TOP SEVEN PLACES TO SEE BLUEBELLS
The UK is home to half the world’s bluebells, the sight and scent of which embody the essence of high spring, says Adrienne Wyper
01 ASHRIDGE ESTATE, HERTFORDSHIRE
The ancient beech and oak woodlands at this Chiltern Hills estate create the perfect environment for bluebells. To minimise damage to these delicate flowers, stick to the two waymarked trails, looking out for fallow deer as you go. Mobility scooters are available from the visitor centre. nationaltrust.org.uk
02 WHITE MOSS COMMON, CUMBRIA
Poised between two lakes, Grasmere and Rydal Water, is a super-scenic spot carpeted with bluebells. Explore the area on a ‘Miles Without Stiles’ accessible trail, alongside and across the River Rothay, alive with ducks, dippers and herons. In the village, be sure to try the renowned Grasmere gingerbread, a cross between biscuit and cake. lakedistrict.gov.uk
03 GREEN CASTLE WOODS, CARMARTHENSHIRE
These oak woods, where the scent of bluebells mingles with wild garlic, are criss-crossed by ancient hedges, walls, sunken lanes and paths. Admire views towards Carmarthen, the Tywi Valley and Ferryside, and the ivy-covered remains of Castell Moel, the manor house the woods are named after. The path leading from the car park through the kissing gate is suitable for wheelchairs. woodlandtrust.org.uk
04 BLICKLING ESTATE, NORFOLK
Bluebells indicate ancient woodland and Blickling’s Great Wood doesn’t disappoint, with thousands more of the wildflowers to be seen on tree-lined Temple Walk. Under the garden’s plane trees, find the perfect spot for bluebell photos, with the house and lake as a backdrop. Hire a bike to view the bluebells on the move on the four-mile, multi-use, hard-surface trail. nationaltrust.org.uk
05 STRAIDKILLY NATURE RESERVE, COUNTY DOWN
Perched above Glenarm village on a limestone escarpment, this secluded woodland is smothered with bluebells in mid-spring, as well as primroses, violets and lesser celandines a little earlier in the season. Keep your eyes and ears open for red squirrels, song thrushes and bullfinches. Eat in the picnic area overlooking the coast and Carnlough hills, or try Glenarm Castle Tea Room. ulsterwildlife.org
06 CRINAN WOOD, ARGYLL & BUTE
Savour this rare remnant of ancient rainforest, where the Crinan Canal meets the sea: gnarled trees garlanded with mosses, lichen and liverworts, blanketed with blue beneath. Drink in stunning vistas across Loch Crinan and look out for red squirrels, with otters and red deer around, too, possibly with young. Access via the canal towpath, or an all-ability surfaced track on the B841 at Kilmahumaig. woodlandtrust.org.uk
07 PONDHEAD INCLOSURE, NEW FOREST, HAMPSHIRE
Unlike most of the New Forest, this oak, beech and hazel woodland hasn’t been grazed by ponies for centuries, and the bluebells bloom magnificently. Follow the path from Beechen Lane to find Balanos the Dragon, sculpted from a fallen tree. Non-mythical species to spot are hawfinches, all three woodpeckers, bullfinches and buzzards. In May, you may hear the nightjar’s “churr-churr” at dusk. newforestwalks.co.uk