Root crossing

During the winter months, no scratch that, during wet periods is more accurate with weather as it is, the forest can become difficult to traverse. Miles of bog woodland and wet heathland with a network of numerous shallow valleys and hollows carrying water from the watershed down to the streams, means the you can't go far without hitting natural barriers. These wet valleys can be just passable during dry periods, though become impassable obstacles during wet periods. They often don't look like much, after all most carry only tiny tributaries. Don't be deceived though. The runnels maybe slight, but it's the wide band of spongy ground on either side you should be concerned with.  These wet hollows will easily swallow a boot, a knee or higher. Maps won't help you unless you stick to the paths, if wild walking you're relying on animal tracks, experience and local knowledge. Years of walking these areas have taught me that these roots represent the only crossing place on this runnel for some way in either direction; above and below them is boot sucking bog. Knowing where to cross certainly makes your journey easier, less convoluted, frustrating and most importantly dry.  When the forest's like this I feel you can glimpse how the area must have appeared to folk hundreds of years back. Difficult and foreboding terrain, full of mystery and legend. When you'd have thought twice about venturing through, unless forced by need.