Ragleth Hill, Helmeth Wood and Hope Bowdler Hill 16th May 2009

At the summit pole on Ragleth Hill

Bluebells in Helmeth Wood.

Heading to the summit of Hope Bowdler hill - the last climb of the day! At the summit of Hope Bowdler Hill.

Walk stats: Distance:10.8 miles; Climb:2000' (estimate from Memory map profile, GPS gave 3746' but we know it does cope with windy conditions!).

Time: 5 hours 34 minutes; On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.9 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia, Sylvia and Dave J.

What a superb walk this turned out to be. The weather forecast wasn't good to say the least, but apart from a couple of short showers, rain and hail included, we were very fortunate. Indeed we had wonderful spells o f sunshine. The wind however was something different! On the top of Ragleth Hill it was strong, but as we crossed the ridge of Hope Bowdler Hill it was a challenge to stay upright let alone make any forward progress!

This turned out to be another Bluebell Wood walk, wherever we looked they seemed to be in bloom as were many other flowers particularly in the hedgerows.

Birds seen or heard today included:Chaffinch, Robin, Wren, Swift, Swallow, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Blackbird, Carrion crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Redstart, Yellowhammer (my bird of the day!), Great spotted woodpecker, Raven, Skylark, Treecreeper, Great tit, Buzzard and possibly a Cuckoo.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Buck Inn where Jennings Tom Fool was the best on offer.
This is a walk to be repeated, but next time I don't think we will visit North Hill farm, instead we will head straight up to the Battlestones on Willstone Hill!