Sam Hooke

Ellerburn Trail

All trips at this location:

Distance7.13 km / 4.43 miles
Elevation gain106 m / 348 ft
Duration2h30m
Moving1h40m

This walk took place in Dalby Forest. The visitor center sells a map with numerous walking trails of various lengths and difficulties. We originally set off to follow the Dalby Beck Trail, which goes up a steep hill to a viewpoint overlooking Low Dalby Valley. However, part way up we encountered some tree felling operations, and were told the trail was closed for the next hour, so we adjusted course and went back down to the stream. We ended up effectively following the Ellerburn Trail (Long route), which is a fairly flat and easy walk that heads out through woodland along one side of Dalby Beck, then follows back through open meadows on the other side.

On a practical note, there is plenty of parking at the trailhead, but you pay at the end based upon the length of your stay. If you take less than 30 minutes it’s free, but you’ll want a few hours to enjoy the walk.

Hail §

A 'tree cutting' sign.
Upon heading uphill on the Dalby Beck trail, we soon passed this tree cutting sign. A little while later we met the men felling the trees, and they told us the trail was closed for an hour, so we had to head back down and change route.
Hail covering the forest floor.
There was a sudden and intense hailstorm, which was so hard we saw a poor squirrel get knocked out of a tree!
Thick mist over the road.
Once the hail passed, bright sun returned, and thick mist rose from the road.

Outward §

Having gone up the hill, turned around at the tree cutting, and back down again to the flat trail, we now followed the Ellerburn Trail. The dark skies moved on by, and we saw a swallow overhead.

A barn swallow perched on a cable.
A barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) perched on a telephone cable.
A barn swallow in flight.
The barn swallow in flight.
Dark clouds going further away.
The dark hail clouds leaving.
A straight gravel path surrounded by trees.
Looking down the trail.
A tit begging.
A tit begging for food…
A tit feeding another tit.
…and being fed!
A female bullfinch.
A female bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula).

Return §

At the furthest point, the trail curves around gradually across the stream, and heads back on the other side. We were keeping a look out for the less common broad-leaved marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis), and while we did not spot it, we did find a common orchid that was stil rather stunning:

An orchid.
A common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii).
Some bees on cow parsley.
Some bees on cow parsley.
A nest made of mud.
Back at the car park, there was what looked like a swallow nest in the roof above the payment machien.

Overall the walk was very peaceful, and the trail was easy to follow. We enjoyed the variety of birds and plants. It would be nice to come back and explore some of the other trails another day, and perhaps make it up to that view point!