Busy most of the day, I managed to slip out late afternoon for a ride. It was glorious; Chasewater was busy, yet there were deer on the dam. The countryside was alive, and bursting into leaf and bloom everywhere I looked. Then I cycled down to Wall and got there just as the sun hit it’s final, golden hour. The atmosphere was magical.

A cracking ride on a lovely day. For more, do check out my 365daysofbiking journal.

Wall itself was as beautiful as ever

The oilseed rape isn’t yet fully in bloom at Wall

Such beautiful colours

Chesterfield in the golden hour is always magical

I loved the interplay of sun and shade

Thornyhurst Lane: only a few weeks ago this was impassible due to drifting snow

Hammerwich from Newton, on the canal

The bluebells in Wall churchyard were gorgeous

They looked like yearlings to me. I see the moult has set in…

Wall church itself is impressive and unusual in style

Wall is very leafy

That copper beech at Pipehill is gorgeous

In the golden hour, the shadows were long and the air cool

The Roman remains always look best on a sunny evening

Three red dear were browsing on the dam at Chasewater