We’re a third of the way through March, and daffodils are out, the sun is high in the sky and spring is in full effect. I left in the afternoon for a quiet, fast spin – I ended up on a 45-miler around Lichfield, Croxall, Edingale, Harlaston, Whittington, Weeford and Shenstone.

The weather was beautiful – a lovely hazy sun was physically warm, and I was out in teeshirt and shorts. There was little wind, and the lanes and byways were teeming with other cyclists, and people out walking.

The day ended in a decent sunset, too. After so much rain, the joy of speeding down dusty, dry lanes is immeasurable. Today I felt like I’d left a period of hibernation.

This time last year we were in the interregnum between two heavy snowfalls, and spring didn’t seem to come until well into April.

As ever, for more of this stuff, check out my 365daysofbiking journal.

A busy canal at Huddlesford.

How Shenstone looks best: in silhouette

The sunset died in the mosts striking fashion.

Croxall Hall is a very old, very private residence.

Mease Valley between Harlaston and Edingale

At Fisherwick, these huge solar panels rotate to follow the sun.

At Croxall Hall, the dovecote in the forecround is said to be 16th century.

Soon this will be a green arcadia

No leaves on the trees yet, but the weather was warm, sunny and kind.

I look forward to the weeping willows coming back into leaf.

The iconic skyline of Shenstone from the east. Note the second tower.

The daffodils of Edingale.

Packington was gorgeous.

Packington Moor rendered magical by the sunset.

Daffs are one of my favourite flowers. To me, they symbolise the end of darkness.

By the time I got to Lynn it was nearly dark, but this sunset wasn’t leaving unnoticed.

Croxall: barely a hamlet, but beautiful crocuses on the verges

Whittington glowed in a soft golden hour.

An excellent day for sailing!

The outward bound course at Whitemoor Lakes was under water a few weeks ago.

The Tame had settled down, too. At Elford, it was back to its normal, sedate self.