Only lived in this area now for 10 years but still never quite got around to visiting our local piece of woodland. To be honest I only found out about it a few months ago and then by a chance conversation. To be fair it wasn't given a great write up so I wasn't expecting much and it wasn't a great priority.
However today seemed a good chance to go and see it...
Well it was bigger than I'd expected and I'd no idea it was actually a hillfort. And right on the doorstep too... rather embarrassing really but never mind.
It's a small one just a single circuit of ramparts for enclosure and defence but is still a Scheduled Ancient Monument despite being damaged by quarrying and mining.
A small stream runs between it and Stephan's Vale. I don't think this bridge is the original structure though somehow...
The waterfall in Stephan's Vale was a lovely surprise too. The path down to it was wet and muddy and looked steep and slippery so that is saved for another day.
It is apparently carpeted in bluebells and other woodland flowers in the spring.
And to round off a day or surprises, a rather out of season thorn. I guess it is a little confused by the mild weather we've been having.Well it may have taken me 10 years to find the place but I think a return visit in the spring will be essential to enjoy the bluebells and other woodland flower. I certainly won't be waiting a decade to go back!
