| Wednesday
28th November 2007. South Petherton, East Lambrook &
Bower Hinton (photos Roger Conway) walk stats:- 5 miles 276ft of climb |
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| 13 brave souls (and 2 dogs) cocked a snook at the weather forecast and were justly rewarded with a dry walk through the orchards and fields that make up the land through which the River Parrett meanders. If the gaps in walls are anything to go by (see above left) there are many very small people in this area, who also have one of those old tobacco habits (see right). This is an old apple growing area and the straight rows give testament to the growers art (above right) |
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| Sunday
25th November 2007. Out from Hatch Beauchamp (photos Roger Conway) walk stats:- 3¾ miles 192ft of climb |
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| Yet another bumper turn out (35 walkers and 3 dogs) enjoyed a pretty flat stroll along the lanes and through the fields east of Hatch Beauchamp, not to mention the parkland of Hatch Court. This silo (above right) full of apples ready for cider making was spotted near Curry Mallet. Tea and cake was taken at Farthings Restaurant. | ||
| Wednesday
21st November 2007. Creech and Durston (photos Roger Conway) walk stats:- 5¾ miles 232ft of climb |
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| At times this walk felt like being on jungle safari with so much Elephant Grass being planted in the area. 31 walkers and couple of dogs enjoyed yet another fine afternoon in this extended mild Autumn and even the crossing of the A361 (twice) help continue the feeling of dangerous exploration. There was even a rural junk yard to pass through. Many of the group returned to the Leader's home for tea and cake. | ||
| Wednesday
14th November 2007. Hillfarance, Heathfield & Oake (photos Roger Conway) walk stats:- 4½ miles 198ft of climb |
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| Another day that saw weather untypical of the time of year, although the bright and sunny morning had given way to some high cloud before the 27 members set off on a walk through some of the best countryside in the Taunton Vale. With the crunchy soil of the freshly planted winter crops, the former trackbed of the North Devon Branch of the GWR (see above right), recently 'muck spread' fields, cows and sheep grazing and ingenious electric fencing (see above left), not to mention a cottage with a posting box in the wall and an almost empty golf course. | ||
| Sunday 11th November 2007. Cleeve Abbey & the coast | ||
| On Sunday 11th November twenty-one members including several who we hadn't seen for a long time set out from Cleeve Abbey. As several of the footpaths were blocked the early part of the walk was mainly on lanes but eventually we set off across the fields from Forches Garden. Two minutes silence was observed at 11am, when we remembered all the men and women who had served in all the conflicts around the world. After passing through Withycombe we set off up Withycombe Hill where there were stunning views to Wales and the Mendips. Lunch was taken in the shelter of a hedge as the wind had become quite nippy. A quick descent to Blue Anchor and back across the fields to Old Cleeve where the Millenium window was admired in the church and back to the cars and a welcome cup of tea at Torre farm. | ||
| Sunday
4th November 2007. Burlescombe & Holcombe Rogus (photos Roger Conway) walk stats:- 4½ miles 242ft of climb |
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| On a day with weather that was more June than November 39 walkers set off on a gentle walk, with no hills, just a couple of easy slopes and only 7 stiles. Starting from the pub (always a good point, that) we were in touching distance of the mainline to Penzance, but soon turn west onto the rolling farmland and through a farmyard to meander down to the Grand Western Canal. A short towpath section before we again took to the fields and woods before stopping for a break at a pub (a different one). The homeward journey was along a droving track that opens up into some lush pasture. We then enter a patch of 'wilderness' before again passing through farm buildings and agricultural land to reach the canal once more. Another towpath section took us to a short bit of road walking back to our starting point. | ||
| Wednesday
31st October 2007. Crowcombe Heathfield to Bishops
Lydeard (train walk) (photo Gillian Robson) |
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| We were blessed with another mild autumn day when 39 walkers and 4 dogs gathered at Bishop's Lydeard Railway Station for a return to childhood days for many, with a ride on a steam train. The looks of puzzlement on the faces of the others when the train stopped after only one station to disgorge half its passengers was a sight to behold. One chap even stuck his head out of the window as if to reassure himself that there was not an emergency known only to the favoured few! After lining up in front of the Crowcombe Heathfield sign for a photo stop we set off on the 5.5 mile trek back to Bishop's Lydeard. After passing through Combe Florey a break was taken whilst the beautiful autumn foliage of the trees was much admired, with the low lying misty cloud across the Quantocks lending an ethereal touch. On reaching the edge of Sandhill Park a pause was taken to enjoy the pastoral view. The pleasure of the walk was enhanced on the final lap, near Ash Priors, when the distinctive "yammer" of a green woodpecker was heard and the eagle eye of the leader spied it perched on the side of a nearby tree | ||
| Sunday 28th October 2007. Dulverton, East Anstey & Chilcott | ||
| 7
ramblers and a dog braved the rain and enjoyed this 8 ½
mile walk from Dulverton, using Middle Path through the
woods, then beside the Barle, and turning up towards East
Anstey Common. After a rather damp lunch break under the
trees, a short walk along a quiet road took us to
Fiveways Cross. Turning down to Chiltons House, we
crossed several fields and lanes passing through Higher
and Lower Chilcott, then Wilway, descending to Dulverton
and a welcome cup of tea. The autumn colours in the woods were magnificent despite the rain, and we trod on a carpet of gold, tawny and brown leaves. The afternoon became dry and pleasant, with views opening up as the weather improved. We saw plenty of pheasants, the odd rabbit and a group of horse riders at a stream, where one animal enjoyed the attention of our group and showed off his ability to splash the water with his front hoof! |
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| Wednesday 3rd October 2007. Staple
Fitzpaine, Thurlbear & Netherclay (photo Nelly Calascione) |
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