Newtown Woods

As we had lots of children with us today we decided on a relatively gentle walk and headed for Newtown. Once in the car park we collected a walking guide from the visitor centre and headed off. Coming out of the car park we turned left then shortly after turned right along a footpath (CB13a) towards Walter's Copse. This was VERY muddy; the kids didn't mind in the slightest and splashed on through while us adults squelched from one vaguely solid patch to another getting caught up in brambles on the way. After what seemed ages, but in truth was about 500 yards, we came across the remains of an oak tree that seemed to have been blasted by lightening in the distant past. Well, we liked to think that anyway. It had several limbs that touched the ground so it seemed a sensible point to stop for our picnic.

 

Once refreshed we continued along the bowling green towards the road. Here we turned right and followed the road past the old vicarage woods then found a gate on our left leading into Walter's Copse. This was lovely. Fresh green rides through the woods, carpeted with primrose, wood anemones and bluebells. The kids were oblivious to the beauty and charged ahead pretending they were orcs, goblins and hobbits. We squelched through the mud behind them. The path we were following eventually led over a stile and into a meadow by the creek. We walked along the edge of the meadow and then along a causeway to reach a lonely bird hide with magnificent views across the mud flats. There were few birds around so it was a peaceful vista. We could go no further, so we headed back to the woods, followed a path through Town Copse then back along the road until we reached the car park.

 

This was a short walk, but seemed much longer because of the mud. However, it was lovely; I've rarely seen such bountiful displays of wild spring woodland flowers, and the fresh air and sunshine did everyone good.

 

Distance: approx.. 2miles.

Footpaths: CB13a, CB9