Chew Valley Hills and East Harptree Woods. Stunning views, wildlife and fungi magic!

Our Saturday walk took us from East Harptree Woods on a circular 9.5 mile walk taking in stunning views, fields, hills and great wildlife. Although the fields were very damp from overnight dew the day was like late summer with blue skies and a temperature of 19 degrees!

First Fly Agaric of the season found in East Harptree woods along the main path.  Always brings a smile to our face when we see these 'magical' wonders.

Rose hips as well as Hawthorn providing a mass of colour in the hedgerow this Autumn.  Seems to be thicker than ever.

Comma on Sloe berries.  Makes a change from the usual blackberries.  Still plenty of Commas around as well as a few Red Admirals and Speckled Woods making the best use of the sunny spots.

The fields and woods provided great cover for the many pheasants seen today.  They seemed to be out everywhere scurrying away like roadrunners as we got close. This male was happy for us to approach it on the edge of woodland whilst it foraged for seeds.

A view across the fields to where we are heading.  Still so green and vibrant.

One type of many different types of fungi appearing everywhere.  The warm days and damp evenings seem to be providing the right humidity for growth in field and woodland.  Must invest in an ID book!

A Mendip Hill field with views out towards Chew Valley Lake.  Always stunning views as you walk across these fields back towards East Harptree Woods.

A few rocks in this field and great to see what is probably the last Wheatear.  Good luck my friend on your trip back to Africa.  Very humbling when you stop to think the distance our migrants make very year.

Chew Valley Lake - a different perspective, you can see for miles and miles and by this stage we feel as though we have walked for miles!  What a view though.

Lovely family group hiding in the woods, look like little hats!

Fly Agaric - To our delight we found a large group hidden within some conifers at the end of our walk.  It is now a place we will visit every year just to see this 'magical' fungi.   It is so iconic and really lifts the spirits to see it and indeed everything we have seen on this and every walk we do.

Ain't nature grand!

Smitham Chimney, East Harptree Woods.  The last old lead-smelting chimney still standing on the Mendips.  The woods, lake and surrounding area packed with flora and wildlife at all times of the year.