My favourite walk, British Camp, Malvern, Worcestershire

At last the rain has stopped for a few hours, so I quickly decided to treat myself to my favourite walk.

The wood looks so lush this time of year

The reservoir

A patch of wild flowers

Wild flower detail

Wild flower panoramic

Rape seed fields as seen from top

British Camp earthworks 

View down from summit looking north

Sunshine, Elgar and bluebells, Malvern Wells Common, Worcestershire.

The Elgars bench path

Horse chestnut Avenue

A wonderfully warm morning, bathed in glorious sunshine. I parked in the upper car park off Peachfield Road and walked along the top path past Elgar's bench. Yellow wood anemones still adorn the lush green grass and the young leaves are now opening upon the horse chestnut avenue.

Elgar's Bench

Mirror like pool

 The pool is perfectly clear and still, reflecting the sky above as well as any mirror.

Blue bells just opening

Beyond the pool I found the first bluebells I have seen in flower this year. It will be at least another week before the bluebells on the west side of the hill open, but here on the east side spring is looking beautifully brilliant.

Bluebell detail

The hill above Elgar's bench

Black Hill walk, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire.

 At this time of year, especially after such a long cold winter, it is all the more delightful to feel the tender caress of the soft sun on your skin. Enjoying the gentle warmth of this spring day I walked from Black Hill, northward along the ridge path on the western side of the hill.

Looking north along ridge

Looking south towards British Camp

Panoramic shot looking north

Catkins

 White clouds slowly slipped across the pale blue sky. Birds sang and as I stood in awe I watched a majestic kestrel hover in the sky above me.

Catkins illuminated by sunlight

Willow herb flames

Bluebell plants

 As I neared Gardiners Quarry I turned round and took a lower path through the dappled shade of the wood. Catkins like halos seemed to somehow become illuminated by the sunlight. Young willow herb plants peaked from the grass, red as tiny flames, whilst luxuriant green blue bell leaves greedily absorb the sunlight on the light dappled floor, preparing for their display of fine filigreed blooms.

View from the wood looking south