Last weekend, we had planned to visit Folly Farm, but on the day Dave and Danny felt too sniffly and achey so we decided that an easier, lazier day was needed.
A few hours later and cabin fever had already set in so we needed to get out of the house.
We decided to try a new (to us!) local woods called Withybush Woods. The great thing about these woods is a short section of the woods has been tarmacked, making it a wheelchair accessible walk. I wish I’d known about this when Jo was in hospital as it would have made a nice change to the hospital “Concrete Island” we used to take her to.
There is a free car park. We parked up and ate our hastily shop bought picnic. We could hear the squirrels and saw one run down the tree just before we set off on our walk. It camouflages really well with the trunk of the tree!
Luckily, Dave carried the picnic back to the car before we walked as he discovered my driver’s door had been left completely open. I had let Danny sit there while I put the buggy up, and in his excitement forgot to close the door. Thankfully, no harm was done!
Woodland floors are all looking so Autumnal now…with a white feather to contrast!
I love large leaf plants like this, it’s like lettuce for giants!
There were pretty red, Jack in the Pulpit berries adding a splash of colour.
There are also plenty of benches along this walk to sit for a rest or to enjoy the view.
Someone has been enjoying these blackberries.
I love how nature has always made decorative hanging mobiles! This made me think of the Celts and how their roundhouse homes were “decorated” by hanging drying herbs and smoking meat, all for a purpose. I wouldn’t mind hanging lavender in my house but I will pass on the meat!
The walk is close to a firing range so don’t be alarmed if you hear shots! It’s a also a good idea to keep within the fenced area.
Oh, I love this log bridge over the water! I had a lovely “Dirty Dancing” night with my mum and sisters last week and this reminds me of the scene where they practice dancing on the log. Sadly, Dave and I didn’t re-enact the scene!
There are lots of ditches, pallettes and fallen trees to explore. You could waste a day here den building or building a dam.
There is a lovely, large pond with waterlillies, swan and ducks.
We also saw a dragonfly laying eggs. We were very close but this is the best shot I could get with my camera- I need to invest in a better lens but for now the standard one will have to make do!
Swans- so beautiful, serene and strong and feisty when they want to be!
We decided to continue deeper into the woods past the official walk.
Different types of tree fungi at different stages.
Fallen trees, steep hills and uneven ground make this part inaccessible for wheelchairs but we managed with a buggy!
I also took advantage of this quiet part of the woods with fallen trees to “practice my dancing moves” (or take a photo to send to my sisters!) on the branches. It was fun, but my balance is terrible so I think I’d better stick to the dance floor!
(Dave is wondering what on earth is she doing now?!)
Old wall remains survive in the woods. I would love to know what used to be here.
Holly leaves make me feel Christmassy.
I love this twisted tree stump. I’m not sure if it is a Corkscrew Willow. I don’t have time to stop and look on these walks- I have to snap and run to keep up with everyone!
We played, “Who lives in a house like this?”
Caitlyn guessed that it’s a mouse hole (it looked smaller in real life than in the photos).
I love how the walk goes all the way around the pond, giving you a great view from every angle.
Tree hugging, Danny.
Model, Rebecca.
Cuddly, Caitlyn.
A slightly muddy, apple eating Izzy!
Vibrant, orange woodland flowers, possibly Orange Lilium?
We had finished the walk but Dave and the kids were eager to do more so we went for a more coastal walk down Llanstadwell and back home for Dave to film his ice bucket challenge, so a lazy day turned into a fairly fun one!
Please could you tell me how to find Withybush Woods and car park ?
Thanks