| Sun
31st July. The Quantocks West side (photo Stewart Owen) |
|
 |
| Fri.
29th July. Creech, Canal & River (photos Roger Conway) walk stats 4.7 miles 182ft of climb |
|
|
| 34 members and a couple of guests from Knaresborough set off along the Taunton Bridgwater Canal, before crossing the Main line to London and the North and through the fields to the hamet of Knapp. A little road section before passing through the Orchard and down Knapp Hill (see above), with clear and distant views across the levels. The final stage was along the River Tone and 'Coldharbour' bridge (see above) back to the Riverside Tavern where 26 walkers enjoyed their supper. | ||
| Sun
24th July. The Quantocks Hills & Combes (photo Stewart Owen) |
|
< Click on the image to get a larger version of the photo |
| Nine
walkers with an aversion to slogging over |
||
| Sun 24th July. Haytor on Dartmoor | ||
| Although the
weather in Taunton was wet and the forecast doubtful, 13
walkers braved the weather and set out for Haytor. Of
course when they got there the sun was out, the sky was
blue and visibility was good, but there were a few clouds
about. We first went to Haytor Quarry where we enjoyed
the peaceful pool with its water lilies and then went on
to see the granite tramways that linked this and the
other nearby quarries with the Stover canal and the River
Teign in the 19 century. From there the granite blocks
went to London to build, among other things, London
Bridge and the National Gallery. Our route
took us over Smallacombe Rocks and through the mediaeval
village to Hound Tor. We had a short shower on the way
but were able to enjoy good views of the surrounding moor
and appreciate the bird life. Here the party split into
two. Those wanting a shorter walk continued on passed Jay's
Grave and Natsworthy Manor to Chinkwell Tor, Bell Tor and
Bonehill Rocks and on to Top Tor before returning to
Haytor via Saddle Tor. The rain set in during the last
few miles but that did not affect the delightful walk
through the milder section of Dartmoor. The more
energetic group went further, through Heathercombe to
Grimspound, where we lunched in the remains of a 5000
year old Bronze Age hut, and then over Hamel Down to
Widecombe and then back up the hill to Bonehill to follow
the route of the remainder of the party. |
||
| Fri.
22nd July. The Blackdowns from Pitminster (photo Roger Conway) walk stats 4.75 miles 785ft of climb |
|
< Restored Caravan |
| 34 members left the car park of the QA (formerly 'The Queens Arms') and headed off through the Church yard to reach the slopes of the Blackdowns. A steady climb through the fields and woods to eventually arrive at the road just below Staple Plain. A little road work towards Feltham before returning to the fields again (not to mention the stiles!!!) to return to the road just south of Corfe. a little more on the road before the final section across the fields back to Pitminster Church. A dozen members stayed on for supper in the refurbished and more 'up market' QA | ||
| Wed. 20th July, Around Whitestaunton | ||
| Starting out from
Whitestaunton, an attractive village which seemingly no
one had heard of before let alone visited, the rain
started. Up a fairly gentle climb along |
||
| Sun 17th July. Cotswold Outing | ||
| This
walk out of Wotton-under-Edge had 3 leaders. One who had
done the walk with some loops, one who hadn’t done
the walk, and one who knew the walk and wanted to do some
extra! Thus, suitably protected, 9 members left in
an easterly direction on the Cotswold Way. then turned
south to near Wortley and Aderley. Continuing on
southeast we joined the Monarch's Way heading to Tresham....
Here a short break was taken to slake thirsts and a brief
rest in the shade. Leaving the Monarch's Way tracks were followed to Ozleworth Bottom. We passed through an electrically operated gate - Dave & Jeremy eventually sorted out how it worked and pressed the button!! Through the woods to Lasborough Park and a lunch stop overlooking Lasborough Manor & Church and a Motte on the ridge.. The big manor house isn't called the manor, it is a "Home Convert" and very nice too. It was very pleasant sitting in the shade at the edge of the wood and after being cajoled into action again by one of the leaders the group set off north via Pillow Mound and more Mottes to turn west towards Bagpath, then South through Ozleworth Park where the big house and Old Rectory were much admired. A short quick road walk and then left heading West via Tyley Bottom. We headed for Coombe and after consultation amongst 2 of the leaders as to the correct route the Cotswold Way was rejoined and we headed back to Wotton- Under- Edge... We arrived back just in time for Tea and cakes at the Town Hall which, after an extremely hot days walk, was very welcome. Back to the cars and a great day out... Lovely weather. looking forward to doing it again..... maybe with another loop!!! |
||
| Fri.
1st July. Out from Keeper's Cottage Inn (photo Roger Conway) walk stats 5.25 miles 249ft of climb |
|
|
| An overcast and gloomy sky saw the intrepid band of 12 walkers set off from the car park, although several showed signs of probably prefering to go into the Keepers Cottage rather than passed by the door. We were soon into the woods and eventually (although the leader assured everyone that he followed the paths - Hmm) emerged onto the lane. A bit of road work and quite a bit of rain, but when the walkers were offered an escape route, that good old British stiff upper lip took over, somewhat soggy though it might have been! As it happened the rain eased and whilst the threat was never far a way, it did not rain again until we were back at the pub. The second half of the walk was a mixture of fields, farmyards and tracks before the last section which took us along the road again, with the uneddyfing sight of the 'General Dealer's' yard, with field upon field of scrap metal and vehicles. The very final leg was back through the wood on 'proper' paths and into the pub where all 12, plus Wag, enjoyed their well earned supper. | ||
  |
||
