Frost

Last updated: 8 January 2006

We have frost most winters, from November through to April, and some years a little later. It is not a reason to stay away. On a still night it settles on the green and on the roofs, and by morning the grass is white. If the sun is out it has usually gone off the green by midday; in the rides it may last the afternoon. The paths remain firm. Visitors are welcome to walk them.

The green, looking toward the church, after frost. Photograph from the centre collection; the date is not marked on the print.

The first place we notice it is the Heritage Centre porch, on the side that does not take the afternoon sun. The thermometer there often reads a degree or two below the green. If the night has been clear, the rain gauge in the yard behind will have a cap of ice, and Mrs Hedley puts a mark in the book. She does not always enter a temperature. The February 2001 page has thirty-two frost marks. February had twenty-eight days that year. We have left the page as it is.

A frosty morning is a good time for the main trail, as far as the church. The ground is hard and the going is clean. Boots are still wanted, because a stile can take ice, and that is slow work rather than a closure. The eastern loop is a longer outing and is not at its best when the rides are frozen; we recommend the main line. There is no warden. A flask is a kindness. There is no shop.

After a clear night the moon is often still up at first light, and it is a help on the road in. We do not keep the centre open overnight, and we do not suggest walking the trail in the dark. If you arrive before the desk is open, the outer board stands on the green. The shorter hours and the buses are under in winter. What the weather does to the path is under on the trail.