Colemere Country Park, near Ellesmere and Oswestry, north Shropshire, England
According to the tourist blurb on the internet, "this area is sometimes known as the North Shropshire Lake District", which sounds rather fanciful although the main lake lying on the edge of Ellesmere town does give it the look of a little lakeside resort.
2.5 miles to the south-east of Ellesmere, along the A495 then the A528 and finally a narrow road off to the left, we reached the village of Colemere spread around a little web of lanes. Just beyond lay the lake itself, with a parking area and a grassy field leading down to the water's edge. It's not like some of the grander country parks found on the edges of large towns and cities, with a wide choice of hiking routes, visitor centres and events programmes. However it offers walkers more secluded and peaceful surroundings.
The lake was about half a mile from side to side, and less across to the far side. Woodland spread around the far side and around to the left. The sun was shining intermittently between scattered clouds, bringing a little warmth to the April air. This should be a short but pleasant hike along good paths, with little chance of getting lost!
We followed the path on the right, across open land which was a bit marshy in places, and then into the woods. The transformation in surroundings between open fields and woods is always striking. It's like going through a door into another world. Sheltered from the elements, you tend to notice the details of the surroundings more, and the contrasting shades and shapes. I particularly enjoy seeing the array of green or grey trunks of trees picked out by shafts of sunlight against a dark background. At springtime, the young leaves caught by the sun seem to hang in the air like drops of golden green light. And at locations such as this one, there's the added appeal of the sunlight sparkling off the nearby water, which adds to the range of habitats for birds and other wildlife.
Whilst adults may wander among the trees deep in thought, or engaged in conversation, youngsters are more likely to dash off and hide behind the first tree, then start to climb up the next one. Frances is no exception! So we had a leisurely stroll through the woods, interspersed with moments of chasing Frances or playing hide and seek.
Alongside the Shropshire Union Canal
On the far side of the lake the path came up to follow the embankment beside the Shropshire Union Canal. A couple of longboats chugged along, with the driver at the back holding onto the tiller and plantpots and bicycles on the roof of one of them. We exchanged greetings, momentarily sharing the relaxing pleasure of the setting. Countryside canals have a timeless feel to them..
After 15 minutes or so, we reached a little road with a thatched mill cottage and a bridge over the canal. With plenty of time to spare, we wandered over and down to the towpath on the other side, walked along it for another hundred yards or so to a picnic bench. It was sunny and sheltered, and an ideal spot to enjoy a hot drink from the flask and a biscuit. Then we turned back to the bridge and over to the mill cottage.
After that it was another 20 minutes' walk along the side of the lake through the trees, past geese and ducks.
We gathered again on the grassy space at the southern end of the lake before returning to the cars and heading off.
Whittington Castle was on the route back to Oswestry, and we had an impressive view of it as the road twisted left then right around it, but we didn't stop. As already reported at the end of the Oswestry town story, this castle is managed by a local community trust, and its website claims that this is unique in the UK, which sounds great. It could easily be combined with the Colemere walk to make a good day out. However, It was time for us to go back to the hotel and for different members of the party to do their own thing.
Contributed by: Andrew Llanwarne
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