A joyful stroll in the ancient lands today, the forest vibrant with colours in the soft, warm rain.
Swallows were flying from the eves of Hollyhatch Cottage as I passed and made my way up Ragged Boy Hill.
The heath surrounding me was a purple haze, with the scent of bog St John's wort spilling out onto my path and dwarf gorse was flowering and competing in colour with its surroundings.
The atmosphere weighed heavy and humid, but I managed to reach the heavy canopy of ancient oaks and yews in Sloden Wood before the clouds burst.
The gentle pitter-patter of rain on the leaves and the petrichor was welcoming as I leant on an old oak to just take it in. I thought I was alone amongst these ancient souls, but I could hear a familiar sound of roaming hooves wander from the trees,
and it seems I may have rested at their favourite spot, because in no time, 15 ponies, foals and a mule (or a hinnie, I'm never sure what??) Were resting around me. I enjoyed this special moment, before tiptoeing away from them to enjoy their snooze.
Buzzards called and deer skipped amongst the bracken as I walked the site of the royal hunting lodge. I was getting glimpses through the trees of Hasley heath, but I know I have to pass the forest guardian before entering the heath.
I turned the corner and there he was, the Sloden Oak. Reaching out his sprawling branches. Stoic and strong, he's the protector of this ancient woodland and stands on the edge of both woodland and heath.
I spent some time with him before he agreed I could pass and made my way downhill into the vast purple landscape. Butterflies bounced along the top of the heather and my steps couldn't be heard along the sandy paths.
It was indulgent for the senses as I turned and stood at splash bridge to see the paths I had walked,
but I couldn't stay still for long. The sweet scent of conifer trees pulled me into Broomy inclosure and escorted me the rest of my walk.
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