Harridge Woods (near Nettlebridge)

Yesterday's weekend walk was in Harridge Woods.  Fortunately we missed the rain by being so disorganised our morning walk happened at 4pm...

Harridge Woods is a rather large nature reserve near Nettlebridge.  After looking at the local OS map on Friday we decided to go there but didn't know anything about it other than the info on the map.  It is a stunning 136 acres and made up of five sites; Harridge Wood West and Limekiln Wood, Harridge Wood East, Home Wood and Edford Wood South.  Obviously our 2 hour walk didn't cover much of this but did manage a very pleasant loop; past the old keeper's cottage (which is now a bat house) along the stream from the spring and then up and along the ridge with fantastic views into the woods from the perimeter.  I'd really recommend reading the info on http://www.somersetwildlife.org/harridge_woods.html as it's such an interesting place.

The dogs just loved it, Toby really showed off his agility and climbing skills as was scaling +50degrees faces and making it look easy; George did well too, of course, but the lanky hound couldn't manage some of the extremes that Toby could.

Photos were difficult as light was low so apologies for the blur-o-vision but it adds to the atmosphere.

The water was lovely and refreshing.

George has discovered water; he loves charging through it.

I don't know why but Oscar insisted that I stand in the spring water with him...

Can I move yet? No daddy..

Right lets go then!

Oscar did lots of walking (which was great) but wouldn't let him up the top where it was slippy.

It was hard to get a picture where everyone was still at the same time (oh I need a proper camera).

Oscar really wanted to walk for himself (for a change), it was great as carrying him all the time can be quite hard work.

I recorded the track but expect accuracy to be a bit out with a poor view of the sky.  It's in two sections:


View Harridge Woods Part 1 in a larger map


View Harridge Woods Part 2 in a larger map