Bluebell Wood

Early start this morning to get to the Bluebell Wood at Kinclaven before the hordes. Although it is the weekend when it’s chokka.

We had such a beautiful walk along the paths , the trees are actually further along than usual which has kinda impacted slightly on the bluebells as they are being shaded more than normal. The smell wasn’t as profound. We met one of the woodland trust volunteers who is from the area and she agreed and also the ferns are popping up which has an impact.

But hey, if there is a better place to experience the beauty of thousands and thousands of bluebells as far as the eye can see, with the trees alongside, then let me know. I really don’t think so. It’s also a circular walk and each section brings another wondrous view. It’s best experienced in silence without endless chatter of other people around. The birds are always a great orchestra , so many different sounds. It’s such a spectacular sight. It brings so much joy to me .

The wood here is special at any time of year, we’ve been coming long before the Woodland trust bought it from the landowner. They have done such a fabulous job of restoring paths, removing the invasive rhododendron bushes, planting lots more trees in accompanying fields, all to be enjoyed from people far and wide. People come from all over the country at this time of year. The lady told us that the big car park was full and people were parking on the roadside (which is a B road) and the farmer can’t get passed with his tractor.

We had a good walk but then said to see one of the two beech trees that were in Outlander has had branches sheared off. I remember when the boys used to climb these two trees and we would have a picnic at this very spot.