Sence Valley and Grace Dieu Priory

We went out on a Saturday afternoon hoping for glorious sunshine and headed for Sence Valley

We walked from the official car park, down to the disabled car park and just got started on the proper walk when the rain came down, so we beat a hasty retreat.

But the rain did not last long and on the way back we decided to try Grace Dieu Priory. The signposted path does not initially look very promising. The baby rabbit was entirely unmoved by our passing.

There is an arrow under the arch saying this way to the priory.

There was a shaded path signed for the last stretch to the priory but we wanted to be out in the sun so we took the other path and ended up on the wrong side of the water to get to the priory - but we did meet this lady...

and some skittish butterflies...

before sighting the ruins through the trees. The tree themselves were exciting because Jacqui found a tree-creeper (not seen for many years)

The cricket match was still going on when we got back - I've never seen a pich built on so much of a slope before.