Day 112 - April 21st

 Today we visited the bluebell woods.

At this time of year people flock to Hitch Wood to see the bluebells and parking can be a nightmare so we choose to park at nearby Preston and incorporate the woods in a circular walk around the area.

We parked near The Red Lion Pub and the set off across the fields.

We were so surprised whilst walking the footpaths when a herd of Roe Deer galloped across the path, some way ahead, and then settled themselves in the neighbouring field. We've seen deer from the car occasionally but have never seen them on our walks. They were obviously aware of us and soon moved on again.

In the garden of The Rusty Gun pub at St. Ippolyts we can across some more animals - pet Kunekune pigs.

In an isolated spot, we stubbled across the ruins of Minsden Chapel. 

A Scheduled Monument and Grade II Listed, the chapel was built in the 14th century but by the 17th century had fallen into disrepair. Work to repair Minsden Chapel by Natural England in partnership with Historic England was carried out in 2022. The arched openings in the wall was stabilised and work to conserve the overall structure by capping the wall head was carried out.

We passed by Hill End Chalk Pit, a disused chalk pit which is now a local wildlife site famous for its fossils such as ammonites.

Finally, we reached Hitch Wood and it didn't disappoint. Their were bluebells everywhere we looked.

The path through Hitch Wood then lead us back through fields and country lanes and back to Preston, but all along the route there were still bluebells to see.