Hey there, fellow adventurers!
One rainy afternoon, after Tiffany and I had finished our chores for the day, we decided to embark on a little escapade into the Allers mystical Enchanted Wood, a trip we have made many time before. That particular day we were on a mission to track down some elusive fairies, as we’d previously spotted their cute little fairy doors in a clearing about half way through the woods.
As we trudged along the muddy trail (its muddy in parts for most of the year) the scent of rain-soaked earth filled our nostrils, mingling with the sweet aroma of the damp foliage. Despite the drizzle, the forest was alive with activity! Rustles here, chirps there, it was like the woodland critters were putting on a show just for us. The smells of the forest were driving our little furry friend – Woody the Cockapoo – crazy with excitement.
You can walk to the Enchanted Wood straight from Bath House; you walk up past the village pub, cross the road by the Old School House and then up and up you go until you reach the entrance of the wood (there are a few small wooden signs pointing the way). The path then snakes its way through the wood past a maze of trees, their twisted branches reaching up towards the sky like nature’s own skyscrapers. It’s an ancient wood and every year storms claim a few more of the older trees, which are now covered in velvety moss – adding a touch of magic to the scene!
Depending on what time of the year you go, amongst all the greenery, the wood plays host to clusters of wildflowers defiantly blooming as the sunshine cuts through the leaves, bringing a splash of colour to the otherwise muted forest.
Deep in the wood we always feel moments of pure serenity when we stand still to just listen to Mother Nature. On this day, light raindrops began tapping against leaves overhead, creating a soothing symphony that seemed to wash away all the stresses of everyday life. It was like time stood still and all that mattered was absorbing the tranquility of the moment.
It was a beautiful day and so when we reached the end of the woods, we crossed the little lane into the small National Trust area to sit and gawp at the amazing vista before us. We were at the end of the flood season and although the waters were receding, parts of the Somerset Levels still looked like a vast ocean as it shimmered in the sunlight.
Life can be crazy these days in the go-go-go-world we live in and so we both feel very grateful that we have such a beautiful and ancient wood right on our doorstep. It’s moments like these – moments spent reconnecting with nature and getting lost in its beauty – that remind us all to slow down and appreciate the magic that surrounds us, even on the rainy days. We reluctantly retraced our footsteps and made our way back to the village, leaving the Enchanted Wood behind… for the time being.
PS: You can find directions for the Enchanted Wood walk in the Guest Directory