The enchanted wood
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The enchanted wood
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| Parking, for those who cannot make it on foot or by bike, is tricky and is probably best away from the access track (SW 753 375) so as not to obstruct the entrance. There is an information board immediately on the right as you go through the gate and this shows the route around the site. Views from the top access track vary with the season and if you visit in spring or summertime the leaves on the trees are likely to obscure some of the treasures you have in store. Winter sees Kennall Vale in its full glory, particularly after a heavy rainfall. Water brings the site alive, with the River Kennall tumbling powerfully over granite boulders. The power of water holds the key to the site's industrial past as it was the river and intricate leat system that drove the water wheels of the Kennall Gunpowder Company. Established in 1812, the gunpowder works employed over 50 men during its peak years in the 1860s. The first evidence of the works that you come across is the substantial "packing house" on the left which up | until a recent fire still had its original roof. Further down the track is a tranquil old quarry. Now full of water, it has an impressive rock-face backdrop and is sometimes home to a family of muscovy ducks whose wild ancestors originated from tropical forest lakes of Central and South America. On from the quarry the path forks right, across a footbridge, but if you carry straight on you come to a dead end where you will find the remains of the "corning house" with its underground wheel pit. Look out on this path for a southern beech; a tree that grows so straight that it is no surprise they were once used for masts in shipbuilding. The more adventurous - and sure-footed - can cross the footbridge to follow the path that takes you through the water mills, with bird's-eye views of the wheel pits. Take extra care along this route as it can be very wet and slippery. The path continues alongside the river, where you may be lucky and see a dipper flying from rock to rock. | The damp atmosphere supports a lush diversity of plants, with abundant ferns, mosses and fungi such as the dead man's fingers. The trees were originally planted to retain the dampness and to provide extra protection in the event of explosions. Unfortunately, explosions did occur and there are records of one unfortunate victim who received so fierce a blast that his head was blown a quarter of a mile across the wood. A less dramatic exit from the wood involves making your way back up to the main path. If you are still wondering about the wizards, this was a reference to a call I had recently from a Japanese film crew who wanted to film at Kennall Vale for a programme about Harry Potter. This enchanted wood obviously inspired their imagination as I hope it will yours. Callum Deveney |
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