| Wednesday 30th May 2007. Kilve &
Lilstock (photos Nelly Calascione) |
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| Sunday 27th May 2007. Steart
Peninsula (photos Phil Bacon) |
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| Wednesday 23rd May 2007. Castle
Neroche (photos Nelly Calascione) |
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| Sunday
20th May 2007. South Petherton (photos Bob Greenshields) |
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| Sunday 20th May 2007. Wivy Way (pt2) | ||
| The second part of the Wivey Way saw a much bigger turn -out than the first,with a number of new and welcome faces. Starting from North Street car park in Wiveliscombe, the group headed eastwards in bright weak sunshine and a pleasant light breeze. Pausing for breath after the first climb towards Castle Hill, the group paused briefly to view the remains of the old railway line that linked Barnstaple and Taunton. There was a slight haze following recent rain,but the banks were thick with the lush growth of cow parsley, red campion,and soon-to-flower hogweed. The route led through Croford,and up past an old quarry to emerge at a fine viewpoint. Drinks were taken as members caught up on recent news and enjoyed views of the distant Quantocks. Continuing through the outskirts of Fitzhead, a path left the road to climb across several fields damp with long grass . There followed a steep descent to cross the gentle stream of Halse Water. It was hard to imagine such a small stream being the prime culprit for occasional flooding in Norton Fitzwarren, and ,as a result ,housing a new restrictive dam a few miles downstream. A short stretch of road followed through the hamlet of Hoccombe where there was a succession of impressive barn conversions. A beware of the bull sign did not deter walkers from crossing several fields to link up with a quiet lane that led them to Oakhampton Farm. Here an absence of waymarkers led to slight detour to regain the path leading over fine open country to the top of the huge workings of the old Oakhampton Quarry. Lunch was taken on the fine bluff of the quarry with its great views over Taunton Deane.The song of a distant cuckoo enhanced the peace of the scene,but soon drowsy ramblers had to rouse themselves to face two steep descents to cross Deepleigh stream with a fine wildflower meadow to follow. Further lush inviting fields were to follow before the group reached Whitefield where a short stretch of road followed. A huge wheat field ahead had a welcome path cleared through it,and a new mixed hedge planted beyond attracted appreciative comments from ramblers. There followed a steep climb up to Jews Farm, crossing a well-kempt garden often open to the public. The path now crossed several fields to descend the steep bank to the young River Tone.Here the walk leader reminisced about the clearing of a path by group members some years ago. The final part of the walk was a stage by stage climb over Maundown Hill . One stage was at a good vantage point to view the extensive work on the new water treatment works for Taunton. Walkers descended the long hill to the car park in Wivey,and many then took up the leaders offer of tea and cake at Olive Cottage nearby. Several walkers lingered to enjoy the garden and buy plants before returning home. The splendid garden there is just one of many open to the public under the National Garden Scheme, and is next open on 17th June. | ||
| Sunday
6th May 2007. 2 Counties Way - part 2 (photos Roger Conway) walk stats 6.0 miles 413ft of climb |
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| After another smooth
transfer of walkers from 'finish to start' the 12 members
set off from Tone at Wellington along the line of the
Grand Western Canal and the very visible remains of the
formation. The leader gave a little history lesson at the
site of the spectacular inclined plane and by the time we
reached Burnhill where the canal is finally 'in water'
the group had a pretty good understanding of the
background of the canal. The walk concluded with a mile
and a half along the tow path, where wild life was
abundant. photos from top left;- canal barge, the path through the bluebells, swans and cygnets, arriving at Burlescombe, walking the towpath and the canal tunnel at Beacon Hill. |
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| Sunday 6th May 2007. Kingscliffe Woods @ Bluebell time | ||
| Sally’s walk on the last fine day before the rain set in started from the community centre in North Petherton. 19 members, including some from other groups, set off towards Taunton through fields and tracks skirting Thurloxton and Hestercombe. The views were not as far reaching due to the heat haze but it was certainly ideal walking weather with a stiff breeze that had a cooling effect. At Volis Hill the group turned and headed towards Kingscliffe Woods where Sally’s fears that global warming would end the bluebell season prematurely were unfounded. Although just slightly past their best, the scent of the blue carpet here was greatly enjoyed. The 11 mile walk ended with most of the walkers enjoying tea and fruit cake at Sally’s, where donations were made enabling £25 to be sent to the National Missing Persons Helpline. | ||
| Wednesday
2nd May 2007. Loxbeare, Mid Devon (photos Roger Conway) walk stats 6.4 miles 816ft of climb |
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| Mid-Devon may not have the publicity of its South & North neighbours, but still contains some equally stunning scenery. Setting off from the square towered church in Loxbeare the group of 18 members soon faced the first hazzard of crossing the North Devon Link Road. Only one casualty here (actually it was a pulled muscle and the member decided to return home), and the remaining 17 continued on their undulating route across lush farm land, the little hamlet of Washfield with its pretty church & Elizabethan Manor House (see right), through farm yards complete with grumpling farmers. Back acrosss the NDL and a river ford before an unavoidable road section and the final field section back to our starting point. All this in glorious sunshine. |
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