Last Saturday, Mount Stewart near Newtwonards opened the 1st phase of the 1.5 mile woodland walk and
although it is not fully finished, I thoroughly enjoyed it. All the word prompts fitted into this post
for Friday’s Hunt and Weekend Reflections and is letter S, Favourite photo and Smile.
It will take 5-10 years to open up the 20 miles of historic trails that have been planned
and by the end of 2016 it is hoped to have 3 miles of trails open for the use by visitors. Above is the new SHEPHERDS hut at the trail head where Jennifer welcomed me and provided a map with more information about the trails. She even was game enough to provide me with my SMILE photograph for this meme. I was joined by my friend Sue.
As we walked up a hill to The Temple of the Winds (I will show you that some other day), I was glad of a seat overlooking STRANGFORD Lough.
The woods were carpeted with many wonderful
wildflowers.
Below are some blue Hyacinthoides
non-SCRIPTA - Bluebells to you and me!
This ruggged old bridge with a small stream under it had a lovely reflection.
Nearing the end of our walk, I think we took a wrong
path and ended up at this swampy area which I loved as it remained me of an area in Poland I had visited where there were Beavers. However, at present it was not passable but it did afford me a few reflections shots.
I hope you saw yesterday’s post where I showed you
The
Folly which we found deep in the woodland.
Oh dear, I nearly forgot, a FAVOURITE, well that for me is too difficult so I will leave that up to you.
I am linking this post with Friday's Hunt and Weekend Reflections.
Many thanks for visiting and also to those who leave comments.
Simply sublime. I think my favourite is the bridge and reflection, but if I go back and look again that could change...
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to explore a new trail thanks to a lot of hard work in getting one opened to the public, I'm sure. It looks like one where there's lots to enjoy especially the woodland flowers at this time of the year. I like the welcoming shepherd's hut information point and the smiley lady at the beginning of the trail.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteBest regards
Ingrid
A beautiful show of bluebells and the sherherdess is very nice.
ReplyDeletea wonderful collection of beauty
ReplyDeleteHello, I love the gorgeous wildflowers and the old bridge. Great collection of photos. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteThose bluebells are amazing! And what a cute little stone bridge.
ReplyDeleteThat lovely young lady has a lot to smile about as she works in such a beautiful place. The bluebells are always so special and the whole walking trail looks wonderful; the opening of a a new nature place is always something to celebrate! Just that alone would be my favorite!!
ReplyDeleteSuper photos, Margaret but the bluebells are my favourite flowers & you have great photos of them!
ReplyDeleteI love the wildflowers and the old bridge, wonderful pictures!
ReplyDeleteThe bridge image is wonderful... Love it.
ReplyDeleteKnow what I would do if I saw that mossy bridge - I would find myself a place to paint it:):) Great takes on Fri Hunt! Also, have a lovely Mothers Day!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the reflection!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images. I love the flowers and the swampy area.Oh— I just loved all the pictures.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots. Thank you
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pics!
ReplyDeletebeautiful photos and a great reflection
ReplyDeletevery pretty flowers
ReplyDeleteThe woodland walk was tres enjoyable Margaret, the bluebell fields and old bridge stunning! Loved the folly from yesterday, would love to hear the story behind it, bound to have a touch of romance oui :)
ReplyDeleteThat little old bridge is just perfect
ReplyDeleteMollyxxx
Such a pretty place for nature walks! And such nice flower pictures, Margaret, They went all out for your photos. I hope it is close enough for you to have some regular walks. Be looking for, or suggest they build one, a nature elevated walking path through the beautiful swamp area. A few Monet--like bridges?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggested word for my "S". I did change it to an "S" phrase. "1. Starts with "S" ~~ Still water Sailing. "
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Hi Jim Yes is only just over 11 miles from this property and i am a volunteer photographer for the National Trust in N.Ireland but as this is my closest I visit it more often than any of the others. It is the 'jewel in the crown' of properties and garden in N. Ireland and in fact is in the top ten most beautiful gardens in the world so I am VERY fortunate. Next Wednesday I hope to show you the Chapel which is inside the House itself and is very beautiful.
DeleteWhat a lovely walk, and so many great photo opportunities.
ReplyDeleteI would love to walk there. The reflection under the bridge is great and the flowers are beautiful!
ReplyDeletenot often you see small bridges like the one you share. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! I just love that bridge! How nice of Jennifer to let you photograph her smile. Thank you so much for joining Friday's Hunt. I hope you have a good week.
ReplyDelete