Wonderful spring weather- the first walk of the year without a jacket.

2hrs

Start at Weir Quay (433650) and walk past Hole's Hole, take the well marked footpath sigh through the woods ( the bluebells will soon be magnificent)- meanwhile, the leafless tress allow good views and glimpses of and down the rivr. At an obvious junction take the left fork*, still through the woods to South Hooe. The path does legitimately go through a garden but doesn't actually go anywhere and does not give access to the river.If you take the straight ahead path at * you will come out at the top of the dotted green track down to North Hooe- this track doesn't lead anywhere either and does not give access to the river. The woods  and the views were ( for me) pleasure enough. Turn right up the lane and then left at the footpath sign. The path takes you through fields and is STEEP steep as the countours suggest at Mine(dis) on the map. There are great views across the river to Halton Quay. The path is well marked, the stiles robust but there is the possibilty of significant plodge at the bottom. The path turns up hill and right at Lockridge Farm then across fields to Whitsam. Go through the farm, up the lane and then take the next obvious farm track on the right to Hewton. A quick burst along the quiet lane and then take a well marked and used footpath on the right downhill and through woods to exit on the lane. Walk down hill and admire the extensive building renovations at what may have been an old foundry. Return to start.

Birds: too busy looking at the views.

Flowers: the first violets on a south facing bank, snowdrops, daffodils and primroses.

Small joys: sunshine, views and the start of the spring flowers.