Western Mail

The wild blue yonder

A SEA OF BLUEBELLS CARPET SOME THE NATIONAL TRUST’S MOST

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SPRING has arrived and bluebell woods are in full bloom. May is the perfect time to enjoy this seasonal highlight and take a walk through woodland spots near you.

Here, National Trust Cymru, who look after 46,000 hectares of land in Wales, suggest some of their finest places to enjoy a bluebell walk.

NORTH WALES Chirk Castle, Wrexham

Wander across the 480 acres of parkland at Chirk Castle and discover beautiful bluebell displays in the estate’s woodland. Follow the blue waymarked trail to find woods full of oak trees, including some amazing and unique veteran trees. Dogs on a lead are welcome on the Woodland Walk.

Bodnant Garden, Conwy

Bluebells carpet the ground under cherry blossom trees and flowering shrubs in the Glades. Head into Old Park meadow to wander amongst the sea of bluebells that stretch out beyond the dappled shade of the woodland glades to the riverside gardens of the Dell and Far End.

From April to September, dogs are welcome on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd

A sea of blue can be seen all around the gardens and woodland surroundin­g Penrhyn Castle in May.

Follow the path that passes under the hanging boughs of ancient oak trees with spectacula­r views of Snowdonia and the North Wales coast. Dogs on a short lead are welcome on a choice of trails.

Plas yn Rhiw, Llŷn Peninsula

Bluebells cover the woodland glades in this sheltered garden, giving a spectacula­r display against the stunning coastal views of Cardigan Bay. Don’t miss the bluebells; they cover the upper woodland giving a spectacula­r display. Dogs are welcome in the lower woodland.

MID WALES Llanerchae­ron, Ceredigion

Set in the wooded Aeron valley, Llanerchae­ron is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, known for its fantastic variety of trees, flora and wildlife.

From late April you can see bluebells climbing up the banks of Afon Aeron and scattered throughout the woodland. Amongst the purple droplets you’ll see and smell bursts of wild garlic flowers too. Dogs are welcome into the parkland and woodland walks, but please be mindful that Llanerchae­ron is a working farm with animals on site.

SOUTH WALES Coed y Bwnydd, Monmouthsh­ire

Dappled shade, birdsong and the heady scent of bluebells means the gently rolling landscape of this Iron Age hill fort continues to be a haven for people and wildlife. The annual show of bluebells give a dazzling display in an already beautiful, and archaeolog­ically important, site. Dogs on a lead are welcome.

Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokesh­ire

Head to West Wood in this tranquil valley garden to walk amongst a blanket of bluebells. The woodland in late spring offers pretty bluebell walks following a network of paths. Dogs on a lead are welcome, except for the Walled Garden.

Dinefwr, Carmarthen­shire

The historic Newton House at Dinefwr is surrounded by a deer park and ancient woodlands that burst into life each spring. Follow the Cattle trail to Rookery Ridge, to see the bluebell display – a showstoppe­r in May. Dogs on a lead are welcome in the outer park.

 ?? ?? Llanerchae­ron, Ceredigion ©National Trust/Gwen Potter
Llanerchae­ron, Ceredigion ©National Trust/Gwen Potter
 ?? ?? ©National Trust/Gwenno Parry
Dinefwr
©National Trust/Gwenno Parry Dinefwr
 ?? ??
 ?? ©NationalNt­il Trust/Tt/JJohnh Mill Millar ?? Get out and enjoy nature
©NationalNt­il Trust/Tt/JJohnh Mill Millar Get out and enjoy nature
 ?? ?? Dogs are welcome
Dogs are welcome

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