Boys, Branches & Bonding ~ The Mendip Hills

A good a place as any to blow away the cobwebs is atop the Mendip Hills.

This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can feel stark on a Wintry day but its views across to Bristol remind you that civilisation is not far away.

We drove up The Coombe, a sweeping, windy road that leads up to the hills from Burrington. It's always good to keep your eyes open on this stretch as there are walkers and cyclists at every turn.

We parked up and donned our wellies and walking boots and pulled our hats down over our ears.

It was nippy out!

The girl led the way but the boy soon caught up and the two of them were soon exploring the dead tree, beneath which they attempted to build a shelter from fallen branches scattered on the ground.

A shift in family dynamics occurred today, heralding a change from last week's daddy/daughter pairing. Today was time for some daddy/son bonding. With sticks.Me and my girl led the way, finding a downward hill, following the muddy horse tracks leading us into the unknown. The boys lagged behind distracted by sticks and branches which obviously had to be turned into weapons of various descriptions. I believe a light sabre battle may have taken place at some point.

The stick warfare seemed to bring the two together as they walked and talked. And battled their way around the muddy paths. I left my DSLR in the car and a comment was made about how I was managing not to lag behind taking hundreds of photos - obviously I had my phone to hand for a few occasional snaps.

The tree looked so stark and striking standing alone on the wild landscape.The sun came out for a while, low in the sky, shining its rays through the branches below.Through the trees the muddy paths led us through a blanket of ferns.

This may become a new favourite place to explore.

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