Bluebell woods
They are one of my favorite places to visit in the month of May.
The Lake District is mostly known for daffodils, thanks to Wordsworth, but in May, the bluebell woods of the Lake District are really worth a visit.
Carpets of blue on the woodland floor with a delicate scent filling the air, it has the knack of transporting me right back to my childhood. A time when flower fairies were all the rage and I loved those illustrations of the fairies wearing the bluebell flower as a little hat.
It’s been really lovely weather here and the other day, we went to the bluebell woods near us. We were in a rush, it was early morning and we had work to get to, chores to be done, but I can’t tell you how tempting it was to sack off all the responsibilities and just stay there for the day.
So we’re heading back this weekend. I’m hoping the sun will be out, I’ll get some even better pictures and it will be just as quiet and magical as it was the other morning. I want to show my daughter and try to explain to her how special a sight it is. Because pretty soon, the bluebells will be gone.
The sea of blue will vanish for another year and although the woods will still be great, they won’t be bluebell woods. They won’t have the hushed atmosphere, the spellbinding effect that the carpet of blue brings, the feeling that you’re experiencing something enchanting.
Here’s a quick list of the best bluebell woods in the Lake District.
But a quick note, the bluebells need protecting. A large amount are lost to trampling so if you do visit the bluebell woods, stick to the paths, keep dogs on leads, and don’t stand on them!
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Skelghyll Woods – Ambleside.
Park up at Stagshaw Gardens and walk up to Jenkins Crag for a stunning view and lots of bluebells. It’s also home to some of Britain’s tallest trees, including the tallest Grand Fir in England. But be warned, it’s quite a steep climb!
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Low Wood – Wasdale.
This is probably regarded as the best bluebell wood in Cumbria, set in the stillness of the Wasdale Valley. There’s a really good walk if you head for Wasdale lake, driving through Nether Wasdale from Gosforth on the A595. About two miles or so from Nether Wasdale, there’s a layby on the right overlooked by a hikers shelter, which makes it easy to find. Park up there and then head toward the public footpath sign, this will take you to Wasdale lake and into Low Wood. The bluebell wood is on the right, just off the path that follows the lake shore.
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Penny Rock Wood – Grasmere
This is really popular with tourists, so might be a bit busy, but the woodland that separates Grasmere and Rydal Water transforms into bluebells woods at this time of year. You can park up at White Moss car park, just of the A591. Follow the path that follows the River Rothay through the woodland, and you’ll get to a bridge, (buggy and wheelchair friendly) cross it and you’re in the bluebell woods.
