Aug04rep

Sunday August 29th Colyton to Beer & Seaton (photos Roger Conway) Walk Stats:- 8.4 miles, climbs 1,148ft
With a changeable weather forecast there were some coments amongst the 11 members that gathered at Colyton Tram Station about the attire for the day. The route took us up stream along the River Coly before turning south and into the Ox Hill Woods. After a short break in the clearing we moved into more trees over Cotttshayne Hill, emerging into a lane with super views across the Axe Valley. A little road work and then back into the fields and woods around Holyford ending with a sharp climb up Seaton Down to reach the Water Tower on the A3052. Westward to Lower Gatcombe Farm (no not that Gatcombe!) Plenty of stinging nettles to test the resolve of the walkers in shorts before crossing the slopes to the main road. A little more on the road and then on to a track down to the Beer sea front and lunch. The final section of the walk was up over the cliffs to Seaton Hole (ice cream stop) and then along the beach (leaders joke? - see picture above) to Seaton proper. A quick dash in the showers to the Tram station, where we gained another member - Steve Barnard, for our gentle ride to Colyton where our leader had some difficulty in disembarking from the tram (see above)

Friday August 27th Out from Bishops Hull
After a horrendous week of rain for once the forecasters were right andFriday evening improved giving 23 walkers optimism, clear skies and surprisingly good conditions underfoot. The eager party left Bishops Hull walking along the ridge and then dropping down to near Upcott, across open fields and a small brook into Rumwell. Over the main A38 the part temporarily split into two so that some could avoid 4 stiles and an abrupt climb when, to beat the dark, time was of the essence. Some of the finest 3600 views in the district were enjoyed from Castlemans Hill and after a short refreshment break the group reunited for the leisurely stretch down to and along Comeytrowe Road. This preceded a persistent climb to Higher Comeytrowe - where again views back over Taunton were much savoured. Dusk, and the excellent meals at The Old Inn, beckoned. The last incline to Stonegallows and the long gentle fall back to base were negotiated with all in good spirits and state of repair. Congratulations to all the farmers, and Taunton Deane, for keeping the paths and stiles on this walk in excellent condition promoting a thoroughly enjoyable walk in the countryside.

Wednesday August 25th Blackdown vista (photo Roger Conway)	Walk Stats:- 5.7 miles, climbs 614ft Free Range applies to both 'flocks' >
In a period of 'changable' weather the 27 members that gathered at Wellington's Monument were blessed with a bright and dry afternoon. The route took us south and west to Culm Pyne Barton and then gently north east through orchards and small farms, complete with the chickens (see picture above) before reaching Culm Davy woods for a shaded gradient to the top of Blackdown Common. A refreshing breeze helped us on our eastward return via the radio mast and the monument itself.

Wednesday August 18th River Tone, Beverton& Western Cliff Woods (photo Ken Burgess)		< Western Cliff Wood
Starting from near Ralegh’s Cross walkers entered Eastern Wood via a permissive path to pass through woodland to reach the first place of interest. The Incline was an essential part of the old Mineral Line railway and it was used to move goods to the top of the valley from Comberow. After a brief pause walkers continued descending into the valley to spend some time admiring one of the highest waterfalls on Exmoor. Having rested they tackled the long climb back out of the valley to enjoy a tea stop in Western Cliff Woods with far reaching views over The Brendon Hills to South Wales. At this point much of the walk had been on tracks through woodland clearly displaying signs inviting walkers to enter the woods. A welcome change from the many restrictions usually encountered. A short section of road walking led to Smitheys Corner and then the parish boundary marker named Naked Boy’s Stone and the associated bridge where it is still possible to see the former railway cutting. Leaving the road the walk continued across fields to Beverton Pond, the source of The River Tone. Walkers were then led across more hilltop farmland to again observe the infant River Tone near Beverton Farm before returning to near Ralegh’s Cross grateful for the fact that the torrential rain they had seen just before the start of the walk had not returned.

South West Coastal Path - Summary of Progress - July & August (photos Ken Burgess)
In July and August members have completed four more walks on the South West Coast Path and the ‘Inland Alternative’. The Sunday walk in July was from Abbotsbury to Weymouth in dry, hot and sunny weather. It started with a return visit to Saint Catherine’s church atop Chapel Hill near Abbotsbury and then continued on an inland route reaching the sea after about five miles. This is in stark contrast to the immediate cliff top ascent usually encountered at the start of coastal walks. Much of the remainder of the walk was alongside The Fleet the inland lagoon behind Chesil Beach. Again this is a considerable contrast from the usual walking with the sea being calm and silent in contrast to the usual sound and movement of the waves. Arriving at Weymouth walkers crossed the harbour on the final ferry crossing on the coast path before walking part of the esplanade alongside numerous trippers and holiday makers enjoying the sunny weather. The next two walks were completed on consecutive Thursdays and completed the ‘Inland Alternative’ path that contrasts to the one next to the sea. In the main it follows the Wessex Ridgeway and is well known because of the long distant views both inland and to the sea that can be enjoyed from the ridge. The first walk was from West Bexington via Abbotsbury Castle or Hillfort and Hardy’s monument to Upwey from where walkers restarted a week later to walk to Osmington Mills via Chalbury Hillfort and the white horse cut into the hillside behind Osmington that depicts George III riding it and was dug to commemorate his many visits to Weymouth at the end of the 18^th century. The Sunday walk in August restarted from Weymouth and continued to the end of the esplanade before briefly turning inland before returning to the cliffs that led to Osmington Mills for refreshment. Walkers then started what should be one of the most scenic sections of the coast path but were disappointed because the cliffs were covered in sea mist and it was impossible to even see the sea at the foot of the cliffs. However, undaunted walkers continued passing the ancient village remains at Ringstead and the very small church (another Saint Catherine’s) on the climb up to White Nothe where lunch was taken. The much photographed white cliffs at Bat’s Head and Durdle Door were hardly visible as walkers continued towards Lulworth Cove. Making a stop for a swim at Durdle Door two members overcame the visibility problem and inspected the famous landmark by swimming out to sea through the door. Although disappointed walkers spent some time taking welcome refreshment at Lulworth, Visited the Information centre and inspected the start of the next section from alongside The Cove. Weather being what it is the sea mist lifted as we were leaving for home. Nevermind, the views will still be there when we decide to return to this delightful part of the Dorset coast.

Friday August 13th Around Fitzhead Walk Stats:- 4.5 miles, climbs 482ft (photo Roger Conway)
18 members gathered in bright sunshine and started our walk towards the church and then south across fields before a short westerly road section to reach an ancient droving lane that took us further south. Another short road section and then through the woods (see picture above) and a meadow to reach a sunken trackway that took us on a gentle downhill route east. This was followed by some uphill (& downhill) road work before again taking to the arable fields to reach a delightful lake by derelict farm building. More fields and short bits of road to bring us back to Fitzhead. 12 members then moved down the road to Hillcommon for another of the fine Friday evening suppers at The Royal Oak. (one un-named member who doesn't eat potatoes to protect his figure! was seen tucking into the naughtiest of naughty puds).

Sunday August 8th The Malvern Hills
7 Ramblers took advantage of the longer daylight hours to take a walk over the Malvern Hills, the M5 making the journey of 100 miles just an hour and half long. This compares favourably with some more local walks on Exmoor and Dartmoor as far as travelling time is concerned. Setting off north on the Worcester Way which skirts the bottom of the ridge the walk was along tracks and grassy fields with views of the hills. After a welcome pub lunch stop the steep climb up the most northerly of the peaks was accompanied by dark storm clouds but apart from a few spots of rain and some high winds which made walking difficult, the walkers remained dry. Walking south along the ridge Worcester Beacon the highest point was soon reached. Continuing on a switchback of hills and passing a snack bar which offered a welcome cup of tea the final steep descent to the cars in fine sunny weather was achieved by 4.30. In view of the relatively early finish some of the walkers decided to complete the remaining two peaks. All day the views had been spectacular over to the Cotswolds to the east, the Shropshire hills to the north and Welsh hills to the south though the height was about the same as the Quantocks.
Friday August 6th Around Combe Florey
Well here we are again with 27 walkers and this time the weather was very much kinder to us the views were spectacular. The walk started at the Farmers Arms in Combe Florey and we then continued past the Village Hall and cemetery and then crossed the B3224 to Ash Priors through some fields to Ash Wood which was very refreshing and then crossed over the B3224 again and made our way back to Combe Florey along quiet country lanes. When we finished the walk 16 of us then had a very well earned meal at the Farmers Arms.

Sunday August 1st Canal Cruise, Bridgwater
The weather was in our favour, glorious sunshine all day, if anything a bit too warm, still not complaining. 47 of us took to the barge and on arrival at the Boat & Anchor, Huntworth, which was mid-day we did 1 3/4 hr circular walk, crossing the Canal at the start, along some country lanes and field alongside the motorway, back around through some farm buildings and crossing the Canal for the homeward journey back along the Canal path. It was pointed out that we were on the McMillan Way. We were all ready for our lunch and refreshments when we got back at 2.00 pm and some of us dined in the Pub, whilst others took a picnic and enjoyed the lovely weather, relaxing under a tree in the shade and other places. We had ample time before departing the Pub at 4.00 pm on the barge for the homeward journey, where members were served tea/coffee along the way, getting back to Bridgwater YMCA at 5.00 pm.

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Reports on Walks in August 2004 updated 9th September 2004