Cowbeech Blossom & Bluebells

This was a last minute get together primarily to see that all walking ability was stretched and tested in readiness for the May Day Challenge next Tuesday. A walk which we have completed on numerous occasions, however not at this time of year, in the knowledge that the orchard blossom would be starting to show, not to mention the expected fauna to start carpeting the woodland areas. The rain clouds looked threatening although promised by the weathermen to only be the slight threat of scattered showers.
We walked the usual lane route for the first mile, being interrupted by numerous vans, lorries and cars. We eventually reached the orchard and began to climb to the top of the field to be confronted with a 'path closed' sign. It was due to the Electricity Board repairing overhead cables, and therefore the map was redirecting us back down the hill and circumnavigating the orchard along a very muddy track.

Oh yes, the drought conditions and hosepipe ban did not have much support as we picked our steps along the next track. Not only this, there had been a recently fallen tree block the track. The high wind had contributed to its downfall and continued to blow fearlessly.

We continued the tracks and found a gate into Scripp Wood. A private area given only to horses by appointment.

We noted the clever way the orchard boundary allowed certain wildlife in (rabbit flap) and others out (blue string to deter deer).

We crossed the road and headed into Great Gensing Wood, which had b a good show of bluebells, then dropping onto the driveway of the neighbouring farm which overlooked Butlers Wood, which some trees had been cut, allowing us to view a large area of developed bluebells.

We crossed the final field which had been recently ploughed with little evidence of the footpath. The mud stuck to our boots as the going suddenly became 'heavy'. We were out into Hammer Lane where we shed a great amount of the mud we had collected on our boots. At least the rain didn't fall and in fact the sun was in evidence on numerous occasions.
Back into the car park of the Merrie Harriers in just under 2 hours had revived our spirit in readiness for next weeks challenge.