Colchester Striders

At the Dipping Pond this morning, a heron waiting patiently for a catch. The heron is sitting at the end of the dock to the right of the green plant.

Last morning of our trip to Ireland. A roam around beautiful Coole Park. Taking in Lough Coole, The Autograph Tree and Sundial, the Visitor Centre and the delicious food at Cobblestone Café, before a quick drive to Shannon Airport and back to Stansted. Thanks to Coole Park Nature Reserve for a warm welcome and showing us a film of the life and times of Lady Gregory.

https://www.facebook.com/coolegarrylandnaturereserve

Day three of our trip to Ireland. Ferry over to Inis Mór and the hike up to Dún Aonghasa.

Certain people couldn't resist looking over the cliff edge, although needed help to get up again!

Day two of our trip to Ireland. Walking from the city centre, out to the Claddagh and to Galway Bay.

First walking day of our Ireland trip. Walking up The Diamond in the Connemara National Park and visiting Kylemore Abbey.

Getting close to our trip to Galway and the West of Ireland. Looking forward to the first Fleadh for Bealtaine.

More stunning views from our Monday morning walk in Messing.

Thanks to the wet weather we endured this winter, we now are enjoying a magnificent display of bluebells, earlier than usual. Highwoods Country Park is filled with the sight and scent of these beautiful flowers, sprinkled with the occasional wood anemone. This is one of the highlights of the natural year, so even if you are not a Nordic Walker, get yourself down to Highwoods Country Park to enjoy this beautiful sight!

The pictures don't really do the flowers justice - they have to be experienced in real life!

Another beautiful floral display in Highwoods Country Park.

Approaching the Big Hill by the Lake this morning, we were greeted by a sight we've never before seen in 15 years of Nordic Walking in Highwoods Country Park - a patch of carefully preserved cowslips!

This is just a small part of the patch. Do try and see the magnificent bluebell display near Chanterelles car park, too.