K.L.M.

Not the Dutch airline, rather –

Kempley

At the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle', Daffodil Trail, Kempley is bordered by woodland walks through fields of wild native daffodils, wild garlic and wood annenomies.

Lindors

Built on the Mork Brook that flows into the River Wye the nine acre garden was originally set out in 1846.

There are over 70 varieties of trees at Lindors the oldest is believed to be a Copper Beech, closely followed by a Black Mulberry. Both are nearly 120 years old. There is also Cedar of Lebanon, Red Cedar, a 48 mtr Giant Redwood and a cider orchard.

The grounds and surrounds also contain a number of water features.

Continuing on to Tintern with its magnificent abbey ruins, river vistas and unique 'out of print' bookshop.

Much Marcle

Small village, big church. St Bartholomew’s dates from the 13th century and is of considerable architectural interest. The Norman tub font is mid 12th century and is the sole remaining relic of the Norman Church which once stood on the site. The church is composed of a 13th century chancel and nave, with the addition of a small 14th century chapel and a very imposing central tower, added in the 15th century.

Beside the church, hidden by trees, is the motte where Mortimer’s Castle once stood. It is thought that the church tower could have been built from the stone that once formed the castle walls. In the churchyard itself is a giant old oak with an internal seating area.

 





 






 

 Inside the church are several beautifully carved tombs. The most imposing tombs are those of Sir John Kyrle and his wife Sybil, which is located upon a high plinth of black marble, surmounted by the alabaster effigies. and the quite extraordinary painted effigy of Walter de Helyon in the north aisle of the nave. 

 
Also in the church is a small carving saved from the Cathederal in Ypres after it was bombed. 












Of particular interest as my Grandfather, wounded and working for the Imperial War Graves Commission established and maintained a number of first world war graves cemetries around Ypres/Popperinge.
 

 

About three miles north-north west of the village, on the eastern face of Marcle Ridge, a massive landslip, estimated at 60,000 cubic metres, took place over three days starting on 17 February 1575. Named "The Wonder", it was so large that full-grown trees were carried down the slope onto an adjoining property.

Opposite the old church track lies the path to Hellens House, the ramshackle Jacobean Manor House, containing lands and a sculpture park. In 1096 the Manor was granted to the de Balun family who witnessed the signing of the Magna Carta by King John. Thereafter by marriage, deed and gift it passed through the powerful Mortimer family to the Lords Audleys by 1301, who were created Earls of Gloucester in 1337. Among Hellens’ attractions are the haunted rooms prepared for Mary Tudor and her tutor Fetherstone; the Stone Hall and its great fireplace bearing the Black Prince’s crest and the Minstrel Gallery. To the rear Hallwood woodland is a SSSI (a site of special scientific interest).

 

 It's also been a great lambing seasons

Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate

A 17th-century Cotswold country estate

Lodge Park was built byJohn 'Crump' Dutton in the 17th-century. It became the National Trust's first restoration project in 1998 and relied on archaeological evidence to return the building to its former glory. It's situated approximately two and a half miles from the village of Sherborne and the wider Sherborne estate, the other side of the A40.

 

stopped to chat with a local - lost the tip of his nose since last I saw him :-/

Sherborne is a working estate and has an abundance of wildlife, from fallow and roe deer to badgers and foxes. Ewe Pen Barn is the starting point for Lodge Park's three main walking routes: Short Woodland Stroll; Family Fun Walk and Historic Farmland Hike - which we completed, though a bit damp underfoot through the 18th-century water meadows near the Windrush.

Ewe Pen Barn

 

water meadow

At its centre, close to the village, is a wonderful and very popular village shop and tea rooms, well worth a visit.

Valentines Glamp

We like to do different things for Valentines. We have stopped at many quirky Landmark Trust properties over the years but this year we went glamping in a yurt in Wales. The yurt was amazing, one of three in a secluded location just over the border from Shrewsbury. The decor was stylish, the large kingsize bed well comfy and the log burner with its long flu kept us warm without the smoky smell :)

 

The central block, with its under floor heating had a luxurious kitchen and separate shower/toilet room around a communal sauna put the glam in glamping. The outdoor hot tub was an added delight.

 

On the way we stopped for refreshment at a quirky cafe in Welshpool, the Bay Tree, well worth a stop over if you're in that direction. Memorableia covering every wall and the ceiling, and some lovely plaques.

Also strolled the equally quirky market in Welshpool.

Amongst the many easy to reach walks the most picturesque was the lakeside walks at Vyrnyn. The snow flurries making the views even more picturesque and more than a little romantic ;) We walked from Artisans at the southern end and took in the wonderful Rhiwargor Waterfall at the north end, though this was eclipse by the spectacular Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall – the largest in Wales/England.

 

Past the visitors centre, at the south end of the lake, near the dam was a once extensive sculpture trail but apart from a handful of exhibits the weather and termites have done for much of the work :-/