Bus Pass Walk

Pouring rain heralded the start of our walk this morning, but it soon dried up and we even got some blue skies and sunshine!  We noticed this pretty garden full of crocuses and snowdrops as we crossed the old bridge at Beckfoot.  We were discussing the age of the ancient bridge and lovely old houses.  The bridge is on an ancient forest road. An old wooden bridge was replaced in 1723 by this stone bridge at at a cost of £10 including 7 years maintenance!  Beckfoot Farm alongside the bridge was once owned by the Knights of St John and has a door stone stating 1617.
The ford was high and the river flowing very fast - my extra doesn’t look as bad as it actually was.  A couple of ducks were being carried along as though white water rafting! They finally managed to reach the bank for a rest! 
Walking up to the canal we could see the awful flooding at the rugby club - it has receded a little now, but the cricket and rugby pitches are still underwater, and the clubhouse has been breached - sad to see.  
Excellent refreshments taken at The Loft Cafe - such lovely staff there.  Would have been hubby’s birthday today, so good to spend time walking and in good company to lift the spirits!