| Sun.
29th January Out from Wiveliscombe (photos John Ollerenshaw) |
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| A bright clear Sunday afternoon attracted twenty -five walkers for a walk out from Wiveliscombe. Leaving by the main car park, the group past the former cattle market site now the position of a number of select town houses, and crossed the Williton road before climbing to enjoy a fine view over the little town. The leader pointed out the track of the former railway, and present flourishing abbatoir, and the route of the rest of the walk;the prospect of only one more hill was met with a general approval. The walk continued past Castle Hill, site of an old Roman settlement,before descending and recrossing the line of the former railway. Climbing towards the former Quaker meeting house, the leader gave the option of extending the walk due to the excellent weather conditions, and all were happy to continue and pass the meeting house and burial ground. Lime kilns and quarry caves were admired as the party continued on the homeward stretch, and passing a huge field of elephant grass the group's treasurer educated everyone as to the reason for its rise in popularity as a farm crop. The route now left a farm road and crossed several fields to drop down to a new footbridge and continue along a permissive path . After re-crossing the main road, the route led over an old railway bridge to rejoin the outward route. The walk finished as the last rays of the sun were shining on the hilltops, and walkers breaths were forming little clouds - a good time to get in the warm ! | ||
| Sun.
29th January. West Deane Way (photos Stewart Owen) |
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| The walk started from Wellington Sports Centre and soon joined the West Deane Way and the route of the Grand Western Canal to Cothay Manor and Appley. Here we left the West Deane Way and turned north along quiet lanes and across fields to Kittsford Barton. We had lunch with our backs to one of the several hedges on the way and enjoyed the sun and extensive views with our sandwiches. We continued via Greenvale Farm and Higher Poleshill to Langford Budeville, climbing innumerable stiles, many of which were designed for giants rather than for the average rambler. Who builds these stiles we continually asked? At Langford Budville we rejoined the West Deane Way and returned to Wellington via Runnington and the Grand Western Canal. A good walk, helped by the dry weather but a little spoiled by those badly built, badly maintained and sometimes unnecessary stiles. | ||
| Fri.
27th January. Taunton Urban Walk. (photos
Roger Conway) Walk Stats:- 3.5miles, climbs 78ft |
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| 23 members took part in this, the first of a series of winter evening town walks. Heading off across French Weir we followed the pathway towards the town centre, criss-crossing the castle leat and through Goodlands Gardens to the town bridge. Over the road and alongside to River Tone as far as Firepool where we walked over the weir to reach the Taunton to Bridgwater Canal. A brief stop to explain the history of the 'Consolidation Yard Water Tower' before heading east along the tow path. At Obridge we left the canal and passed under the GWR before heading back towards the town on the path that runs parallel to the railway. No time to stop and watch the trains at the Station as we continued along Railway Street and over '40 steps' to Staplegrove Rd. Then along the route of the old Grand Western Canal to Frieze Hill. Some members then followed the path by the Tone back to the starting point to collect their cars, whilst others remained at the Chairman's house. The drivers soon returned and the party enjoyed supper at Chez Roger & Linda. (recipes posted to Noticeboard) | ||
| Wed.
25th January. Ashbrittle via Hockworthy (photos Pat Ogden) |
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| The group met at the Prince of Wales in Holcombe Rogus where some had partaken of a warming lunch that was appreciated on that bitterly cold day. They passed Holcombe Court, which is well worth a look, before going up and over the hill to Hockworthy. Indeed there were several hills to climb before the afternoon's walk was over. The path then lead past Hole Farm with its interesting private railway and small lake, through a herd of highland cattle to Ashbrittle where the ancient yew was inspected. The way back to Holcombe was through the interestingly named Grogham Coppice and past Kytton Barton. Unfortunately the Devon views were not extensive but the air was clear enough on the return leg to see different views of the Quantocks and Blackdowns. A good walk, helped by the dry weather but a little spoiled by those badly built, badly maintained and sometimes unnecessary stiles. | ||
| Sun. 22nd January Further and Faster @ Abergavenny | ||
| Meet 8.00 Wellington M5 Lay By. Rendezvous with other car Magor Service Station. 7 people parked and ready to Walk 9.45 in Abergavenny. Short meander along side of River Usk and then straight up Blorenge (hill) about 1600ft climb. This whole area is World Heritage site. Magnificent views. Walk across high moorland looking down on Blaenavon. Down through woods into valley. Cross Cwm Afon and onto dismantled railway track. Last took coal from Blaenavon in 1964. Now a long distance path/cycleway. Follow for about 4 miles through Blaenavon passing "Big Pit". Coal mine that closed in 1980 and is now the National Mining Museum of Wales. Continue up valley past Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway now a preserved line. Back up onto hills and then down to Clydach. Back up hill other side and gently meander through fields, woods, lanes, bogs etc. Eventually reach Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal near Llanelli. Follow towpath back to Abergavenny. Very busy canal with many holiday boats and major improvement works. Very interesting except now dark, torches on and it is bit difficult to see clearly. Reach car 6.40. Everyone well. 22 miles. Another good day. | ||
| Sun.
22nd January Bishops Lydeard Parish. (photos Roger Conway) |
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Walk Stats:- 4.7miles, climbs 182ft |
Cedar Falls ^ All the way to Minehead v |
Withys & Wildfowl^ Power unt v |
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| Another huge turnout, which after three recounts we agreed at being 47 walkers. On a lovely afternoon in bright sunshine the group strolled through the old main street of Bishops Lydeard to cross the A358 at Cedar Falls and then the West Somerset Railway to work our way through to Ash Priors, but not before many of the group watched spellbound as a new born lamb cried out for its lost mum and the boundless joy that she showed as her off spring rushed across the field to be reunited with her. The return route was through lush farmland and across the railway again, under the main road and back to the start point. | ||
| Sun.
22nd Exploring the Mendips (photos Dave Patten) |
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| A brilliant blue sky was enjoyed by a select group of eight ramblers who wended from Westbury sub Mendip up to the ridge. In the absence of Miss Moppet, leader Dave Patten led them down again through Ebbor Gorge, and up to the swallet at Higher Pitts Farm. Despite the kind offer of the leader's torch, only the absence of a thirty foot ladder prevented some members taking the short cut back to Wookey Hole. Swildon's Hole was next investigated but the sight of a stream disappearing underground was again declined in favour of hot soup by a roaring fire in the Queen Victoria at Priddy.It was agreed that eight was the ideal number for a Rambler's Sunday walk as the intellectual capacity ranged from the scientific value of the pheromones of the mealy bug to the delights of the Mecca Ballroom, with only a passing reference to Karl Marx (or was it Groucho?). And the mouth-parts of aphids was only briefly touched upon. Next time, perhaps.The group then perambulated past Mendip Gliding Club and marvelled at the grace of a glider aloft and descended still in glorious sunshine to Rodney Stoke and back along the flat and sometimes muddy fields to the cars. A motion at the next AGM may be proposed that the first eight to arrive start the walk. | ||
| Sun. 15th January Southern Quantocks | ||
| 19 Ramblers gathered at Kingston-St-Mary for the first full day walk of the New Year. We set off in chilly and blustery conditions across Tetton Park but the long haul up to the top of Cothelston Hill soon had pulses racing and over-stored Christmas fare on the move. We found Ball Lane to been totally churned up and made impassable by trail bikers and so we were forced to make our own path through the brambles and gorse along the edge of the track. The wind whipped up as we approached the rim of Cothelston and the ponies stood close with lowered heads in the shelter of the trees, but the woodland we reached on the far side was sheltered and warm and the party were soon shedding outer layers of clothing. We turned east to cross the Enmore road near the Travellers Rest, but today we did not stop for refreshment but continued on to the top of Broomfield Hill. A perfect picnic spot was then found at the edge of Rockinghouse Copse, where we cause much interest to some Highland cattle that watched us with fascination over their fence and occasionally rumbled verbally at us. In the afternoon we entered the Fyne Court Nature Reserve and followed one of their trails along the bank of a small river. Leaving the park we continued east and then south across farmland to return to Kingston, passing through such delightful sounding places as Dog's Hole Copse, Oggshole Farm and Gadd's Bottom. The rain had held off for us and although the views were not visible through the low cloud the walk was greatly enjoyed by all. | ||
| Sun.
15th Nether Stowey to Dowsborough (photos Roger Conway) Walk Stats:- 4.7miles, climbs 955ft |
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| Firstly a reminder:- Leader must read programe and turn up at published time. 20 members gather on a blustery morning in the picturesque village, so famous for the exploits of Coleridge and Tom Poole. Most of the outward leg was up hill, fortunately reasonably well sheltered but with super views views to the Bristol Channel and the North. A well earned rest was taken at the top of Dowsborough Castle, an ancient earthworks hill fort that has a wonderful panoramic view from Exmoor all the way around to the Mendips and, on a very clear day, to the 2nd Seven Crossing as well. The route back was through the wind sheltered Bin Combe and back to the village via Castle Hill, although none of the party wished to visit Stowey Castle this time out. History lessons were given at a number of locations on the route, including Walford's Gibbet and Broom Squires Cottage. A quick change of footwear in the car park before we whizzed down to Holford for an excellent lunch at 'Stella's' | ||
| Wed. 11th January. Ash Priors & Combe Florey | ||
| We set off across the common, through the picturesque village of Ash Priors and across fields to Combe Florey where we noticed the gravestone of Auberon Waugh and passed close to the Waugh family home. Then onwards up a wide valley path, continuing gradually uphill until reaching refreshment stop at the highest point of the walk, beside the B3224 .Good clear views over Bishops Lydeard and the Quantocks.Walk continued downhill and levelled out bringing us back to base. No unusual incidents - just a satisfying walk enjoyed by all. | ||
| Sun. 8th January Halsway Manor |
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| (photos
Roger Conway & Pat Ogden) Walk Stats:- 3.7miles, climbs 728ft |
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| 36 Members turned out for the pre "post Christmas lunch" walk, which started with stiff climb to get the body systems working. As we approached the top of the hill the sleet and mist descended, together with low visibility and the leader was able to describe the wonderous views without any fear of contradiction. He was also very pleased to be spot on with his navigation when we arrived at Halsway Post. In the conditions the group were given the option of 'escape' at this time, but in true Ramblers tradition they voted to press on to the Trig point at Black Hill. After the briefest of drinks stops we circled back to Halsway Post and then down Halsway Combe to complete the walk back to Halsway Manor, where another 27 members arrived to have a super lunch and following a presentation to Jim Hurst to recognise his contribution to the Group whilst serving as Chairman for 6 years, we held a short Barn dance (with Ramblers Tony Mawson, Alan Corkett & Roger Conway providing the calling and music )to finish off an excellent event. | ||
presentation to Jim Hurst and his gift |
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| Wed. 4th January. Wiveliscombe to Oakhampton Quarry |
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| An afternoon that turned out fine, inspite of the actual weather forecast took the 17 members on a well loved route up to Oakhampton Quarry and back. | ||
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