Dunclent, nr Stone, Worcs. A magical kind of walk

The walk started off in a straightforward way: large agribusiness-type field, and pylons.

Streams made into straight irrigation channels. I thought this would turn out to be a workmanlike walk  - just a way of passing the miles.

But no, it turned out quite differently. Through ancient woodland, and smaller older fields in the main. This is a ford for farm vehicles - I've not seen many of those before

There was also this rough bridge

The sun shone as I followed the clear path round some smaller fields 

Branches in the blue sky 

A buzzard  - there were lots mewing away in the sky. Plus what sounded like two skylarks

An artificial lake with lots of geese

Fifteen more minutes and these daffodils would have blossomed!

Another easy-to-follow path...

...which led to these charming beasts.

 I find them just adorable

Following the path down through the undergrowth,...

...I came upon this delightful glade

The birdsong, the rushing stream. Magical. 

Soon there will be bluebells too.

On the far side of the dell was a back view of Stone House, open to the public as a nursery.

The tractor was just about to do some muckspreading: I arrived just in time. Not everything is magical!

Stone House gardens.

Wild flowers

More from this lovely walk tomorrow
Today's Walk: Starting from Deansford Lane,DY10 3NN. Following the bridle path past Mount Segg, and Neild House, to Stone House, across the A448 onto Butts Lane, then turning back on Stanklyn Lane. Cross the A448 again, down Dunclent Lane (road used as public path) following a very straightforward path through ancient woodland and back to the start of the walk. About 4.6 miles. The bit on Butts and Stanklyn lane could be missed out: it would just be a short distance on the A448, which has a good footpath.