Westonbirt Arboretum

A stunning autumnal day with blue sky and sunshine but a pretty strong wind too.

After a walk into lower Horfield to deliver a birthday card we had coffee in the Tinto Lounge where we had brunch just over a week ago.

We then set off for the Cotswolds and the Westonbirt (National) Arboretum near Tetbury run by the Forestry Commison though it was developed in private hands.
After some hearty soup for lunch, sitting out in the sun, we followed the Autumn trail which took us through the Acer Glade some of which is seen here. There were pockets of colour around the park but here displayed the most. No doubt there will be more to come in a few weeks. Even so it was very busy, can't imagine how it will be at the weekend or during October half term though no doubt the increased colour will be worth it.

We then followed the Tree Top walk to the Silk Wood. This is a great innovation as it is accessible to all and apart from the odd wobbly side bridge and crows nest which did move quite a bit it was very stable and gave a different perspective on the trees and park. (Extra)

There were some magnificent individual large trees and although we spent a good three hours there there were more paths and trails we didn't take. There is a Spring glade for Camelias and Rhododendrons and another for spring flowers so I can definitely see us returning at another time of year. ( Perhaps then will get his free entry with his RHS membership. We were told it couldn't be used until 15 November which I presume will be when all the leaves have gone. Who can blame them as this must be their most time of year).