The boom of traffic!

Now, if you’re like me, you enjoy a walk in the countryside for its tranquility. It’s certainly better if it’s possible to conduct a conversation without shouting. However, I’ve been on two walks this week where the traffic gave a different edge to the experience.

The first was on Monday in the vicinity of Methley, a village on the southeastern periphery of Leeds. A friend who lives there was taking me on the second of two walks that she had discovered during the first lockdown.

This second walk took us in close proximity to the M62. Just as well there were arable fields rather than houses along the route!

Tunnel under the M62. On the other side is Wakefield territory.

We walked as far as the boundary between Leeds and Wakefield along part of the Trans-Pennine Way. Fortunately, apart from the noise from the motorway there were also plenty of trees and an interesting archway just before the tunnel under the road.

The archway was built to commemorate the millenium. Someone with spray paint has added their personal touch.

Co-incidentally, I found myself on the Trans-Pennines Way again yesterday. There is an RSPB site, well several actually, near Elsecar Heritage Centre and this/these had been on my list to visit since first going to the Centre back in March.

Apart from seeing a sign about Old Moor

I didn’t get the impression that this was a site specifically designed for the protection of birds, although they no doubt take advantage of its trees and their berries, a few of which were still to be seen. The boom from cars without mufflers on their exhausts must be less appealing.

Anyway, there was also an interesting mural on a bridge over what appeared to be a canal. My daughter wondered if it were clever graffiti but I think it may have been a piece of art work commissioned by the RSPB.

For me, the best scene from both of these walks was in the village of Methley, as I was about to get in my car to go home. Sometimes, it’s good to be in a tranquil settlement, although one day I will explore another part of Old Moor, perhaps away from any main roads.