Friday November 1st. On a gloriously sunny day, have a short walk in Toureilles, seeing unharvested vines and splendid vineyard landscapes. Once more I savour November’s weather in the South of France; light years away from the harsh cold being experienced in Yorkshire.
Saturday November 2nd. To La Digne D’Amont for a short circular walk. Climb to the intersection of tracks between Digne D’Aval and Toureilles and then back down to the village.
Sunday November 3rd. Visit Espéraza market before a delicious meal at the Pierre Lys on a bright sunny day.
Monday November 4th. Do a variation on the Lignairolle walk; a shorter but interesting circuit. See a mix of Ravens, Black and Red Kite above, and a few Kestrel too. Starts misty but warm sunshine at midday brings out the butterflies.
Tuesday November 5th. The Limoux trail, to feed the donkeys, finding loads of sheep sharing their fields. The tree colours a golden yellow now. Julie spots a huge toad on our return!
Wednesday November 6th. A short stroll up St Salvayre before a village tour, resplendent in late autumn sunshine. Feeling very thankful to have been living in this very special place for the last 6 weeks.
Thursday November 7th. A variation on the Donazac walk, in delightful soft sunshine with a gentle breeze. The late autumn views and tints, the variety of Oak, the fruit of the Strawberry tree, and the falling acorns make for a very pleasant hike indeed.
Friday November 8th. The atmosphere at Valmigère was so different to our walk in early autumn. Then there were butterflies galore in the heat, and we struggled to cool down. Not so today, in the fleeting weak sun, stiff breeze, and shifting dark cloud, there was hardly a butterfly in sight. Over parched fields and shaved trail edges only the narrow leaved Ragwort shone brightly. Late autumn; a different kind of magic.
Saturday November 9th. St Martin-de-Villereglan on a warm, damp morning, walking by deep coloured vines and becoming immersed in the silence of the still landscape. It softens my mood and lifts my spirits.
Monday November 11th. On our last day in Alet, go for a short Les Capitelles walk, on a warm breezy morning. See butterflies and dragonflies and even a bulbous Lizard Orchid!
Suillellus queletii
Wednesday November 13th. On the second day of our long drive back to Calais, we stop for lunch an hour from Abbeville and admire the rich autumn colours. Temperatures down to 10°. In the late afternoon spot some fine street art as the crimson sun dips below the horizon
Thursday November 14th. Long drive home to beautiful late autumn light in Brewood – really magical! So pleased to see such vivid seasonal colours under a moonlit sky.
Friday November 15th. The longer loop around Brewood where the farm lanes and woodland tracks are gloriously colourful even on a grey day.
Saturday November 16th. Do the canal – orchard circuit, loving the autumn light and changed landscape. And the Robin!
Sunday November 17th. Admire the fabulous Oak on our Sunday Brewood circuit.
Monday November 18th. Walk to a very busy Belvide reservoir, seeing a delightful Lesser Redpoll, which I’d not seen for some years.
Tuesday November 19th. Snow! How the landscape changes, thrust into winter….
Wednesday November 20th. Back to Barnfield Sandbeds after another snowfall. Magical light and atmosphere as the warm sun melts the snow.
Thursday November 21st. Another delightful winter walk across woodland tracks, country lanes and along the Shropshire canal in below freezing temperatures. Bright sunlight all the way.
Friday November 22nd. A wintry sky off Cresswell Lane field, toward the canal.
Saturday November 23rd. Short walk to Lea cottage, once more enjoying the quiet lanes and Oak trees, before a frustrating match at Villa Park.
Sunday November 24th. Santa comes to Brewood!
Monday November 25th. Visit Belvide, walking round to the far hide. Beautiful light. And catch the dying light on a late afternoon walk to Lea cottage.
Tuesday November 26th. Bright sunshine, chilly day eying freshly sown fields and our tree from a new perspective.
Wednesday November 27th. Champions League night at Villa Park! Hosting Juventus for an intriguing game which we very nearly won.
Thursday November 28th. A very frosty walk, loving the leaves and grasses caught frozen or sparkling in the emerging sun. A Robin sings and boats lie quiet in the misty glow.
My favourite 12 for November 2024
