Day 124 - May 4th

We got up early this morning for a walk which included a visit to Hitch Wood to see the bluebells.

We parked at nearby Preston and set off across the fields on a ramble round the area.

While the views weren't quite as breath-taking as the Peak District scenery we enjoyed last week, they were still absolutely stunning in their own right.

We quickly found ourselves on the road close to The Rusty Gun pub, but our walk soon took us down another path and back into the fields.

Just a little further along our path, we arrived at Minsden Chapel. I wrote about this fascinating place when we visited last April. It's remarkable to think that the last known service held there was a wedding back in July 1738, an event marked by a piece of masonry falling onto the curate's book! Today, the chapel's ruins are a scheduled monument and a Grade II listed building.

Our next stop was Hill End Chalk Pit, a small, abandoned chalk quarry that's now designated as a Local Wildlife Site. It's also a significant regional geological site, known for the numerous fossils that have been found there.

Back along the footpath we soon reached Hitch Wood. While the bluebells were past their peak, they still looked good.

I loved this bug house which we spotted.

The bark on this tree was unusual.

After a wander around the woods we then headed back to the car .

The Wellhouse and Wellhead Gear at Preston.