There is nothing more magical than stumbling across spring's holy grail: a carpet of bluebells in one of Britain's ancient woodlands. These are some of the pics I took last weekend on the glorious Ashridge Estate in the Chiltern Hills (just half an hour by rail from London to nearby station Trill).
And I have bloggy mate Char in the City to thank for the tip-off. A fellow Antipodean living in London, Char posted some photos of another glorious bluebell dell when she was out walking in a wood near Christmas Common. When I realised that it was too difficult to access without a car, Char passed on an excellent link to the National Trust's top bluebell walks. That's how we found the Ashridge Estate walk - and immediately made plans - and a picnic lunch - for Sunday. With the bluebell season almost heading to an end this weekend may be your last chance to see them. Check out the list to find one closest to you.
Surely only the Brits could have a Top Bluebell Walk list! And good on 'em too - lovely bluebelly pics...
Posted by: Tania | May 09, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Gorgeous pics! I haven't lived in the UK for a long time but I remember being amazed at the incredible flowers that just seem to pop up randomly in the UK.
Posted by: Claire | May 10, 2009 at 02:46 AM
Hi there. As your blog is so super fab, I've decided to give you a Lemonade Award too :)
Come view on my blog, congrats! xx
P.S. Loving the bluebells!
Posted by: Zoe, Conversation Pieces | May 10, 2009 at 01:04 PM
My favourite bluebells are in Dartmouth - I think it is the walk that takes in the stunning cast line, and ends up in truly ancient woodland.
Posted by: Lauren | May 10, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Just round the corner from us! :) We like to take our wee Prawn out every year for piccies in Ashridge. :)
http://blogapotamus.3dbhosting.com/?p=638
Posted by: PoorRobin | May 11, 2009 at 02:56 PM
my favourite flowers of all, I love it when they are just a carpet in the forest. I must go and see some
Posted by: Rose | May 12, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Fab post - how I love bluebells and miss living next to a wood of them!
Lovin' the list and how's it going busy bee.
Posted by: Make Do Style /Film Upstart | May 12, 2009 at 09:00 PM
Wow love it ! It reminds me of home...(Ireland)
Very Howards End!
Ruth @ Matches
http://blog.matchesfashion.com/
Posted by: Ruth | May 13, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Oh wow! That is really something special! English country side and woodlands are really rather lovely - I hear they are making a concerted effort to protect them now.
Posted by: Samantha Battersby | May 15, 2009 at 08:32 AM
these are magical moments and ones I miss so much, how gorgeous.
Posted by: jafabrit | May 15, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Yay Birdy! I'm so glad you made it and picnic lunch is genius... I reckon the bluebells are definitely one of my top UK experiences so far. xxx
Posted by: Char | May 17, 2009 at 05:50 PM
So wonderful!!
what a pity... it's too far for me :(
Posted by: misako mimoko | May 17, 2009 at 08:15 PM