I exited the park by the far north east gate onto the Bedford Road and crossed to join the path to Houghton House. There were still a few signs of the rainclouds in the sky but the light was clear and though it was still quite early there was a late afternoon feel to things. Looking south east to Lodge Piece Farm and the reservoir there was great clarity.
It was noticeable how very bright the lichen were on the trees on the north side of the Houghton House path.
The house was very well lit as I approached it, but looking over Marston Vale, it is noticeable that the atmosphere is still quite smoggy even though we no longer have the brickworks.
The chimneys still stand sentinel though; I wonder for how long?
There was a small, but very well equipped gang, putting in a new fence on the east side of the house.
I walked down to the house. It was entirely deserted and I spent some time snapping around it. It could not have been any later than about 3 o'clock and yet the shadows were already very long.
Leaving the house by the path that swings north, I walked until there was a clear view over Houghton Conquest, which by then would be about a crow-flying mile away.
The thorn hedges have grown very high. Do those on field boundaries get trimmed these days?
I eventually came to a clear spot where I could see not only the church at Houghton Conquest, but also the hangers at Cardington, which I am guessing must be about 5 miles away. It's amazing how a long lens will foreshorten the view.
On my way home by now, having crossed the B530 near the Chequers and heading through the fields towards Ampthill Park House. I'm marvelling at how lucky we are to have the paths through the fields so clearly marked, even when they pass through fairly recently planted crops.
The crops in two of the main fields are clearly cereals and brassicas but I was puzzled by the third field that looked as though it had been drilled with a cereal crop, but also had a large number of bean plants growing strongly. I know nothing of agriculture. Could the beans be self sets from an earlier crop?
Unfortunately at this point, I had to cut short my venture and head for home with all speed to deal with an urgent 'phone call. I was disappointed to miss what turned out to be a glorious sunset, but it was a very enjoyable walk anyway.
