Today I decided to walk and write my diary without using sight; strolling the woodland and writing what I heard, felt and smelt only!
The wind hit my face as I entered the woods, a Magpie called out loudly from above and Blue-tits tweeted all around. Branches cracked and the limestone path crunched under my foot, as I weaved along the woodland path. Behind me was a constant stream of water running out of a pipe into the stream that meandered its way criss-crossing under the footpath. A Robin sang out and the clatter of a Sycamore sounded like its trunk was dancing as it’s canopy collided with its neighbour.
Heading uphill I could taste the salty sea air on my lips, walking past the Egyptian seat I brushed the cold, slimy limestone surface, until I reached the softer ground of the woodchip path. I was surrounded by deep undergrowth but high above the wind whistled through the trees and a Raven called out. The strong smell of fresh woodchip filled the air with every step I took. I stopped to enjoy the musty smell of a moss covered Horse Chestnut. Reaching the end of this path Almonds from the Winter Heliotrope added a touch of nuttiness to the senses.
The westerly wind created a beautiful rustling sound through the inland trees, while high above a plane rumbled through the clouds. Thick leaves fell to the ground, as a hurried scattering of a Squirrel ran up a nearby tree trunk. Stopping at the ‘Listening Seat’ it felt secluded and warm, a break in the wind revealed the ocean waves rolling into Durlston Bay.
Splish, splashing to the end of the path until I reached the tarmac, I headed downhill towards the sea. Goldfinches flew over and Magpies cackled as I arrived at the gravel path and was hit with a band of cold rain. The trees seemed more animated down here, everything got louder, and my eyes streamed as I reached the Observation Point.
Making my way along the clifftop, the sound of the waves crashing against Tilly Whim got louder and louder, and as I approached, the wind whistled through the caves. Now heading uphill it was like I was in the eye of a storm protected by the surrounding Gorse bushes, behind me the waves crashed and the wind whistled through the mile markers. To my right the dry Tor grass was being blown around making a soothing sound, I breathed in the subtle coconut smell and ahead was the sound of small birds.
I ended my walk back in the woods, encased in the morning sound of bird song. The Rangers often mention places and fields in the morning diaries, on our website under the ‘visit page’ you can find a map to help you navigate our walks.