Ashclyst Forest is National Trust land on the Killerton estate a few miles east of Exeter. There are walks from 30 minutes, suitable for buggies, and various lengths up to about four hours.
I hadn’t been there for several years, but have many times in the past so I knew my way around. Just as well, the waymarked trails were totally confusing because paint had faded on posts and some signs pointed in more than one direction.
A wood is a wood perhaps, but we started off this way.
We’re well into spring now, everywhere is fresh and green.
I’m fairly sure these are different varieties of spurge
I’m a big fan of lichen and mosses.
Every so often there are glimpses through the hedge, under the shade of young leaves, to freshly ploughed fields.
At the lowest reaches of the woods, the distant sound of machinery could be heard, one of the culprits appeared eventually.
I’m usually driving some impossibly narrow lane when I see a tractor working, so this was a real treat for me, I even got a wave from what looked like father and young son.
There were wildflowers a plenty.
Even a baby dragon.
For those of you who like a bit of decay, last years beauty hasn’t quite faded away.
And still the views keep coming.
We’ve only walked a couple of miles, but with eyes wide open and camera ready, so it took nearly two hours.
The dogs can remember this as a mud wallow and were a bit put out, but no worries we’d brought plenty of water for them!
Now, the path is beginning to look a bit more civilised, I wonder what’s through the gate.
A fairy tale cottage, painted in regulation Killerton colour, what a lovely place to live.
Another fifteen minutes and our pootling walk was over. There are no facilities in Ashclyst, but Killerton House is a ten minute drive, combined with the woods it’s a lovely way to spend a day.
I’m walking with Jo for the first time in ages, are you?
Lucid Gypsy 
Thank you, sweetheart! This is beautiful 🙂 🙂 And even a baby dragon to play with! I’m a lucky girl 🙂 So green, Gilly, and lovely views. Thanks so much! Have a good week 🙂
Killer ton rings a bell, probably went there with my parents a decade or so back….
Such a green walk Gilly, compared to my “twenty steps” walk. I love paths through foliage and it looks as if the dogs do too. The views are great, and the soil looks beautifully fertile. Last time I saw a tractor it was coming out a grand doorway in Warsaw! Just as well you knew your way with signs so undecided. Wishing you a calm week with many visual pleasures.
What a lovely landscape Gilly, so green! Love the lichens, the dragon, that tree and of course the cottage. How do you fancy RHS Rosemoor for the rose weekend in June (24 and 25)?
Ooh yes please, great idea. Isn’t that a long way for you though?
Haven’t looked into the details, but it can’t be more than a couple of hours.
What gorgeous photos and a lovely walk to share with us.
oh how lovely. after having an exceptionally long winter (by Vancouver standards), such sights are good for both the eyes and the soul. thanks for sharing.
spring is here in full force, too. i saw my first fiddlehead ferns of the season today!
Forest walks are grill, and ones with dragons as well. No imagination needed here, but is allowed. Enjoyed this,thanx Gilly.
Just noticed spelling…. grill should be brill’ sorry about that
Gilly, how are you? Trust you are doing great. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. 🙂
A really picturesque walk, Gilly. Love the brilliant shades of Spring green. 😍
I so enjoy this beautiful walk! Fresh green in the woods. Breathtaking views, Gilly! .
Such a peacefully tree adorned place to take a walk, Gilly.
A special place to enjoy often.
Isadora 😎
Fabulous images Gilly .. love the freshness of spring. I’m a fan of moss and lichen .. plenty of the latter at our place 😃
This is a truly gorgeous walk, Gilly. Thank you.
Stunning photos Gilly, it looks like a wonderful place to take the dogs 🙂
Verdant beauty! I love the shot with a tree 🙂