Swithland Wood is a magical place, tucked away in the Leicestershire countryside. I discovered it on a wonderful wintery walk recently and I can’t wait to return and see it change with the seasons. I can imagine spring will be spectacular, especially as the wood anenomes and bluebells come through.

It’s an ancient woodland and one of the most atmospheric ones I’ve visited; you get a sense of seeing and feeling the history as you walk along its many winding paths. Big, old trees stand majestically, whispering with the wind and providing a perch for the aviary of birds that adorn them (make sure you stop and you’ll hear their song punctuating the silence).

The pathways lead you up and down, past streams and brooks, with glimpses of the beautiful surrounding countryside. The old bridal paths are still used by horse riders who amble along, enjoying being off the beaten track. Dogs too can explore all the nooks and crannies, sniffing out the many perfect spots to sit and admire the peace and beauty of it all.

Image courtesy of Phil McIver & Holly Victoria Norval on Flickr