Route: North Cliffe Wood
Area: East Yorkshire
Date of walk: 24th April 2019
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 3.0 miles
Ascent: none
Weather: Hazy sunshine, becoming clearer
North Cliffe Wood Nature Reserve is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and is well worth a visit at any time of year, but especially so in late April/early May when there are carpets of bluebells throughout the woods
There are a few roadside parking spaces along Sand Lane by the two entrances to the wood and I parked in one of these. On entering the wood I followed the track along its eastern edge. Within a couple of minutes I was greeted by the wonderful sight – and scent – of countless bluebells. The sight was enhanced by occasional patches of stitchwort and primrose, and a host of warblers provided background musical accompaniment
I walked around the perimeter of the wood, as well as a small area of heathland where grass snakes may regularly be seen basking, though I didn’t see any today
I then re-entered the wood, following a path around the edge until I arrived back at the start
The route on the Maps Page is taken from a previous visit. I took a slightly longer route today, but a route map isn’t really needed in this place – it’s best to wander around the waymarked paths as your fancy takes you
There seems to be an increasing issue these days with visitors to bluebells woods leaving the main paths and walking over the plants, perhaps in order to get a better photo. Once the plants are damaged by trampling they can’t photosynthesise enough energy and it can take them years to recover. Could I please ask anyone following this walk (or indeed any walk through a bluebell wood) to keep to the main paths and avoid contact with the plants. I hasten to add that no bluebells were harmed while taking the photos which follow…
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
I enter North Cliffe Wood via one of the two access points on Sand Lane
I follow the path along the eastern edge of the wood
Much of the woodland consists of birch...
Paths lined with bluebells...
Primrose
Stitchwort
I continue around the edge of the wood
An enticing path...
A heathland area, where grass snakes may be seen (but not today)
I re-enter the wood
An inviting bench...
...and an equally inviting stile
Some close ups...
The sun breaks out near the end of the walk, showing the bluebells in a different light
Heading back to the start along a path at the northern edge of the wood
A last look over the bluebells, looking glorious below the golden leaves of the birches
I emerge from the woodland and turn left here to end a wonderful short walk
