Fort The Love Of Boobs!

We do like to explore local places, SWL and I. I’ve shared a couple of locations from our day of mischief making in Plymouth already, such as the fountain. However, I haven’t told you about the reason we wanted to go there in the first place. We had been looking for a Fort. Actually, I think we all know that I’d happily wing it, whereas it’s SWL that likes a plan. While I was knocking back the espresso she was pouring over google, trying to find local forts. Joining her I typed Fort into the search bar on maps and found a whole host of places.

The Woodland Fort, in Plymouth, looked promising. Being in an area that I know relatively well, with ample parking nearby and an open gate policy, it seemed the natural choice. I’ve passed the entryway to the fort many times before but never, in the twenty years I’ve been visiting Plymouth, have I realised there is somewhere interesting behind the gatehouse. This stark old military fortification is beautiful, to me, and I’m so glad to have had the excuse (Scavenger Hunt) to go and find it!

It is now being used as a community centre. There is a little library, and board game swap, social functions and, most importantly for us, freely accessible grounds. As we explored the area, picking blackberries and appreciating the mostly derelict site, we tried to get a photo that captured what we felt.

The header image is my favourite of the day but doesn’t quite show you the vastness of the Fort. The above image is a good compromise, and if you look carefully at the picture below you should just be able to make me out!

Walking back to the car I popped 1001011 a message. “I’ve just found a great spot for rope.” Would you fancy seeing some more Urban Exploration in my rope adventures? Either way, I’m rather hopeful that this isn’t the last time you see the Woodland Fort. It is a site of much interest for me, not only for exposing myself and (hopefully) rope. But for bringing my children to, to learn some local history and (supervised) play in the grounds. The dark, imposing architecture. Numerous interesting, vandalised ammunition stores. And the overgrown shrubs in the grounds. Plus, the added thrill of getting up to mischief with people hard at work so close by.

The Woodland Fort was the first of our finds that day, swiftly followed by the bus stop as we had exited the gate. You’ll get to see more of this fun day out soon. But before that I would love to hear if you’ve recently discovered any fabulous, imposing places hiding in plain sight near you. Please do let me know in the comments or get in touch via my contact page.