Bluebells Galore

I love the sight of a blue carpet of bluebells, so knowing they were in season we set out to find where the best display was this year.

First stop was Saltram, our nearest National Trust property.  In the gardens around the House wild garlic and white bells were more prolific, although there were some bluebells that contrasted the white of the other flowers.

In the grounds between the House and Stag Lodge there were more bluebells.  Again there were white patches of wild garlic.











A few days later we travelled to Lanhydrock House, another National Trust property, renowned for the bluebells in the woods in the Estate.  There were plenty of bluebells to be seen, but the best displays were in woodland either side of the the Reception area.  It is great that this can be seen by anyone visiting this National Trust property, without them having to walk far.

Buckland Abbey was the next place we visited.  Previous years there have been wonderful displays along the walks around the estate.  We were somewhat disappointed as the bluebells were not so prolific this year and so did not give the same sense of a carpet.  However there was one patch that was good - just before you cross fields towards the end of the Red Walk.

As we had a whole day free from Buckland Abbey we drove onto Burrator Reservoir.  We had never been there during bluebell flowering time, but last year I noticed lots of bluebell plants and thought there might be a good display.  We were not disappointed, the bluebells were spectacular and it was lovely walking by the blue waters of the reservoir with a carpet of blue on the other side of the path.
At times the bluebells were right by the waters edge.

We walked along by the reservoir but on the way back came back along the road.  Even on this easy walk you could see bluebells but they were not as spectacular as those inside the woodland.

Photo taken from the road around Burrator

Wild flowers at Burrator

Saturday morning was showery so we did not head out until the afternoon.  We wanted somewhere nearby and sheltered if the rain came back.  We therefore decided to go to Burrator and walk around the reservoir.  It was lovely to see the rhododendrons.  There bright purple complemented the blue of the water and green of the surrounding moor.

There were still some bluebells out.  I was surprised how many bluebell plants were in the woodland around the reservoir.  Generally the flowers were dying but we found one patch still looking good.  I must remember to return next year when all the bluebells are out as it should be a good display.





The foxgloves were just coming into flower and near the water we saw yellow irises.  At times the path was very muddy but the flowers and beauty of the reservoir and surrounding moor made the walk very worthwhile.

Burrator in November

It was a grey morning on Saturday, but not too cold, so we thought a brisk walk around Burrator would be good.  We parked at the dam and saw the water was gushing over it.

The trees were gradually turning colour, it was a pity the sun wasn't shining on them as they would have been more attractive then.  Nevertheless we could still see reflections  in the reservoir.

As we walked to Norsworthy Bridge there were lots of streams flowing fast into the reservior.  The waterfall was as pretty as ever with the fallen leaves covering the ground.

The trees around Norsworthy Bridge were in full autumn colours and looked wonderful against the fast flowing water.

Around Burrator

We have frequently visited Burrator Reservoir and walked around part of it using the quiet road that winds around it.  However, today was hot and sunny so we wanted a shaded walk so decided to try walking around the reservoir in the woodland that surrounds it.  We parked at the dam and immediately saw we were in for a very pretty walk as the water was sparkling and very blue.

We started walking towards Burrator House.  When we reached that gate that leads to the woodland path there was a sign saying the path was closed for repairs.  We continued walking on the road and soon came to a stile where we could enter the reservoir surrounds.  There was a definite path around the water, although there were no signs.  The path was generally good, although at times there were tree roots on the path and other times it was stony.  We were able to walk right down to the water edge and there were lovely views around the reservoir.

At one point we came upon a family of dartmoor ponies.

At various times as we walked we came upon patches of foxgloves that brightened the environment.

After walking along one bank of the reservoir we started walking along a river until we came to Norsworthy Bridge.  Here we had to climb over another stile to get onto the road.  Having crossed the bridge we had to walk along the road for a short while before going over another stile into the woodland again.  The path on this side of the reservoir was not so good and sometimes muddy.  At one  point we had to scramble down a small bank and cross a stream.

The walk took 2 hours in total and it was only in the last third that we came to seats.  There were several at the top end of the reservoir where there was a compacted path, and a lovely view.

The path came out to the road just before the dam so we did not have far to walk on the road before we were back at our car.  This is definitely a walk we will do again.