A May Day Outing

Hello Lovelies,

although it may not look like it on my blog, most of my day to day walking is done straight from home. I like that it's free exercise and there is no environmental impact from my regular walks. 

Sometimes though, I like a change.

 I usually work on Tuesdays but this week I had the day off. It was such a beautiful morning and I knew exactly where I wanted to go. I hopped in my little car and travelled the scenic route to my destination. 

The countryside is looking so lovely at the moment I couldn't resist stopping a few times.... when it was safe to do so :0)....and capturing the roadside views. Oh spring greens you are SO welcome.

And blossom trees.

and blue skies.

Thankfully the sun was still shining when I arrived at The Outwoods, a beautiful woodland with lots of paths and public access.

It's on a hill so there are lovely views to be glimpsed between the trees.

The air was still and the morning light was quiet magical that day.

Of course there was one seasonal beauty I had particularly wanted to see on this day, the first day of my most favourite month.

The sight of massed Bluebells in a sunlit woodland is a joy to lift your heart.

I don't think I could ever tire of this magical sight that we have waited for all through the winter.

There was still very little shade from the sparse new leaves here. I loved the sunlit paths and the sound of birdsong.

And interesting old trees.

This simple bench had a brief but touching memorial...to a lady who "loved the Bluebells"

I was so happy to have time to wander along paths I had not discovered before and be able to admire the display from many different angles.

I couldn't stop taking photo after photo...just hoping one or two would actually capture the beauty of the day.

The new ferns were gorgeous too.

The sunlight made the spring leaves glow.

Beech leaves are a favourite, so soft and luminous when they are new.

Here there were bigger trees giving more shade, and the rocky outcrops typical of Charnwood.

I wandered down the steep paths and here I stopped to chat to a gent who knew these woods much better than me. I loved hearing how he likes to come here at dawn some days. How it's a different world where you can see so many birds and deer. We chatted about other local spots he likes, how this special landscape is made of some of the oldest rocks in Europe.  And mostly how mother nature does beauty the best :0)

By this time I had been walking for about an hour so I stopped here for a drink and a snack.

What a perfect picnic spot.

After a break I headed back towards the car park as there was something else to see.

What do you think to this? It reminded me of wizards hats :0)

Or how about this Guardian Angel by the bus cafe.

Horses

And suspended spheres.  I loved all the willow sculptures which were temporarily on display.

And this serpent made from twigs and branches.

How great is this giant too.

It's a shame that are not a permanent fixture and the display will have gone now. At least the cafe stays all year. You can sit upstairs amongst the trees. How lovely.

On the journey home I stopped and admired the pretty villages I passed through

There was no rush and another opportunity to stop made me smile.

The cloud had started to gather as I neared home, but it could not spoil my happy mood.

What a perfect start to the new month.
Happy May Lovelies.
Jacquie x

A Wander around Wymeswold

Hello Lovelies,

do you sometimes travel through a place and think how nice it looks, but never get the chance to explore it further? The village of Wymeswold is one of the many places that falls into that category for me.

Today I had the chance to remedy that. 

I parked by this wonderful (weeping willow lined) stream that runs through the streets. How great is that.

And walked in the direction of a local Nature reserve I had spotted on my map.

I didn't get far before these cute lambkins caught my eye. Got to love those pink ears in the morning sun.

Awww.

Double Awww. Look at that little guy sleeping with his mum.

Tearing myself away from the woolly wonders I soon reached the edge of the village.

And noticed I had been walking along Brook Street. A very suitable name.

I spotted a sign for a public bridleway and began to climb. This is the view looking back.

and the view on-wards. How I love all the fresh green.

And the lack of mud :0)

Soon I was walking along the edge of a field and noticing how high the bright yellow Rape crop is.

and then I was a little confused about the correct way to go.

I followed the well trodden track.

It was so peaceful up here. The only sound was birdsong.

There were so many birds.

I loved this cute Yellowhammer ( thank you for correcting me Louise and CJ xx)

I was listening to the beautiful song of the Skylark as is hovered above. And at my feet bees buzzed.

Here I noticed some lovely Blackthorn blossom

 and my favourite butterflies enjoying the nectar from the early Dandelions.

Small Tortoiseshell.

Looking back towards Wymeswold.

I've zoomed in a bit here so it's clearer.

It was all so idyllic on a perfect spring day. But by this time I was getting hot and feeling lost. Oh dear I don't think this is the way.

 Better turn back and retrace my steps.

 Eventually I found the right track. Feeling happier I noticed these pretty catkins.

 and the birdsong again.

Hello Mr Robin.

Here I was glad to finally find the little nature reserve I had been aiming for.

The brook was shady.

and cool.

with a big meander that reminded me of school geography lessons.

I'm so glad spaces like this are protected for wildlife.

Eventually I came out at a road and smiled at the information board. The tiny stream is the River Mantle. I presume It gets much bigger further downstream.

Thankfully the road was quiet.

And I was soon back in the village.

Hello again River Mantle.

This white building with a plaque caught my eye.

I love old details like this...and Wymeswold is spelt with an i.

It really was a beautiful day to wander.

and notice the old buildings. This one is so tall and thin.

and this one is so pretty.

I loved the narrow streets.

and the impressive church.

It was great to finally get the chance to explore this lovely Leicestershire village.  And walk another 4 miles towards my 1000 mile challenge.

 

I'm hoping it won't be too long before I can tick another of my "must investigate further" places off my list.

I hope you enjoyed joining me
Jacquie x