I am lucky in many ways but living where I do is a constant source of delight. Shropshire is entirely beautiful but the bit I live in-the wide open spaces in the North West of the County, on the Welsh border-are special. Today I found myself, at the end of my first 8 minute shift, on the edge of Whixall Moss National Nature Reserve, part of almost 2,400 acres of ancient peat bog. The adders have gone to bed for the winter now so I thought I'd run my second 8minute shift on the Moss.
Wonderful.
The silence and sense of isolation is total...or it was until a Charm of Goldfinches decided to accompany the strange, plodding beast stumbling along the peat path. Have you ever been laughed at by a score of tiny, insanely delicate, beautiful creatures? It is an experience. I was then told off by a Buzzard, perched on a marker post on the path, annoyed that his patch was being invaded by an ungainly outsider unfit to be in this place where such a pathetic specimen would not survive in the wild. The way they sit and peer at you, unphased, head cocked, fearless, is breathtaking.
8 minutes passed in a flash.
Running on the ancient peat is gentle on the joints but surprisingly energy sapping.
I look forward to future weeks and running these quiet places that I and my dogs walk every day: it is like seeing them in a new light, from another dimension.
Food for the soul.
Written by
Pm3eak
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We stayed on the Hereford/ Shropshire border a few years ago and the running and walking almost matched Devon.......... well it did really, just different.
You develop an even greater appreciation of your natural environment as a runner. I am convinced it is to do with sharper senses as a result of increased blood flow.
I am sure you are right about the 'sharper senses'. I spent many years involved in long distance, solo cycling and became very interested in the effects of exercise on the brain...I still am. In recent years I have reverted to swimming and although the environment can be a bit dull I have experienced states of deep calm that are quite remarkable.
Although never a runner, I have actually run a lot in Devon... well, when I say run, please read that as lumbering around rugby pitches while I was stationed down there. Wonderful county.
Gorgeous scenery and beautiful post! I wish I could run in such a wild place... I do get the few magpies laughing at me sometimes and more out of place in the north of France, green lorikeets or budgies who have adapted to our city park life and the temperatures (plus global warming). Nothing so wild... Keep on enjoying the runs on peat bogs for us!
It’s great int it. Always something to see. I once vaulted a log, blocking my path, except it moved. It was a large snake! I jumped so high I can’t tell you 😃. i thought it was at the very least an escaped cobra, the way it swivelled and reared it's head
An escapee perhaps ? It was a large female grass snake i later found out
Lovely post thanks Pm3eak - and great photo. As a keen bird watcher I could just imagine those goldfinches- I love them, they are so sociable - and a buzzard too - wow!
You'd love it here Elfe5. We are keen bird watchers too and the variety of birds is incredible: merlin, wild quail, waders of many kinds, duck, short-eared owl...and in Summer I just sit and watch Hobby chasing dragonflies. My one sadness is that the cuckoo is now a rare treat.
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