Country diary: gateway to a winter`s trail
(World News UK)

The hills in the distance were still banked with snow, but on the narrow path above the village, the frost had melted even in the hollows. At the far end, a rusted iron gate guarded the steps down to the road; pushing it open, I wondered how many times it has swung on these simple hinges, giving access to both school and chapel in the village. In the wood above the lane, thin shafts of watery sunlight sliced...