I've had two close encounters with snakes on a walk today, which is strange because I have rarely seen any before. Unfortunately both slid into the bushes and I only saw the tail before they disappeared so I couldn't identify them.
Maybe they are starting to come out because of the warm weather.
Snakes like to bathe in the sunlight to try and raise their body temperature, and the paths are often the best place to get the full sunlight on their bodies. Even so, your lucky to see two in one day, they aren't a very common sight in England.
I certainly saw more snakes when I lived in California. Here where I live, the only common snake is the garter snake--and I don't see them very often either. They are only to be found in places which remain relatively undisturbed, as well, as they like to bask.
Kingfisher
Snakes can often be seen bathing on paths, so its always a good idea to keep checking below you as they can become very lethargic in the heat and may not hear you until very late, which is probably why you saw them. Usually snakes like the adder will hear you and get out of your way long before you have a chance to see them.
I certainly saw more snakes when I lived in California. Here where I live, the only common snake is the garter snake--and I don't see them very often either. They are only to be found in places which remain relatively undisturbed, as well, as they like to bask.
Kingfisher
It's the same with adders really, except there is a lot less open space around here which is why there are more sightings.