So, it being a lovely warm day, we could not resist visiting the place we went to yesterday, a valley apparently forgotten by civilization or more cynically possibly too difficult to commercialize. This time we approached from the top parking on the A39 . Here is a map to show you the starting and parking points should you be interested. The upper one is on the main road at the junction with the yellow track. Go through the signed gate and walk down the side of the field. After about 150m you will see a five bar gate which is the entrance to the walk.

As good a place to start as any is at the very bottom of the map about 3 cm from the left side you will see a square. By that, there is a ramblers gate which you go through and off you go. You can park opposite on the main road.

I think it’s a very good place to have a picnic. Now I’m recommending this because this is a unique time of year, when both the bluebells and garlic is out. Even with this social distancing you will only pass people occasionally so you can avoid others if you want. Allow at least two hours for the walk and that will not be enough to traverse the whole valley. I would take suitable walking shoes.

We met a delightful Muslim men and invited him, forgetting it was Ramadan, to eat some garlic leaves. He said he could not during the day but he was full of the joys of spring and praise God for the wonderful views of the environment. How nice is nature without the interference of man.

The main part of this diary is showing you some images which I took on the way with brief comments. No question – instant refreshment in these potentially troubling times

Boots recommended in wet weather – it is not a plain path all the way

I love seeing trees lie where they fall

garlic anybody?

I wonder what the landscape was like to justify such a bridge when it seems to be in an impassable area. Maybe earlier slate works.

these branches have divided themselves in old age

difficult to see what this was, perhaps a refuge against the weather