| Sun.
30 Jan. The Quantocks around Halsway (photos Roger Conway) |
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| Walk Stats:- 3.8 miles, climbs 751ft | going up!! |
coming down!! |
| 17 enthusiastic members gathered at Halsway Manor, an Elizabethan Manor House now used as a residential folk music centre. The walk started with a stiff climb to reach the ridge road just as the mist decended to block the views of the Bristol Channel and Exmoor. The group pressed to reach the Trig point for a short break, during which the leader tried, without success, to persuade the members to perform a folk dance. Just as we started out return the mist started to lift and with the brightness of the sunlight 'peeping' out underneath the effect was spectacular. By the time we arrived at Halsway Post the mist was gone and views across to South Wales and to the Islands of Flatholm & Steepholm. In Halsway Combe the wind dropped away and final leg of the walk was an experience of quiet and calm. Several members finished the afternoon with a guided tour of Halsway Manor and a cup of tea. | ||
| Wed.
26 Jan. South Fitzhead circular (photos Roger Conway) Walk Stats:- 4.9 miles, climbs 522ft |
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| 1.
crossing fields 2. Fitzhead Church 3. In the woods 4. Old Spot pigs |
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| 28 members set off from the Fitzhead Inn, past the Church and onto the fields and lanes. The first hill took us up a sunken track where the gaps in the hedges gave super views of the Quantocks and the Brendons, not to mention the Gloucester Old Spot pigs. Up though the woods and another old droving track brought us close to Milverton before turning north and back onto the fields, to eventually return to our starting point. | ||
| Sun.
23 Jan. Exmoor: Moor & Coast (photos Stewart Owen) |
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| Sun. 16 Jan. The Brendon Hills: Croydon Hill, Broadwood, Rodhuish, Luxborough. | ||
| Early Spring in the Brendons ? With
a brisk westerly breeze from the Lunch was
enjoyed in and around the accommodating Valiant Soldier
Inn in Roadwater before the group started on the daunting
task of climbing the steep sided valley before
descending to the unspoilt Below Broadwood Farm the mild conditions had
encouraged a hazel bush to burst into life, and the
yellow catkins were an inspiring sight in the last rays
of the lowering sun. The last |
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| Wed 12th January; Nynehead Upcott, Weekmoor & Greedy's Moor | ||
| The
weather did not look at all promising prior to our
setting out, so the walk leader decided to shorten the
walk a little. Sure enough it started to rain as we began
our walk going through the village in easterly direction.
As we were walking under the cover of trees the rain did
not bother us too much and as we emerged into the open it
eased off. The weather was more April than January
but except for one sharp shower accompanied by a bitter
north easterly wind the weather was generally kind to us.
The walk was a moderate one over generally flat land
taking us by Upcott, Luckham Farm and Weekmore. The only
hill was a gentle climb up from Weekmore allowing us a
fine view of the |
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| Wed.
January 5th Pawlett Hams (photos Roger Conway) Walk Stats:- 6.4 miles, climbs 178ft |
repelling the invaders ^ The local 'red light' district > |
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| a gentle stoll along the banks of the Parrett with delicious views of the Quantocks and Hinkley Point bathed in sunlight, belong the ancient village of Combwich. 21 members enjoyed a calm, dry afternoon and even the Herons seemed to welcome our presence. |  |
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| Sun.
January 2nd - Crowcombe & Stogumber (Train walk) (photo Gillian Robson) |
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< Gathering at Stogumber Station |
| A record number of 53 walkers, aged from
8 to nearly 80 met for the last of the Winter Festival of
Walks. It was a bright sunny afternoon as we set off to walk from Crowcombe station to Stogumber.The route followed a quiet lane though woodlands adjacent to the railway line, with a clear view of the Quantocks bathed in sunshine.It then went across fields to Stogumber, where we saw a very newly born lamb.Just before Stogumber a friendly Jack Russell joined us. There was a short break at the immaculately kept Stogumber station before the steam train ride back to Crowcombe.I think it will be a while before the ticket collector recovers from the sight of so many people at the station on a winters afternoon. The walk attracted potential new members plus members from other areas on holiday. The Jack Russell was so keen to join us she somehow managed to get on the train, and one of our members kindly drove her back to Stogumber . |
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| Sat. January 1st - Exmoor from Simonsbath | ||
| Despite its early start the New Year's
Day walk on Exmoor attracted seventeen walkers, and four
of those were from Milton Keynes who joined the group's
walk for a second year running. The leader from Watchet took the group down the Barle valley as far as the old Wheal Eliza mine whereupon the group crossed the bridge and were able to clearly see one of the abandoned mine's adits before setting off along rough cattle paths to the appropriately named Cow Castle. The weather, which up until then had been a mixture of mist and drizzle, alas deteriorated as the walkers climbed up to Horsen Farm, and it was fortunate to have a hedge as a barrier as the wind freshened and rose to gale strength. Walkers sought what shelter was on offer for lunch at the picturesque Cornham Ford, and one intrepid walker was fortunate in discovering a spacious cave in the hillside. As the group was preparing to leave the local hunt with its deerhounds came by looking in vain for a useful scent. The deer, later seen in substantial numbers on the open moor near Exehead, kept well out of harm's way. With the weather doing its worst,
six walkers decided to shorten the walk and return along
a road to Simonsbath. The remainder pressed on along part
of the |
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| Fri.
December 31st Langport & The Aller Ridge (photos Dave & Brenda Orr) Walk Stats:- 5.8 miles, climbs 415ft |
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| On a sunny New Year's Eve morning 14 Ramblers assembled in the car park in Langport for a walk across the Levels and up Aller Ridge. The first field was wet in places but once the bank of the River Parrett had been reached the ground was reasonably dry underfoot. Three trains in quick succession passed over the iron bridge as the walkers negotiated gates and stiles along to Monk's Leaze Clyse and shortly afterwards the way led across the River Sowy and through fields to Aller Church. With the sun at our backs there were splendid views over the Levels as far as Burrow Mump. Passing through Aller, the one short hill up to the ridge was a test as to how fit everyone was after the festive season. Here the views in both directions - over to the Mendips and across to the Quantocks and Blackdowns - were more extensive but photography was difficult with the low winter sun. Wending their way along patchy hedgerows the walkers came to a steep descent which was surprisingly dry underfoot. Crossing the busy road to Combe the final stroll passed through old orchards, crossing rhynes and along the droves and disturbing the odd heron and swan, to re-emerge at the railway bridge. Changing out of muddy boots, the group made for The Old Custom House Inn with its choice of local ales, for a convivial lunch of home-made soup and sandwiches. | ||
| Wed.
December 29th Kingston St Mary, Nailsbourne & Yarford (photos Roger Conway) Walk Stats:- 5.5 miles, climbs 299ft |
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| Those that gambled with the weather were rewarded with a dry walk, through the lush, if muddy, pasture land below the Quantocks. The group of 25 members left Kingston via the church yard, pased the pub and quickly onto farm land through to Nailsbourne. To avoid the Elephant Grass a slight diversion was followed, but the true route was soon regained and open views continued throughout the walk. A little road work up through Pinkney before returning to the fields to Yarford. Up the hill to the Reservoir before returning to Kingston via the Tetton Estate and Greenway. | ||
| Tue. December 28th - Trull & Galmington | ||
| The weather was fine for the Fifteen
walkers who turned out. The ground was very muddy in
places and one lady had turned up in shoes which although
suitable for walking in good weather did not offer much
protection against mud and water but she was not deterred
and completed the walk quite happily. It was not the
best of starts for new walkers, as within half a mile of
setting out we came across a tree which had blown down
across the footpath, completely blocking our way. However,
as the tree had landed on the fence were just able to
scramble under the branches, almost on our hands and
knees before continuing on our way towards the outskirts
of Trull village. Moving on towards Dipford it
became necessary for those not wearing |
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| Sunday December 26th Out From Taunton (West) | ||
| A smattering of snow in the early morning gave way to a crisp, sunny day as 13 members, one newcomer and one dog gathered at Priory Bridge Car Park for a 5.5mile walk on Boxing Day. The group began the walk at a brisk pace to get the circulation going by following the beginning of the circular 45m West Deane Way, walking alongside the River Tone to French Weir and thence out to the Silk Mills Road. The normally congested road was crossed with ease. Leaving the Tone the route followed the Halse Water across fields to the edge of Norton Fitzwarren. From here we parted company with the W D Way. Crossing the footbridge over the railway we stopped to look down at the rather forlorn sight of the empty yards and buildings of the former Taunton Cider Company, once a mainstay of employment in Taunton's history. Continuing through the village we passed through the churchyard and gazed up at the tower with its gargoyles and hunkypunks (the latter being the Somerset name for ones without water spouts). The next stage was N Fitzwarren's ancient hill fort where we stopped for a brief refreshment break. From there we descended to the main A358 and crossed over to Langford Lane. After a pleasant stroll along the lane we turned off at Lower Burlands which in turn led to the moderate climb of Rag Hill, the summit of which afforded an attractive view of the surrounding countryside bathed in a pale pink sunset. Everyone remarked how fortunate we were with the weather. After emerging at Staplegrove we gradually made our way back to the town centre via urban footpaths and paused briefly at Flook House to admire the Christmas tree with its decorations of ribbons in regimental colours to remind us of those serving in far flung places. We returned to the carpark after crossing the Tone once more at Firepool. As the walk had taken the best part of 3hrs we were pleasantly surprised that the light had remained so good. | ||
| Friday
December 24th Dinnington walk & Carol Service (3.6 miles, 200ft of climb) (photos Roger Conway) |
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| The 4 members who ignored the overnight rains, plus a Breton guest, were rewarded with a lovely walk in dry, and some of the time, sunny, weather (alright then, it did start to rain during the last half mile, but that was all!). The lush fields set on the Jurassic sub-strata produced a bag full of amonites and we also had time to imagine ourselves 2000 years back in time as we 'marched' down the Fosseway. As we returned to the pub for the annual Carol Service another member joined us for this very special occasion for the local community. | ||
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| Sunday December 19th The Blackdowns around Yacombe | ||
| An early morning sighting of the snow
clad heights of the Blackdown Hills caused the
prospective walk leader to consider returning to bed and
abandoning the proposed group walk from Yarcombe. However,
the morning quickly improved and by the time eight of the
more adventurous members had slithered their way across
the icy ridge, dropped down on to the southern slopes and
assembled, the weather was looking exceedingly promising
and in the end the day proved to be one of perfection,
still and cloudless with bright sunshine and lovely, far-reaching
wintry views On the Blackdowns in winter, muddy conditions are to be expected and in this the group were certainly not disappointed. In the valleys, melt runoff, surface water and black mud resulted in very sticky going but under the bright sun all glistened and shimmered and even the mud had its own charm. On the hills, the snow still lay crisp and crunchy and proved of the perfect consistency for snowball making. The group walked southwards, looping
around Godworthy and Furley before heading west towards
Stockland where a break was taken in the pretty
churchyard. The afternoon meant a steady climb back up
the slopes to |
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| Sunday
December 19th Orchards, Osiers & cider (photos Dave Patten) |
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| Rambling with Miss Moppet is not all mud and brambles: witness the swinging on Burrow Hill shown here. For such a low eminence this hill of barely 100ft above the levels has a commanding 360º view. Sunday's 6 mile walk from Kingsbury Episcopi on a gloriously cold and clear afternoon revealed views of 40 miles around: from the snow on the Blackdowns to distant Longleat. Pity only five selected walkers saw it. (Patrick looks delighted to reach the top) | ||
| Friday
December 17th Pre-Christmas dinner, North Newton (photos Roger Conway) |
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| 39 members attended and enjoyed a lovely Christmas meal together. No speeches, no formality, just conviviality and warm friendship - excellent. A special thanks to Babs for all the organisation. | ||
| Sunday December 12th Exe Valley Way | ||
| 19 Ramblers left Bampton car park on Sunday 12 December on an overcast but dry day. Setting off down the Exe Valley Way which, whilst staying somewhat away from the river itself, was easy walking along pleasant and traffic free country lanes. Crossing the river at Halfpenny Bridge and then continuing down the valley, the disused Holmingham Quarry was passed before dropping down to cross to the eastern side of the river at Iron Bridge. A short walk down the busy A396 led to the start of a steeply rising “green lane” where a fox was spotted leaving the surrounding wooded area. This path then continued to rise steadily up towards Strawberry Close Plantation where a lunch stop was taken within the shelter of the trees. Descending through Crab Tree Plantation, and after a short steep climb to Cove Village the group deviated slightly along a lane past Cove House to rejoin the way marked path to Cove Down Farm. A short level walk through open fields led to a gradual climb up the pretty wooded hillside to Shute Farm where early lambs could be seen playing in the fields. From this high point it was an easy walk along the top to Three Corners Farm where the path dropped slowly down through open land, back into Bampton itself. The walk was completed in very good time and the afternoon was rounded off with mince pies in the car park and a very welcome cup of tea and cakes at the café in the village centre. | ||
| Wed.
December 8th North Curry (photos Roger Conway) Walk Stats:- 5.8 miles, climbs 257ft |
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Hot-tub? |
Snowberries |
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| Twenty Taunton Deane Ramblers assembled in the Square in North Curry for an afternoon's walk over the Levels. Taking the first footpath off Moor Lane towards Knapp the group tackled a series of stiles which the small dogs took in their stride but over which the large alsation had to submit to the indignity of being carried. At the road the way turned down to Hay Moor and picked up the easy trail along the river Tone. The grey mist meant views were limited though the church tower at East Lyng was visible on the horizon. At the sluice gates on Curry Moor the walkers re-grouped and crossed the road heading towards Stoke St Gregory. The sight of a digger scooping up mud from the bottom of the river only to let it drop back in again with a might splash prompted some speculation as to the object of the exercise but the engineer in the group assured everyone that by disturbing the mud in this way it was more likely to be carried downstream by the river... Turning to climb the ridge up to Meare Green the walkers noted the different colour withies - black and green - planted in ordered rows with an interesting board nearby describing the life cycle of the willow. The tea room at the Willows and Wetland Centre were offering tea and mince pies in exchange for a donation to the hospice and this seemed an offer too good to miss! In record time 20 teas were produced and 20 home-made mincepies consumed and the walk leader was suitably appreciative as she had not warned the staff of their arrival. Refreshed, the walk back along the ridge was uneventful and as the Cathedral of the Moors came into view the floodlighting was already on, reminding us how short the afternoons are in December. | ||
| Wed.
December 1st Pitminster, Blagdon Hill & Angersleigh (photos Roger Conway) Walk Stats:- 4.6 miles, climbs 404ft |
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| The first Wednesday in
December saw 29 Ramblers gather in Sellicks Green for a 4
½ mile afternoon walk. The weather was cloudy and
the haze made distant views disappointing but It was dry
with little wind, making for good walking conditions.
Crossing fields to Pitminster and passing the church with
its fine new East window the group moved on via Higher
Woodram, Curdleigh Lane and Blagdon Hill to Angersleigh
and finally over more fields to return to the starting
point. Although there were a few muddy patches,
conditions were far better than are often found on the
foothills of the Blackdowns in winter. It was also
pleasing to notice that improvements had been made to
some of the stiles and there were no problems with over
hanging vegetation as had been the case earlier in the
year. Towards the end of the walk two roe deer were
seen scurrying away across the fields in front. |
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Amonite hunting
