Alan Coxon of Roaming the Paths's Avatar

Alan Coxon of Roaming the Paths

@roaming-the-paths.bsky.social

Wandering about, looking at nature, geology and the world around us. Public rights of way officer. https://roaming-the-paths.co.uk/ I also review Ploughmans lunches. Now on a proper website!! https://ploughmans-lunch.co.uk/

133 Followers  |  100 Following  |  107 Posts  |  Joined: 09.08.2024  |  2.1868

Latest posts by roaming-the-paths.bsky.social on Bluesky

Preview
Food is a Luxury, and British is Best, it's beyond patriotism, its our land, our farmers. Food prices have soared, yet public support for British farmers remains strong. As we face choices about the future of our food system, buying British is no longer just patrioticβ€”it’s practical. This ...

In an uncertain world, where food shows signs of scarcity, and costs are increasing, Is British Food the Last Thing We Can Still Trust?

roaming-the-paths.co.uk/food-is-a-lu...

22.07.2025 16:34 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A traditional whitewashed stone pub with a slate roof and blue window frames, set under a clear blue sky. Outside, rustic wooden benches, colourful flower tubs, and blackboard menus create a welcoming scene. A sign on the wall reads "Beer Garden," and another indicates a small museum. Overlaid text reads: β€œEvery time a pub closes, a community fades.”

A traditional whitewashed stone pub with a slate roof and blue window frames, set under a clear blue sky. Outside, rustic wooden benches, colourful flower tubs, and blackboard menus create a welcoming scene. A sign on the wall reads "Beer Garden," and another indicates a small museum. Overlaid text reads: β€œEvery time a pub closes, a community fades.”

β€œEvery time a pub closes, a community fades.”

It’s easy to think it’s just another building. But the pub has always been something more.

πŸ‘‰ Read the full reflection here: roaming-the-paths.co.uk/why-we-shoul...

#LoveThePub #SaveOurLocals #VillageLife #CommunityMatters #RuralVoices #PubsArePeople

25.06.2025 10:33 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

A new take on divide and conquer - do it to your own.....

12.01.2025 03:54 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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In the 90s, this sketch was satirical…

08.01.2025 18:32 β€” πŸ‘ 131    πŸ” 43    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 3
The image shows a serene natural setting with a river flowing gently through a wooded area. On the grassy riverbank, a grey heron stands poised, its slender body and long beak clearly visible. Surrounding the heron are trees and shrubs, some bare of leaves, hinting at a colder season. The scene captures a tranquil moment in nature, emphasizing the beauty of wildlife in its habitat. The image is watermarked with "Roaming the Paths Β©".

The image shows a serene natural setting with a river flowing gently through a wooded area. On the grassy riverbank, a grey heron stands poised, its slender body and long beak clearly visible. Surrounding the heron are trees and shrubs, some bare of leaves, hinting at a colder season. The scene captures a tranquil moment in nature, emphasizing the beauty of wildlife in its habitat. The image is watermarked with "Roaming the Paths Β©".

Look at the feathered fella waiting patiently to extinguish a life in the pursuit of luncheon.

The Heron haunts the banks of the Avon.......

#NaturePhotography
#Wildlife
#Heron
#Riverside
#PeacefulScenes
#WinterNature
#BirdWatching
#CountrysideViews
#ExploreNature
#RoamingThePaths

08.01.2025 19:06 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
The image shows a wet motorway taken from inside a car, likely through the windshield, with visible raindrops and wiper streaks. The sky is overcast, and there are a few vehicles in the distance on the road, with some traffic visible on the opposite side. Trees line the left side of the motorway.

The image shows a wet motorway taken from inside a car, likely through the windshield, with visible raindrops and wiper streaks. The sky is overcast, and there are a few vehicles in the distance on the road, with some traffic visible on the opposite side. Trees line the left side of the motorway.

Here's some of the chaos on the road network yesterday.

The M5 Gloucester northbound.

The entire journey that usually takes 4 hours on a friday was done in just under 3.

Never believe a newspaper.
#seasonal #travel #driving #motorway #M5

21.12.2024 08:22 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A view of a rural footpath that splits into two tracks surrounded by grassy fields. The path is uneven with some muddy and gravelly patches. Rolling green hills, hedgerows, and scattered trees can be seen in the background, with a cloudy grey sky above.

A view of a rural footpath that splits into two tracks surrounded by grassy fields. The path is uneven with some muddy and gravelly patches. Rolling green hills, hedgerows, and scattered trees can be seen in the background, with a cloudy grey sky above.

A cold wind blowing across the Lambourn Downs yesterday.

I saw more horses in one morning than in the previous 6 months. (A dozen horses were on the horizon to my left).

I was glad to get out the wind.

11.12.2024 09:34 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
The image shows a pack of Richmond Meat-Free Sage & Onion Sausages in a supermarket freezer section. The pack is labeled as vegan and features an image of cooked sausages served with potatoes and vegetables. It is marked on clearance with a reduced price sticker indicating the new price is Β£1.08. The product has a use-by date of 9 December 2024.

The image shows a pack of Richmond Meat-Free Sage & Onion Sausages in a supermarket freezer section. The pack is labeled as vegan and features an image of cooked sausages served with potatoes and vegetables. It is marked on clearance with a reduced price sticker indicating the new price is Β£1.08. The product has a use-by date of 9 December 2024.

At long last, Richmond Sausages have been correctly labelled!! πŸ˜‚

09.12.2024 18:17 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Zappa was way ahead of his time - insightful and perfectly articulate.

08.12.2024 21:33 β€” πŸ‘ 565    πŸ” 174    πŸ’¬ 36    πŸ“Œ 16
This is an image of a traditional white wooden signpost located in a rural setting, surrounded by lush greenery and autumn leaves scattered across the grass. The signpost is painted in white with black text, and its arms point in multiple directions, indicating various nearby locations and their distances.

The design of the signpost is classic, with decorative wrought-iron flourishes at the top and on the arms. The destinations displayed on the sign include:

1. Wantage - 4 miles (pointing left).


2. Newbury - 10 miles (pointing left).


3. Lilley - 2 miles (pointing forward).


4. West Ilsley - 3 miles (pointing right).


5. East Ilsley - 4ΒΎ miles (pointing right).



The setting features a neat grassy verge, sprinkled with fallen leaves in shades of brown, orange, and red, suggesting the season is late autumn. In the background, there is a well-kept garden with dense bushes and a wooden fence partially visible. A driveway or path leads into what appears to be a private property on the right side of the image, and a white structure is partially seen, possibly a cottage or outbuilding.

The photograph captures the rustic charm of the English countryside, with its peaceful surroundings and heritage-style signpost as a focal point. The blue sky and bare branches of nearby trees frame the scene, adding depth and contrast to the composition. The caption in the bottom-left corner reads "Roaming the Paths," indicating this image may be part of a countryside walking or travel series.

This is an image of a traditional white wooden signpost located in a rural setting, surrounded by lush greenery and autumn leaves scattered across the grass. The signpost is painted in white with black text, and its arms point in multiple directions, indicating various nearby locations and their distances. The design of the signpost is classic, with decorative wrought-iron flourishes at the top and on the arms. The destinations displayed on the sign include: 1. Wantage - 4 miles (pointing left). 2. Newbury - 10 miles (pointing left). 3. Lilley - 2 miles (pointing forward). 4. West Ilsley - 3 miles (pointing right). 5. East Ilsley - 4ΒΎ miles (pointing right). The setting features a neat grassy verge, sprinkled with fallen leaves in shades of brown, orange, and red, suggesting the season is late autumn. In the background, there is a well-kept garden with dense bushes and a wooden fence partially visible. A driveway or path leads into what appears to be a private property on the right side of the image, and a white structure is partially seen, possibly a cottage or outbuilding. The photograph captures the rustic charm of the English countryside, with its peaceful surroundings and heritage-style signpost as a focal point. The blue sky and bare branches of nearby trees frame the scene, adding depth and contrast to the composition. The caption in the bottom-left corner reads "Roaming the Paths," indicating this image may be part of a countryside walking or travel series.

Here's a beauty for Fingerpost Friday

#fingerpostfriday

#EnglishCountryside
#RuralLife
#ScenicWalks
#HistoricSignposts
#ExploreUK
#AutumnVibes
#WalkingThePaths
#NaturePhotography
#IdyllicViews
#TravelEngland
#CountrysidePhotography
#VisitBerkshire
#VillageLife
#DiscoverMore
#roamingthepaths

29.11.2024 10:43 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Get a ticket 🎟
πŸ’― of ticket sales go on the food. Neither I as promoter nor the Pub as hosts are making a penny.

Please spread the word and help make it a success.

Attendance is by ticket only.

#ploughmans #lunch #local #seasonal #cheese #Ham #bread #pickle

27.11.2024 00:48 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Unlimited visit Ploughman’s Buffet, featuring Wiltshires Finest local Foods Ploughman's Buffet Featuring Wiltshire's Finest Local Foods Join us for a delightful culinary experience at our Ploughman’s Buffet, showcasing the very best of Wiltshire’s local produce. This indulgen...

Can I mention this?

roaming-the-paths.co.uk/tickets/plou...

27.11.2024 00:43 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Black and white photograph of Sinead O'Connor

Black and white photograph of Sinead O'Connor

'After a lifetime of being restricted to a one-dimensional portrayal, it is only right in death that she can be remembered for the fully rounded person she was; with her flaws, her tears, and her once in a generation talent and all.'

Rediscovering #sineadoconnor

https://buff.ly/4eI7MrQ

26.11.2024 22:00 β€” πŸ‘ 99    πŸ” 20    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1

πŸ’― not going the way they wanted.

Nice, thank you.

27.11.2024 00:29 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

It's so much nicer here.....

X really is a sewer, and the bot life is strong. It reminds me of a scene from Total Recall over there.....

27.11.2024 00:22 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Now that is a proper Ploughman's lunch! I belive the Cafe at Bustard (Salisbury Plain, near Shrewton) does similar....

22.11.2024 09:58 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
old fashioned road sign pointing in different directions. Kilve is 3 miles. Minehead is 10 3/4. It is a sunny day. Far in the distance are hills and the sea. This is a crossroads in a small village. The autumn light is gorgeous.

old fashioned road sign pointing in different directions. Kilve is 3 miles. Minehead is 10 3/4. It is a sunny day. Far in the distance are hills and the sea. This is a crossroads in a small village. The autumn light is gorgeous.

Happy #FingerPostFriday from a sunny Somerset with quarter distance markers. ❀️

This was taken near the location of this week's gorgeous rainy episode. Episode 245 > bit.ly/LenRainQ

22.11.2024 08:27 β€” πŸ‘ 30    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

Thank you so much for your kind comments. 😊

A few weeks ago I decided to move it from Blogger to a proper site - and underestimated the effort required! πŸ™„πŸ˜‚ Glad I did, though.

I also welcome other people reviews from around the country. πŸ§€πŸ₯–πŸ§€

22.11.2024 09:11 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

I cheat and use chat-gpt to write the Alt text. Or is it a cheat, as I'm dyslexic, or just using the tools available?

22.11.2024 08:36 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Make Your Perfect Ploughman’s Lunch With The Ploughman’s Buffet - Ploughman's Lunch Reviews Create your perfect Ploughman’s Lunch with our Ploughman’s Buffet. Discover Local, quality, classic ingredients for assembling this British favourite.

Do you like a Ploughman's Lunch - the try a Ploughman's Buffet!

ploughmans-lunch.co.uk/make-your-pe...

22.11.2024 08:30 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
This image captures a rural roadside scene dominated by greenery and early autumn foliage. The central feature is a wooden sign that reads "The Old Forge Farm Shop & Cafe," accompanied by a stylized depiction of an anvil in black. The sign is mounted on two wooden posts and positioned in front of a grassy verge. To the right of the sign is a large, irregularly shaped white stone partially embedded in the ground, contrasting with the surrounding green vegetation.

In the background, there is a tall wooden utility pole with visible wiring extending across the top of the frame. Attached to the pole is a small rectangular sign, its text weathered or unclear. To the left of the pole, a brown directional signpost with a white arrow points toward an undefined destination, partially obscured by overgrown shrubs.

The surrounding environment features lush vegetation, with bushes and trees displaying a mix of green and warm autumnal tonesβ€”orange, yellow, and brown leavesβ€”indicating the season. The road curves to the right, leading deeper into a village-like setting where a stone building is partially visible. The scene is overcast, with a dull grey sky suggesting cool weather, consistent with autumn in a temperate climate.

This image captures a rural roadside scene dominated by greenery and early autumn foliage. The central feature is a wooden sign that reads "The Old Forge Farm Shop & Cafe," accompanied by a stylized depiction of an anvil in black. The sign is mounted on two wooden posts and positioned in front of a grassy verge. To the right of the sign is a large, irregularly shaped white stone partially embedded in the ground, contrasting with the surrounding green vegetation. In the background, there is a tall wooden utility pole with visible wiring extending across the top of the frame. Attached to the pole is a small rectangular sign, its text weathered or unclear. To the left of the pole, a brown directional signpost with a white arrow points toward an undefined destination, partially obscured by overgrown shrubs. The surrounding environment features lush vegetation, with bushes and trees displaying a mix of green and warm autumnal tonesβ€”orange, yellow, and brown leavesβ€”indicating the season. The road curves to the right, leading deeper into a village-like setting where a stone building is partially visible. The scene is overcast, with a dull grey sky suggesting cool weather, consistent with autumn in a temperate climate.

A somewhat sad and ancient fingerpost for this weeks #fingerpostfriday.

I was on my way to having a Ploughman's Lunch at The Olde Forge which I reviewed here ploughmans-lunch.co.uk/the-old-forg...

Have a look, see how it was.
#roamingthepaths
#ploughmanslunch

22.11.2024 08:30 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

I'm leaving mine to rot.....

18.11.2024 23:50 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
This photo depicts a rustic brick and wooden bridge located amidst lush vegetation. The bridge is constructed with red bricks forming sturdy square piers, supporting a wooden superstructure with railings made of timber beams. A weathered metal mesh, attached to the railing, provides additional reinforcement. The wood appears aged, with some discoloration and wear visible, giving it a sense of character and history.

The surroundings are overgrown with dense foliage, primarily consisting of brambles, nettles, and a variety of climbing plants that reach up towards the bridge structure. These plants are a mix of green shades, ranging from dark, mature leaves to lighter, younger growth. Some yellowed leaves hint at seasonal changes, likely autumn. In the background, bare tree branches stretch into a vivid blue sky, adding depth and framing the bridge.

A sign is partially visible on the brickwork beneath the bridge, though the text is obscured by the greenery. The setting exudes a quiet, natural beauty, reflecting the timeless interplay of man-made structures and encroaching nature. The photograph captures a peaceful, pastoral scene often found on rural walking paths.

This photo depicts a rustic brick and wooden bridge located amidst lush vegetation. The bridge is constructed with red bricks forming sturdy square piers, supporting a wooden superstructure with railings made of timber beams. A weathered metal mesh, attached to the railing, provides additional reinforcement. The wood appears aged, with some discoloration and wear visible, giving it a sense of character and history. The surroundings are overgrown with dense foliage, primarily consisting of brambles, nettles, and a variety of climbing plants that reach up towards the bridge structure. These plants are a mix of green shades, ranging from dark, mature leaves to lighter, younger growth. Some yellowed leaves hint at seasonal changes, likely autumn. In the background, bare tree branches stretch into a vivid blue sky, adding depth and framing the bridge. A sign is partially visible on the brickwork beneath the bridge, though the text is obscured by the greenery. The setting exudes a quiet, natural beauty, reflecting the timeless interplay of man-made structures and encroaching nature. The photograph captures a peaceful, pastoral scene often found on rural walking paths.

I see your bridge, and present an even dodgier structure..

18.11.2024 23:48 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
This image showcases a serene rural landscape under a bright, clear blue sky. The foreground features a vibrant green field, dotted with occasional patches of slightly darker grass, indicating varied growth or dampness. A faint footpath cuts across the grass, suggesting regular use by walkers or local wildlife.

Dominating the scene are several majestic deciduous trees in varying stages of late autumn foliage. The closest tree, on the left, has a wide canopy with leaves that appear to be a mix of gold and brown hues, contrasting beautifully against the sky. Further back, another tree stands tall, its branches partially bare, revealing the skeletal structure of the tree as it prepares for winter.

The middle ground transitions gently into the distance, with rolling hills that frame the horizon. Beyond the trees, the view reveals sparse rural dwellings and other subtle indications of human habitation, such as a fence line and power lines, blending seamlessly into the natural setting.

The sky above is a striking feature, painted with crisscrossing contrails that streak across the deep blue, adding depth and texture to the expanse. The sunlight, positioned slightly off to the right, casts long, soft shadows across the field and lends a gentle golden glow to the scene, enhancing its peaceful and picturesque quality.

In the lower right corner, some foliage intrudes into the frame, providing a natural vignette effect and drawing the viewer's eye into the image's open expanse. The overall composition evokes a sense of tranquility and connection with nature, making it a captivating representation of rural England in late autumn.

This image showcases a serene rural landscape under a bright, clear blue sky. The foreground features a vibrant green field, dotted with occasional patches of slightly darker grass, indicating varied growth or dampness. A faint footpath cuts across the grass, suggesting regular use by walkers or local wildlife. Dominating the scene are several majestic deciduous trees in varying stages of late autumn foliage. The closest tree, on the left, has a wide canopy with leaves that appear to be a mix of gold and brown hues, contrasting beautifully against the sky. Further back, another tree stands tall, its branches partially bare, revealing the skeletal structure of the tree as it prepares for winter. The middle ground transitions gently into the distance, with rolling hills that frame the horizon. Beyond the trees, the view reveals sparse rural dwellings and other subtle indications of human habitation, such as a fence line and power lines, blending seamlessly into the natural setting. The sky above is a striking feature, painted with crisscrossing contrails that streak across the deep blue, adding depth and texture to the expanse. The sunlight, positioned slightly off to the right, casts long, soft shadows across the field and lends a gentle golden glow to the scene, enhancing its peaceful and picturesque quality. In the lower right corner, some foliage intrudes into the frame, providing a natural vignette effect and drawing the viewer's eye into the image's open expanse. The overall composition evokes a sense of tranquility and connection with nature, making it a captivating representation of rural England in late autumn.

A little #bluesky treat for my followers on Bluedky today.

A shout out to my new followers too - doubled in a few days.

#😊

18.11.2024 22:38 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Right wing sex bots?

Actually, that sounds like a good band name.....πŸ€”

17.11.2024 08:36 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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In tomorrow's video.

Many things.... not least this map, which was drawn based on the explorations of Pytheas in around 300 to 330 BC.

It didn't improve for over 1000 years. (Imo).

16.11.2024 08:56 β€” πŸ‘ 29    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 0

When the Seven Dwarfs sing "Hi Ho" on their way to work, none are playing instruments.

This makes them unaccompanied miners

16.11.2024 09:44 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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A good few days here.

The other place reminds me of a pub that's been taken over by a deranged gang.

17.11.2024 08:31 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

@mikegalsworthy.bsky.social ahh, there you are!

Goodbye X.

17.11.2024 08:28 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I'm quite new to Bluesky

Could I ask you to share this post to get my account in front of those who care about the NHS

So many good accounts from Twitter who don't know I'm on here

Thank you πŸ™πŸ˜Š

15.11.2024 17:52 β€” πŸ‘ 886    πŸ” 824    πŸ’¬ 99    πŸ“Œ 19

@roaming-the-paths is following 19 prominent accounts