Equinox on Kings Weston Down

Son the Younger and I had been for a walk on the day of the last equinox, when the light was funnelling into darkness. Six months later, I needed to mark the return of summer and to cling to that prospect, even as the country goes to hell in a handcart.

We started our walk at Blaise Castle car park and walked up to the hill fort on Kings Weston Down. 

Ted was one happy dog.

The ravens overhead were happy too, cheerfully driving off interloping crows who were presumably encroaching on their nesting site.

The 220 year old, Grade 2 listed, iron pedestrian bridge over busy Kings Weston Road is still fenced off, having been hit by a lorry three years ago.

We negotiated our way over the road and walked along the side of Home Park on the estate of Kings Weston House, with views of the River Avon in the distance. 

There were lots of Signs of Spring.

Then on to Penpole Point, where the ancient (at least 400 years old) compass dial still stands, although no longer used by shipping to find safe passage into the mouth of the River Avon.

It's now a nifty seat for tired walkers. 

View down to Avonmouth, with the new Severn bridge just visible

And then it was time to return. 

Back at the hill fort

And here endeth our brief respite from idiocy.

River Severn