Burrator Woods

 We had not been to Burrator Woods since 2012.  I read on social media that the bluebells were magnificent there this year for we decided to look for ourselves.

We parked by the river at Meavy and walked up the hill to Merchants Cross and then along the road to Yeo Farm,  Following the footpath signs we climbed over the stile and followed the stony track up the hill.  There were a couple of other stiles to climb before we reached the woods then a stile ladder to climb to enter the wood.  It was full of bluebells with the blue carpet spread over the whole wood.  It was lovely to walk along the path with bluebells either side. It was a wonderful sight.  We walked to the edge of the wood then followed the path around to get back to the stile ladder. 

At the other side of the track there was a field and we could see another wood full of bluebells which we admired from a distance.

When we got back to the car we sat and ate our lunch  sat on granite boulders at the side of the river.  It reminded me of coming here as a child when I played in the water.  Very happy memories.

Lanhydrock

 W caught the train to Bodmin Parkway and then walked along the River Fowey until we crossed over the river.  Instead of continuing to walk along the river as we usually do we made our way up through the woods as there were lots of bluebells out.  The path was lined with blue flowers and carpets of this sweet smelling flowers were at the side.  It was a beautiful walk even though it is uphill.

As we approached Lanhydrock House there were some beautiful rhododendrons along the path giving bright bursts of colour.  The gardens of the house were also looking splendid with the rhododendrons, azelias, camelias and other blossom.

It was quite a long walk to and from the station but well worth it at this time of the year.

Tulip Fest, Strawberry Fields

 It was an hour's drive to Lifton to Strawberry Fields, but well worth it.  We had tickets for 11 am when they opened the Tulip Fest but as we got there early we walked around the farm shop and bought cake to eat with our coffee.

There are a few animals in fields, some gooat and a couple of highland cattle.

When we entered the tulip area there was a courtyard with mock up houses, central beds, food kiosks and a dutch organ playing. 

It was colourful but nothing as spectacular as the tulip fields.  There was every colour of tulip, with paths between the beds and various objects scattered around to make photos more interesting.  There were platforms that you could climb up to see the tulips from above.  Some of the tulips were finished but there were still many to see 

I have often thought I would like to go to Holland to see the tulip fields, but now if is not necessary.  Apparently half a million bulbs had been planted and  it was only a small area so it was really beautiful.