I’ve heard enough of bluebell but never seen one until now. It’s not a stunning sort of flower I’d say, when they always keep their heads down, which they do. I love one that is with the head held up high, like a sunflower. Bluebell, not exactly blue but violet-ish, is quite a thing when wiping out a mountain overnight. I probably wouldn’t have known if nobody put it on instagram (and hashtagged #bluebell). On a glorious Sunday, cars line up outside Cam Peak to see this nature-woven carpet. I set my foot on it with low expectations of patchy blooming. Those little shy flowers wait quietly in the shade, and waiting for a photo or two. Just lovely.
Satisfied with our bluebell first meet, let’s change the stage drapes from blue to white. In less than a 20-min drive, we are surrounded by tall trees wearing silvery smooth barks and footed with an unfolded blanket of lush greens and spotted white flowers like snowfall. One man carries a rucksack filled with leaves; another woman kneels to pick leaves, not flowers. Then I understand this is a wild garlic paradise. I run my fingers through the leaves, rub, sniff, and yes, it’s garlic. Curry Boy asks if I want some to bring home. I look around; a few people have a big handful, and are trying to get some more, while others just walk by and give a look to those in the greens. ‘No, I don’t need it.’
Leaf and Ground Cafe
A nice spot to stop by for lunch and to enjoy some more scenic view. Menu available on their website.
Info
Cam Peak
Limited parking on site. If fancy a longer walk, take a look of this route.
National Trust Woodchester Park
Free entry. Only fees applied to manor house. Car park: Pay and Display £3 all day (NT members park for free). Cash only and no change.
