Lydford Gorge

By skinner_jennifer

Wed, 10 Mar 2021
  • 3236 reads
16 comments
 

Dear diary...recollections of a day out at Lydford Gorge

in Devon back in June 1985.

 

Down interesting trails somewhere between bending limbs

that appeared to meander descending sloping embankments,

we followed rush of river Lyd, a loud torrent gathering speed,

while canopy of trees absorbed echoes of sweet birdsong that

enriched normality, place tickling with many frequenters like a

community of whimsical enchantments.

 

I read recently that otters inhabit Lydford Gorge, does this

unseen cute creature with quivering whiskers frolic neath

white lady waterfall? Have those curious eyes ever captured

her ghost pulled from another time? That day we needed to

flex our creativity, imagine this water nymph with long flowing hair,

It somehow refreshed and calmed us to think of her patiently waiting

to appear, while kingfisher gazed from some tree watching for movement

of fish.

 

There's a thriving energy in this gorge filled with intrigue, you have to

admire its natural beauty. We never did get to see untamed Wood Anemone

embracing whatever brightness could be found. But sights of haphazard

Great-Woodrush clutching shadows of gathering dark hollows were

noticeable, yet inconspicuous to the untrained eyes; such a humble plant.

 

Soon refreshed at stop off cafe, having drunk numerous cups of tea

with buttered scones and jam, we finished our somewhat intrepid

meanderings that became quite daring in places, where narrow

steep paths had us staring down into deep ravines with just a handrail

to grab hold of; I'm so glad I achieved this challenge back then, because

there's no way I'd attempt such an undertaking now.

 

As the hours passed and feeling weary, we made our way to the

car park knowing that soon night would put all the colours of this day

to bed and leave me with my enthusiastic memories, enough to write

of this day in Lydford Gorge.

 

Photo is my own. Somwhat dark, but then I'm no photographer. wink

 

 

Certificate U
Other
Dear Diary
Travel
Nature
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by airyfairy on

I feel as though I've had a day out! Thank you, Jenny. What a wonderful memory.

Submitted by marandina on

It sounds an entrancing place and you certainly bring it to life here, Jenny.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

It was certainly a great day out airyfairy. Glad you enjoyed and thank you for letting me know.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Paul,

I had fun writing this piece and looking back.

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

You certainly brought back memories! I'm pretty sure it is a place we delighted in exploring a few years ago on a holiday in Devon. Such an interesting and intiguing and beautiful place. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Rhiannon,

I bet you have been to Lydford Gorge, I can imagine this would be your cup of tea. I'm glad I could stir your own memories, it's always nice to share with someone who has been to the same place and knows the beauty that surrounds.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read and letting me know.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by Nolan on

Lydford Gorge. Sounds lovely I wish I could go with! Britain has such beautiful nature often overlooked with all the work and business everyone rushing all about for money. I was there and I saw some of the nature but I think one should be a bit older to really appreciate it.

Next time invite me! Do you think it's possible? It is & Nolan

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Nolan, It certainly is lovely and not just for adults, many children have fun too. If you ever get the chance to come to Britain, you should definitely give Devon a visit, it's got some wonderful countryside and Lydford Gorge is a must, it can take up to four hours to walk from one end of the trail to the other, depending on how many times you stop and take in the views. Not only is there the White Lady Falls, but also The Devils Caldron, but we never got to see that on our visit.

I don't go far anymore as I find it hard to get around, so that's why I'm happy with my memory of the place. Thank goodness I never left living life to the full too late!! Great memories.

Hope you get to visit one day.

Thank you so much for leaving such a kind comment, it was most appreciated.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by Nolan on

And so much thanks too for your much appreciated reply! &

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

I'm glad you lived life to the full, cramming in as much colour and joy as you could!  "thriving energy in this gorge filled with intrigue" is wonderful!  I remember always hoping to see ghosts in such places, or go through a portal. Your poem makes it sound like these things would be possible

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hello Di,

you know I feel the same way as you about mysterious places. To beable to walk through a portal, as long as I could come back would be amazing. The tale goes that if you fall into the river Lyd, that if you see the spirit of the white lady, then you won't drown.

Devon is a magical place to visit. I'm glad I was able to convey that to you in my writing. 

Thank you for taking the time to read and let me know you enjoyed.

Jenny. smiley

 

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

No problem Nolan. smiley

Jenny.

 

Submitted by hilary west on

Hi Jenny,

It's nice to look back, isn't it. Sounds like an entrancing place, well described !!!

Best Wishes,

Hilary

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Hilary,

it's good to hear from you, it's been a while, hope all is well with you and yours.

Looking back is so important for me, holding on to memories made and smiling to myself is just the best feeling. 

I love that word entrancing, it does sum up Lydford Gorge completely. Glad I could bring a little magic to you.

Many thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Jenny

Beautifully done. You made me wish I could go and see it for myself.

Jean Day

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Jean,

I do hope you get to go to Lydford Gorge. There are two trails, a hard one and an easy one, so something for all, although in places it can get steep. But it is a lovely day out and there's a tea shop half way around the trail.

Glad I could introduce you to a place to visit and thank you for reading and letting me know you enjoyed.

Jenny.