovated, and was part of a scheme to put some hydroelectric power generators in, utilising the mill race. Great idea, and the work is really coming along now, the original weir has been restored.

Just past Bromfield is The Clive, where we stopped for lunch, and then visited the Ludlow Food Centre, a great place for shopping, with most of the food actually made on the premises or sourced locally.  The walk back is usually very wet, so we decided to catch the bus - it was late, and some of our party had a nap in the bus shelter!

Back in Ludlow we looked round the market and the shops. It's a lovely town, beautiful Georgian architecture, and the market is a mixture of craft, food and plant stalls. We went to a wool shop, not for me, but I found myself buying wool and needles and deciding to knit a scarf. Not sure why! Back to the cottage (via The Church....), and a couple of aperitifs before leaving for a meal at The Charlton Arms. Excellent food, and a great view over the river from the conservatory style restaurant. Lovely evening, and then back to the cottage.