apr05rep

Wed. 27th April. West Huntspill to Highbridge
(photos Roger Conway) walk stats 4.5 miles 78ft of climb		Top left:- Steart, Steepholm & South Wales Top right:- Crossing the Rhyne Left:- River Brue at low tide
A flat walk that followed the River Parrett almost to its outlet to the Bristol Channel, giving the 24 walkers excellent views to Steart, Steepholm, Brean Down and Burnham on Sea. Inland along the River Brue to Highbridge and then returning to our starting point along secluded pathways linking small groups of houses.

Sun. 24th April. Pinksmoor (photos Roger Conway) walk stats 3.8 miles 386ft of climb
A lovely stroll that took in dairy fields, a cricket pitch, meadows with wild dandelions (see above left) Manicured and cultured parkland (above right), The Great Western Railway, fields of 'yellow margarine', a restored Mill and a death defying crossing of the A38, phew!!! The 22 who started, were still there at the end.

Sun. 24th April. Exmoor circular
A small group of Ramblers, ignoring to wet weather forecast, set out on their all day walk from Robbers Bridge across Stowey Ridge and Allotment in low cloud, to Larkbarrow and Alderman’s Barrow. Joining the road to Lucott Cross and farm where the Primroses, Bluebells and early campion were admired. Dropping down into Hawk Combe the group passed clumps of Wood Sorrel and negotiating the long climb through Shillet Wood, passing the local Mountain Rescue teams in training. On arrival at Hawkcombe Head in the sunshine the group took a welcome breather before continuing their return from Pittcombe Head to Weir Water and Robbers Bridge.On route the group spotted Deer, Heron, a Blackcap and a Wheatear which kept us entertained for quite some time.

Friday 22nd April. Around Thurloxton
14 Members of the Taunton Deane Ramblers set out on their evening walk from Thurloxton in light rain to walk through Coombe Bottom, Burlinch and Woodball Plantations and return past the old quarry at West Monkton to the dry and excellent fare and refreshments at the The Maypole Inn.

Wed. 20th April. Around Chilton Trinity, the River Parrett & Bridgwater Docks.
(photos Roger Conway) walk stats 5.4 miles 174ft of climb
Water was a big theme of this walk. 23 members and 2 dogs set off from Wembdon on a glorious spring day and it wasn't long before coats, sweater and hats were being put back into knapsacks as the warm sun welcomed us. The fields to Chilton Trinity were lush and the drainage ditches a real picture (see top left). Our drinks stop was taken by Trinity Lakes (top right) and the return route took us along the Parrett where some new industrial development took the eye (bottom right) before coming upon the Elver Fishermen and their huge nets (bottom left). We are told that the Japanesse pay £300 a kilo for these tiny eels and that there is a danger that they will be fished out very soon if better controls are not imposed. The final leg was around the historic Bridgwater Docks, onto the canal and back to Wembdon via the playing fields and urban pathways.

Sun. 17th April. Bagley Hill, Chilson Farm & Buddlewall. (photos Stewart Owen)


Friday 15th April. Around Ruishton (photo Roger Conway) walk stats 3.8 miles 94ft of climb
Another bumper Friday evening turnout (32 walkers) had a gentle stroll around the parish of Ruishton, through the lush fields and meadows, not to mention the delights of crossing (twice) the A358. As usual with Friday walks we ended at the pub for chat and supper

Wed. 13th April. Cockercombe & Aisholt (photos Stewart Owen & Ken Burgess)
From the lay by walkers crossed the bridge at the western end of Hawkridge reservoir and entered the farmland on the northern side to climb up towards Coleshill Woods enjoying fine views over the reservoir as they did so. The path then turned to the west and after initially skirting the wood then crossed two fields to reach the county road. This was followed with care through Plainsfield before turning into the lane that leads directly into Cockercombe. The long climb up the combe which gets steeper as you near the top exercised the lungs so that a stop for refreshment at Triscombe stone was welcome. Walkers then headed in a more easterly direction alongside the woods and crossing Aisholt common from where it was again possible to look over the now distant reservoir. A descent to a stream crossing was followed by a short climb to Aisholt church where there the church yard was a wonderful ground covering of primroses. After continuing up the lane for a short distant walkers turned off to cross the land used to produce garden turf on probably the smoothest path walked for a long time. This continued through Aisholt Wood and a smallholding to return to the stream and ponds that feed into the reservoir.

Sun. 10th April. The Coleridge Way (part 1) Nether Stowey to Bicknoller (photos Ken Burgess)
The two walks were arranged to launch the new long distance path ‘The Coleridge Way’ being developed by Somerset County Council, Exmoor National Park and other local authorities. Walkers could choose between a half or a full day walk at the start of the new path. After meeting and parking at either Bicknoller or Holford walkers were taken by coach to Nether Stowey where they were welcomed by an actor playing the part of Coleridge who recited the famous opium inspired poem Kubla Khan and wished us well on our travels through the countryside that his predecessor and William Wordsworth had enjoyed and been inspired by. The first part of the walk was a tour of the village visiting various places associated with the poets. Walkers then continued up Castle Street to briefly visit Stowey castle before setting out into the Quantocks. A short stop was made at Walford’s Gibbet the scene of an execution after a domestic dispute between a charcoal burner and his wife before walkers continued via ‘Five Lords’ and Duke’s Plantation to pause for coffee just below Dowsborough Hillfort. From here fine views over the Quantocks and out to the Bristol Channel were enjoyed. There followed a descent through Woodlands Hill into Holford for lunch. Suitably refreshed the walk continued with a visit to ‘Dorothy’s Glen’ and the ascent into the hills passing the Alfoxton Hotel which was once the Wordsworth’s family home. The walk continued basically following the northern boundary of the AONB crossing both Smiths and Perry Combes before continuing on the permissive path that follows the same route as the A39 main road. During this period there were fine views over North Somerset with North Hill at Minehead clearly visible during the afternoon break. Continuing through West Quantoxhead walkers now stayed below Staple Plantation close to the western boundary of the AONB to cross Weacombe Combe and continue back to Bicknoller.

Friday 8th April. Out from Norton Fitzwarren
23 of us started off at the Hill Fort in Norton Firtzwarren past the old Matthew Clark factory (Taunton Cider) and over the main railway line bridge looking towards Taunton's new site of Silk Mills bridge, and continued in the direction of Hele Manor along the lane to Allerford crossing the railway once again. We then walked through fields to Pontispool farm and stopped for a quick break to try and get out of the biting wind and made our way again through fields towards Montey's farm. We then crossed over the main Taunton to Wivi road and went past Wey House then crossed over the West Somerset railway line. We then made our way back to Norton where 16 of us stopped for a bite at the Ring Of Bells and was served a very enjoyable meal almost as soon as we had all ordered our drinks and settled down at a table.

Wed. 6th April. Around Merriott
12 Members of the Taunton Deane Ramblers set out on their afternoon walk from Merriot church to pick up the Parrett Trail leading across the fields to Wigborough. Passing Wigborough Manor we admired the horses on the way to Creedy bridge. As we turned south to join the Monarch’s Way for a short distance we saw the three Easter crosses on top of Chiselborough Hill, before turning off to follow public footpaths and roads back to Merriot. The last section took us through Scotts Nurseries where one poly tunnel was full of camellias in flower

Friday 1st April. North Newton, country & canal (photo Roger Conway) walk stats 4.9 miles 108ft of climb
The first Friday evening walk of the season attracted 29 walkers and, after 18 members had ordered their supper, set off towards the church before turning up through a farmyard or two to reach the open fields, some track walking and some across fields brought us to the Taunton to Bridgwater Canal at Ford Gate Bridge where we followed the tow-path back to North Newton and the usual quality meal that we expect at the Harvest Moon.

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Reports on Walks in April 2005 updated 16th May 2005