nov06rep

Wednesday 29th November 2006. From Kingston St Mary (photos Gillian Robson)
35 Ramblers, 2 potential members and 5 dogs set out from Kingston St Mary on a mild November afternoon walk of 5 ½ miles from the first book of Ramblers’ walks heading for Nailsbourne to walk alongside the rather large field of Elephant grass and out on to the road by Stone House farm. A little further on the group stopped briefly to take advantage of a box of large cooking apples left for passers-by to help themselves. After the pause and refreshments the group continued on to Pickney where they had to negotiate with a very inquisitive young horse to get across the stiles (see above left) - fortunately this is where one of the help-yourself apples came in handy to tempt the horse away from the ramblers. The next sighting was an interesting flock of nosey brown sheep with quite large curly horns. On then across the “ride and horse jumps” to Yarford and a pleasant amble through Tetton Estate and a return to the car park just as it was beginning to darken and start to rain. After the recent rains the dogs certainly enjoyed splashing about in the puddles. (above right shows Kinston St Mary church in the twilight)

Wednesday 22nd November 2006. Ilminster Circular (photos Roger Conway) walk stats 4.8 miles 463ft of climb
In spite of a weather forecast that promised heavy rain, 13 members met up at the historic covered Market Cross in the middle of Ilminster. The group set off past the church and soon found themselves away from the urban area as they briefly paused at a section of the Chard Canal (see above left) that is still in water, before crossing the playing fields and up Herne Hill, with lovely views back over Ilminster and to the Blackdown's in the west. A gentle downhill to the village of Donyatt, crossing the route of the Taunton to Chard railway (above right) - now a Sustrans cycle path - on the way. From Donyatt the route followed the banks of the River Isle northwards and we stopped for a short drinks break by the old cattle ford. At Winterhay the walk turned south for a while before going east up to the top of Beacon Hill and the final descent back to our starting point - and no rain! Several of us took tea and toasted teacakes at Minstrels to celebrate.

Sunday 19th November 2006. Southern Quantocks (photos Ken Burgess)
Leaving Fyne Court walkers crossed the green in Broomfield village to pass behind the church to enter Broomfield Common where the trees were in full autumnal colours and continue towards the east to Spring Cottage. After turning to the north up a lane for a short distance to re-enter farmland the group paused to enjoy the distant views over the Somerset countryside. The Mendips, Glastonbury and south Wales being quite clear. These views were also enjoyed on the long descent towards Enmore (an obvious warning of future climbs). During a brief stop while overlooking the lake in the grounds of Enmore Castle enabled walkers to observe the flock of geese and other birds around and on the water. Continuing towards Spaxton the immediate problem was to cross a small stream guarded by two farm gates and an electrified fence over railway sleeper bridge! The section over Barford Park was particularly scenic with the many trees in full autumn colour. After a lunch stop at Spaxton walkers continued towards Hawkridge on first a minor road, then a track and subsequently a footpath to the end of the dam at the reservoir. About half way along the reservoir the path goes south with a long climb up Lawyer’s Hill to Merridge before a short descent down the track near Tort’s Farm to Great Holwell. From here there was another climb to near The Traveller’s Rest. After crossing the road the climb continued through the wooded Broomfield Hill before a section of road walking back to Fyne Court. Here some walkers tool advantage of the delicious cream teas being provided by the Somerset Wildlife Trust as a fund raising venture.

Reports from November 2006