The bluebells on the north and east sides of Hillsborough, Ilfracombe, North Devon are astounding at the moment.

To see them:

• walk from the harbour round to Hillsborough
• go via the car park by the swimming pool
• climb the cliff steps from Hele Bay

The best displays are on the north side, which faces the sea. The paths are quite steep, but the views are worth it.

Pussy willow is bursting out again. It amazes me every year.

And other trees are producing leaves and shoots too.

Something new appears every day at this time of year.

As well as uncovering its ancient historic past as a hill fort, the work clearing vegetation from Hillsborough is making it easier to appreciate different views of Ilfracombe, North Devon, especially the harbour.

We were up there this afternoon in glorious sunshine and, luckily, had my camera with me. I should have taken a tripod as a northerly wind off the sea made it difficult to hold the camera steady. Nevertheless I hope these photos give an idea . . .

It's good to see construction of steps to make the paths easier to climb. All in all, it is making Hillsborough not only more interesting, but even more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.

Such a beautiful day, although the ducks in Bicclescombe Park this morning did not too lively and one stared me out . . .

How do they manage to withstand the flow of water?

Everything seemed so sharp and the trees stood majestically in the sunlight . . . 

Later on, as the sun went down, it became chillier and greyer, but still clear enough to snap views of Ilfracombe and the fishing boats in the harbour from up Hillsborough . . .

. . . as Peter Fairchild loved to.

We came across this brass plaque on a bench while out walking with our dogs this afternoon.

We hadn't seen Peter for several years as he had gone into a nursing home. Before that he used to walk his dachshund, Chalkie, up Hillsborough in Ilfracombe to a spot near where this bench is to sit and look out over the town.

He seemed such a gentle man and would always enjoy a chat. Apparently, he had been a keen sailor when younger, but could no longer manage to climb to the top of the hill. On Sunday afternoons he would be joined by two of his friends on the bench. It's fitting that he is remembered on this spot where on a summer evening his parting words would be: "Enjoy your tea."

We remembered him at tea this evening and will do whenever we walk past his bench.

. . . looking east from Hillsborough in Ilfracombe . . .

. . . and looking west . . .

. . . taken on 24 September 2010 in North Devon

 

The fruit has ripened later this year up Hillsborough in Ilfracombe and there are lots of lovely berries ready for jam making.

On the whole, we've had a good year for fruit with good crops of apples, raspberries and blackcurrants.

Wild foxgloves are just coming into flower this year up Hillsborough in Ilfracombe . . .

. . . but the paths are also starting to become overgrown.

Last year, the foxgloves and blackberries were cut down savagely before they had finished flowering. I do hope that North Devon Council, their contractors or whoever is responsible for tending this area can apply some common sense this year by trimming long grass and weeds without butchering all the flowers. Surely, landscape professionals should be able to exhibit expertise in this area. Isn't that what they're paid for?

Otherwise, locals, dog-walkers, walkers and visitors won't be able to enjoy the marvellous natural beauty at its best.

Everywhere is blue this morning.

The sea as I looked across Larkstone Café and Leisure Gardens to the sea . . . 

The sea and sky from Hillsborough . . .

Who could want anything more?