By Peter Lindsey 
THE popular Arlington Bluebell Walk returns for its 53rd year, opening daily from Friday April 3 until Sunday May 10.
Owner John McCutchan has decided to open earlier this year to include Easter, so the opening day is Good Friday.
He’s hoping for a bumper six weeks and 25 charities will benefit by providing the refreshments each day.
John said: “I am still incredibly proud after so many years to welcome thousands of people each year to our famous Bluebell Walk.
“It is a true community effort and I am heartened that more than £1.1million has been raised for local charities since 1972. That does mean a great deal to me personally, supporting such worthwhile causes every year.”
John works on Bates Green Farm on Tye Hill Road at Arlington all year round with his team, and each year he likes to create added extras.
For 2026, individual classic car clubs will be displaying in the car park on the six Sundays. These are BMW on April 5, followed by MG, Alfa Romeo, Morris, Porsche and Rolls Roye, and finally Jaguar on May 10.
For the first time, a two-person mobility scooter will be available to hire, costing £5 for two hour lots at 10am, noon, 2pm and 4pm. These must be pre-booked by emailing info@bluebellwalk.co.uk
An informative display about the wildlife, history and management of Beatons Wood on the site will be on the wall in the plant sales area.
And an exhibition will be located in the Animal Barn gallery showing the winning photos from the past eight years of the Arlington Bluebell Walk and Bates Green Garden photographic competition.
John said: “Everything is set for a busy and successful 2026. I never take anything for granted and I do hope people will come and visit us during the six weeks.
“It is also an opportunity to select the 25 charities who will be busily preparing and providing the food and drink that we serve each day. It is of the very highest quality.”
On the walk itself, there is seating every 150 metres. Dogs on short leads are welcome, and you can also visit the pygmy goats and the Kerry Hill ewe and lambs in the Animal Barn.
Entry prices are £9 per adult, children aged 3-16 £4.50, and a family ticket for two adults and up to four children is £23.
For groups of 16 people and over, go to www.bluebellwalk.co.uk/groups.
For all the information, you need go to www.bluebellwalk.co.uk
Pictures by Peter Goldsmith. You can find more at petergldsmithlandscapephotos.co.uk
