Four months into the year already and I’m on the hunt for some colour! I am a little early this month as I shall be away in Cornwall when I normally post this walk. So let’s see what has changed since March.
Well, those trees are still dormant. But there is some colour around the castle grounds although not as much as there was at this time last year when the blossom and magnolia were already in full flower.
Date:Â April 5 2015 [Easter]
Weather:Â sunshine
Temperature: Warm (15°C)
Time:Â 3 – 4 pm
There are more people now, wandering around the town and castle. Even sitting on the benches! The one below is my favourite as you have an amazing view across to Whitcliffe and also it is in the sun.
I thought that for a change I would nip through the outer wall of the castle and wander down to the river from there, to see if there is any sign of life. It is a glorious day and the sun is warm. Birds, especially robins, are singing their hearts out and the ducks are pairing up. I’m happy to find wild violets, blue anemones, daisies and a small tortoiseshell butterfly. There were several sulphur yellow male brimstones too, but they flitted about so fast in the sunshine never coming to rest.
Whenever I walk around the castle I think of Catherine of Aragon looking out of those windows. It’s strange to think that she once lived here.
[In 1501, at the age of 16, Catherine arrived in England after a treacherous three-month sea voyage. She was married to Prince Arthur – now 15 – in old St Paul’s Cathedral. They moved to Ludlow Castle on the Welsh border. Unfortunately their marriage was to be short-lived as Arthur contracted what may have been “sweating sickness” and died shortly afterwards.]
People are out an about on the Millennium Green and even playing in the water, though not yet in swimsuits. The water level is low, but the river is running fast.
Continuing along the Breadwalk it is noticeably greener, though the trees are still bare. I hadn’t realised how late it is before they get new leaves. Recent rain has caused the path to be quite muddy and I see that I missed the egg rolling.
I searched for my swans, but to no avail. Maybe they have headed further downstream to breed. I hope that they are still around. Heading back up the Lower Broad Street I notice that there are more spring bulbs flowering in the pots and the cherry tree has new leaves.
Spring is later this year, but as one gardener said to me this should be better for the late spring and summer flowers as they will avoid the threat of a late frost.
The Cardinal has decided to have a photo project going throughout 2015 – a blogging event, a monthly photo challenge. Find a location near your home, take somewhere between 5-20 photos and post them in a gallery in your blog. Continue to do this every month. The idea is to capture all the changes: the seasons, the weather, different times of the day, some night photography perhaps?
TRAVEL WORDS 
Love it all! Can’t pick favorites! Ok, I can – birds chirping and wild violets and beside you on the bench!
With wine brought by Joanne 🙂
I find that a fascinating thought too Jude, that Catherine of Aragon once lived there, being a Tudor nut 😉 Your photos are so beautiful, makes me so glad to be in England at this time of year, everything bursting into glorious spring colour. I’m glad it’s not as early as last year, hopefully we won’t get any nasty frosts just as things are really blooming. But today in the garden, I saw several bumble bees which is wonderful and a couple of butterflies. Also a very horrible queen wasp in the summerhouse…not so nice 😮 Have a lovely time in Cornwall, give me a wave as you drive by 😀 xx
I studied the Tudors at school. Would never have believed then that I would be living and walking streets where once a Tudor prince lived and died. I bet your garden is bursting into life now. I can’t quite believe how quickly things grow once they get a bit of warmth!
Missed the egg rolling, Jude! I know how you love a bit of exercise 🙂 I was up on the cliff tops this morning and the gorse is full on! A few primroses in sheltered spots and even an orchid or two (I think!) It’s been too good to be true. Did battle with a well overgrown clematis montana this afternoon. Worn out now! Nearly wine time 🙂 Gone myself on Wednesday so will catch you up when we’re both back. Have fun!
Hahaha Jo! I hope this weather lasts, though I know it is meant to get cooler. Oh, well, as long as it remains dry! Have a good trip – you away for long?
Back 24th then off to Poland with Dad end of month. I’ll have to hoard the benches for you 🙂 House hunt included? (or shouldn’t I ask?)
Gosh you are going to be busy, busy, busy. Are you meeting up with Meg in Poland? She is there again in May isn’t she? We may cast our eyes around a few properties…
I would have loved to but I will mostly be in Krakow, with maybe a quick trip north to see aunt and uncles. I’m only there a week and Warsaw is about a 4 hour rail trip 😦
Oh, that’s a shame. She’s a great person to spend time with. As are you I’m sure 😀
Me, not so much 🙂 🙂
Is there anything half way between the two?
Have had a lovely offer from Meg. Not sure if it will work. Hope so! 🙂 🙂
I shall keep my fingers crossed, though that might make driving a problem 😕
I love the green, I hope it gets lots of use?
Always very busy around there when the sun is out. We call it ‘Ludlow Beach’ as kids love to paddle there. Also feed the ducks. And there is a good café and ice-cream. Tempted?
I absolutely love this series, and your photos are superb. Why are you contemplating moving? Ludlow looks wonderful to these Southern Hemisphere eyes.
if you want to live in the countryside with no motorways nearby, then it is a perfect town, even has a railway station! Lots going on, good, no make that great, local produce, beautiful views, loads of history. BUT it is a landlocked county and at least 2 hours to the Welsh coast so not easy to do in a day. I have always wanted to live by the coast again (after my years in Cape Town) and although I have enjoyed living here, I would like to end my days closer to the coast. Smell the sea, watch the waves, photograph the sunsets and the fishing boats.
Blessings on the search for a place by the sea. But end your days? May it be a good long ending!
Well it would be nice to settle somewhere for a few decades – or is that being greedy?
Not greedy at all. Just sure of what you want.
As wonderful as ever, my friend ! – beautiful shots of a glorious part of England. I think the violets won my heart; but the old town is splendid; and of course the castle ruins are … well, they make me VERY jealous of you …
I enjoyed that walk, thank you. 🙂 I think this might be my favourite time of year, when things are starting to green up and look fresh and new.
I really like the shot with the daffodils and the timbered building (oh yeah, and the bench lurking on the left). All that’s missing from this walk is cosy pub at the end. 😉
Pub just around the corner from those daffodils Karen 🙂 But I did the walk in reverse this time so it was at the start of the walk 😀
Ludlow is definitely starting to bloom 🙂 Have a really great time in Cornwall!
I was interested to read that Catherine lived there. Like some of your other readers I have read her biography and have always felt she was hard done by and still managed to retain her dignity.
It looks like spring is on the way at last.