| Sun. 27th November. Castle Neroche
Circular (photo Tom Temlett) |
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| I
agreed to lead a walk back in the early summer and after
much deliberation chose to start it from Castle Neroche.
Castle Neroche is an ancient moat and bailey hill fort
which, as the name suggests, is on the top of a hill.
There is a car park at the site although this was
inadequate on the day given that the usual number of
“civilian” walkers was swollen by a further
twenty-three ramblers. Barbara and I recce’d
the walk from there in the early summer when it was very
muddy. We did another recce. two weeks before the
due date when it was no muddier. A major concern
was the amount of light that would be available on the
day given the 14:00 start, visions of bedraggled ramblers
emerging tired and hungry from pitch black woods haunted
my dreams for weeks before the walk (well no, not really…).
With hindsight a 13:30 start would have been better.
Maybe the programme default start time could be brought
forward from November through February. Barbara as back
marker counted the walkers as they passed so off we went. The site has a number of paths and our route made use of the red waymarked trail initially and in its final stages. The middle section skirted Curland common to Middleroom Lane then some road walking through Curland and across fields to go back up Green Lane to the site. Basically down the hill, around the bottom and up again. A new member, Dave, was welcomed by all including one of the dogs. Trying to avoid a muddy section at the start I chose a path that led the group to the edge of the steep earth rampart where after much muttering discretion prevailed and we reverted to the easier though muddier trail. The sun shone, the air was clear and crisp, patches of snow lay in the shadows it was a lovely day to be walking. Many of the trees still had their autumn leaves on and these showed to good effect. If anybody got snow on his or her boots this was quickly covered by the mud. We saw little wild life probably because twenty-three people chattering away make a considerable noise. The walk finished in daylight much to my relief and the group was able to watch twilight enfold the Vale of Taunton Deane from a viewpoint on the hill. People said “thank you”, Dave said he’d be back so Barbara and I considered the walk a success. |
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| Wed. 23rd November. Wiveliscombe & Maundown Hill | ||
| Nine Taunton Deane
Ramblers set out from Wivelescombe, just as a very weak
sun appeared, to walk Taunton Deane’s published
Wiveliscombe and Maundown Hill walk. Walking up Greenway
Lane to join Jews Lane and skirt Maundown Hill in bright
sunshine with excellent views of Huish Champflower. The
group dropped down through Maundown Plantation to
Washbattle Bridge to walk beside the river Tone rushing
on its way to join the Parrett. The woods were alive with
the cry pheasants and the frantic flapping of wings as we
walked passed. Climbing up Kits Lane with splendid views from the Quantocks to the Blackdowns and beyond with the west side of Wivvy in full view and the east covered in cotton wool balls of cloud. To return along Jews Lane and through the towns Christmas decorations |
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| Sun. 20th November. Holford to Stringston |  |
East window (click on picture for a larger copy) |
| (photos
Roger Conway) Walk Stats:- 5.6miles, climbs 455ft |
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| The walk, starting from Holford Bowling Green, went through woods and farmland with a couple of road sections and a little bit of uphill, mainly a gentle rise to get (if we hadn't been shrouded in mist) wonderful views across the Bristol Channel and towards the Quantocks. A short break was taken at Stringston Church before continuing on the return leg that crossed some of the rich pasture land of the coastal plain and through the churchyard of Holford Church. 19 walked and 16 stayed for lunch at Stella's. | ||
| Sun. 13th November. Washbattle Bridge | ||
| Twelve Taunton
Deane Ramblers set out from Washbattle Bridge to walk
from church to farm to farm to pub which was the original
reason for footpaths. The Group made its way to passed
Huish church to pass 6 farms on the way to the Lowtrow
Cross Inn and a welcome lunch break. Continuing the farm theme the group passed Bittescombe Manor to pass the Catfords and Combe Farms and taking a path diversion to avoid going through more farms to rejoin the lane through Huish and return to Washbattle Bridge. |
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| Wed. 9th November. Clayhidon & the Culme Valley (Walk Stats:- 4.8 miles, climbs:- 496ft) |
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| Once again the Wednesday walkers had bright sunshine as the 23 members set off past Clayhidon Church and onto the lanes and tracks taking us into the Culm Valley. Being the Blackdowns, there was the mud - copious quantities of it, but there were also delightful panoramas and wildlife of all types! (see sign above). The circuit was completed just as the sun was finally sinking behind the hills. | ||
| Sun. 6th November. Exmoor at a moderate pace |
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| Fri. 4th November. 'Scratch walk' Christow. |
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If you look very closely you will see why this was a 'scratch' walk!! |
| On a bright sunny day 6 walkers car shared to meet at the village of Christow, south east of Exeter, about 3/4 of an hours drive from Taunton. The walk, led by Joan Gubbin set off uphill through woods alongside a stream and, being in the Dartmoor National Park was well signed and with good styles and footbridges. Reaching the top of the hill by Clampitts House the route turned right through woodland and round a punchbowl, passing an intriguing weathered stone. Setting off downhill towards the first of three reservoirs we passed an ancient Quaker burial ground which needs further research. The first reservoir was full but proceeding downhill we found the second almost empty and the third very low. A civilised lunch was eaten at a picnic spot before continuing past the waterworks and on to a wood with broad paths and sunlight glinting through the trees. Unfortunately, although this Forestry Commission land was Access Land there were logging operations across the final third of the path which necessitated making an unscheduled crossing of a stream and scramble uphill through woods to make the road we would have joined a bit later on the route. A final walk downhill with panoramic views of the Devon countryside basking in the autumn sunshine made a memorable ending to this 11 mile walk. Definitely one to put in a future programme for all to share. If anyone wants to join the next Scratch Walk details are on this website, why not join in the fun exploring uncharted territory! | ||
| Wed. 2nd November. Trull & Poundisford (Walk Stats:- 5.4 miles, climbs:- 246ft) | ||
| A wet morning and a dire forecast did not daunt the 13 members who pulled into the lay-by at Queens College. Off we went through the houses on the old army camp to reach the Sherford stream and then followed this up stream to see the rare sight of the waterfall in full spate. Through the fields to cross the M5 over the 'tiered' footbridge and right past Poundisford house to take a break on the edge of the Village of Pitminster. The return route was along the raised footpath next to the road, back across the M5 and then onto the fields to swing west of Cotlake Hill and up through the estate to our starting point. | ||
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