Bidcombe Wood

Horningsham - Horningsham, Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6090

Horningsham – Horningsham, Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6090

This is another post venturing over the Somerset border into a neighbouring county.  This is because I recently struggled around a gravel cycle ride around the Wiltshire Downs that was organised by Glorious Gravel.  This ride started and finished in Somerset but most of it was through the rolling open downs in Wiltshire.  Despite falling off 4 times – the last time was not my fault – it was a great day out.  We saw some beautiful countryside.  But for me one bit stood out – a small bluebell wood near the finish called Bidcombe Wood.

So despite tired legs, I returned the next day re-find this gem – this time on foot.  I parked in the village of Horningsham and followed a series of bridleways in search of bluebells.

Bridleway in Spring - Horningsham, Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6097

Bridleway in Spring – Horningsham, Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6097

The wood sits on the top of a very big hill with a steep rough ascent.  But you are soon rewarded by a sea of wild garlic.

Bidcombe Wood - Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6101

Bidcombe Wood – Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6101

As you walk deeper into the wood the bluebells start to take over.

Bidcombe Wood - Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6150

Bidcombe Wood – Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6150

Hidden Wiltshire describe this wood perfectly…

… this wood is a real hidden gem and it is quite a trek to get there, but you will be rewarded with an unspoiled display of bluebells.  – Hidden Wiltshire

Bidcombe Wood - Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6135

Bidcombe Wood – Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6135

And finally…

Bidcombe Wood has some very tall bluebells.  It is amazing to compare the height of these with the bluebells we found on the open fields of Dartmoor.

Bidcombe Wood - Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6322

Bidcombe Wood – Wiltshire, UK. ID JB_6322

Quite a difference, it is hard to imagine they are the same species…

Bluebells - Emsworthy Mire, Dartmoor, Devon, UK. ID IMG_3253

Bluebells – Emsworthy Mire, Dartmoor, Devon, UK. ID IMG_3253

Links

  • https://www.hiddenwiltshire.com/post/bluebells-in-wiltshire
  • https://gloriousgravel.com/product/gravel-sportives/wessex-gravel-epic/

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