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Sun. 25th September. Holford Combe, Bicknoller Post & Alfoxton
The sun was shining brightly with white fluffy clouds scudding across the sky under the influence of a brisk southwesterly breeze but the lingering warmth of summer was still present. Twenty three walkers gathered at Holford Bowling Green and once car parking problems were resolved our leader called them to order; he first introduced two new walkers to the group promising them that by the end of the walk all their personal details would be known after interrogation by fellow walkers. Information on the coming walk was given by the leader; it would leave Holford where the Church of St Mary The Virgin dating from the 13^th century is to be found, although a church has been here for a thousand years, proceed to Holford Combe, climb up to Lower Hare Knap and descend to Somerton Combe. From here the walk would turn into Hodder’s Combe, climb up past Lady’s Edge through Shepperd’s Combe and onto Bicknoller Post; it would then follow Longstone Hill where Odder (or Hodder) spotted a fleet of Danish ships sailing in to land on the coast in the 9^th century. He called up his men from Athelney and defeated the Danish invasion; on that day 1200 Danes were put to the sword. The route would descend to Pardlestone Hill and go on to Alfoxton House where in 1797 the poet Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy stayed and walked with Coleridge in the Quantocks; the poets’ sympathy was with the French revolution and because of this the locals suspected them of sending signals to French ships from the Quantocks to such an extent that the Home Office in London sent a spy to Somerset who eventually decided that they were ‘A set of violent democrats’. From here the walk would return to Holford Bowling Green. Suitably dazed by this influx of information, our valiant band set off at a steady pace up Holford Combe, enthusiastically attacked the climb up to Lower Hare Knap and warily descended the footpath to Somerton Combe. At the confluence of two streams in Hodder’s Combe, the group stopped to catch their breathe and admire the greenery of the surrounding trees and vegetation before following the stream up Hodder’s Combe to the end of the wood at Lady’s Edge and up Shepperd’s Combe; while climbing this combe we suddenly felt we were under surveillance and, on looking up, a stag, four hinds and a fawn were spotted on the brow of the adjacent hillside monitoring our progress but, deciding that we were undesirable intruders in their kingdom, they moved off to more private quarters. Arriving at Bicknoller Post, the group stopped to refresh themselves and enjoy the view of the coast towards Minehead. The ramblers continued along the flank of Longstone Hill, marvelling at the scenery of the combes below and the variety of greens and browns in the vegetation covering them, down to Pardlestone Hill, on to Alfoxton, where more deer were seen grazing in the fields, and back to Holford. From here our still merry band decamped to Stella’s Tea Room where hot scones with lashings of jam and cream were hungrily consumed washed down with copious amounts of hot tea.

Sun. 25th September. Coleridge Way (2) (photos Stewart Owen & John Ollerenshaw)
This walk was the second stage of the recently opened Coleridge Way. After meeting at Kennisham walkers were taken by minibus to Bicknoller to start the walk from adjacent to the Minehead Road. The path soon took walkers to a level crossing over the West Somerset Railway then through farmland following the Donniford Stream to the attractive village of Sampford Brett. On the next section there was a notice asking walkers to appease their patron by carrying money over a footbridge and since there was a supply of coins available we were happy to oblige before continuing on to Monksilver. From here the way was up the long climb to Coton Cross with several viewpoints along the way. Lunch was taken on the top before the descent to Sticklepath and the path above the old Mineral Line Railway which led to Roadwater. After some road walking the way then follows another long climb through Langridge Wood passing the ‘Cist’ (an ancient burial site) on the route. The climb continued through the farmland above the wood with exceptional views back over this part of Exmoor to the Quantock Hills. From here the path follows an enclosed track frequented by very numerous pheasants and descends to Luxborough. Another short section of road walking and the farm track took walkers to Newcombe Farm on a shorter climb up to Colly Hill. From hear walkers left the Coleridge Way to return to the car park initially descending across farmland but then climbing again through the forest that is through the plantation on Kennisham Hill. A rather exhausting day that included three ascents of Exmoor.

Thurs. 22nd September. Hankridge, Creech & Ruishton walk stats 4.3 miles, 103ft of climb. (photos Roger Conway)
One of the favourites, out along the canal and back beside the River Tone. Masses of Duck, Swans, Moorhens, Butterflys & Dragonflys. As well as sightings of a Kingfisher and a Buzzard. A hot sunny afternoon, with a gentle breeze, such sights, such company, such weather, England at its very best.

Mon. 19th September. Churchstanton & Stapley walk stats 4.6 miles, 654ft of climb. (photos Roger Conway)
On such days as this it is grand to be alive. The Blackdowns looked splendid in the late summer sunshine and the small group enjoyed the tracks, lanes and woods, and being the Blackdowns the mud as well.

Sun. 18th September. Hawkridge, Aisholt, Plainsfield (photo Stewart Owen)


Fri. 16th September. River Tone & GWR from Bradford		walk stats 3.6 miles, 190ft of climb. 1 short hill and 11 stiles. 1¾ hours at an average Friday Ramblers pace (photo Roger Conway)
The walk crossed and recrossed, both the Great Western Main Line and the River Tone as we headed out west from the White Horse. After the first crossing of the railway we headed north for a circuit around the lushious fruit farm land (now if you had been on the reccy, you would have been able to join in the strawberry scrumping!) of East Nynehead. Back to the riverside pasture and over the railway to reach the pub in time for supper.

Wed 14th September. North Quantocks
Walkers departed from the car park next to Bicknoller Village Hall and started the long ascent up Bicknoller Combe on the way some red deer were spotted on the skyline and further checks confirmed that the rest of the herd were even closer and only part way up the valley slope. A brief stop was made at Bicknoller Post while walkers regained their breath before continuing to the trig point on Beacon Hill and a further stop to admire the views across to The Brendon Hills, Exmoor, The Mendip Hills and across to South Wales. There had been a rain shower shortly before the walk started and as a consequence the all round visibility was exceptionally clear.The walk then continued with a descent into Smiths Combe where the path criss-crosses the stream at the bottom the route turned Towards Perry following part of the recently opened Coleridge Way. Permissive paths and roads were followed to West Quantoxhead and then there was a slight descent on rights of way into Weacombe Combe. From here the return to Bicknoller was an undulating walk along the boundary of the Quantock Hills with intermittent views through the line of trees over the adjoining farmland and across the vale. A very pleasant walk with the outstanding views an ample reward for the physical effort.

Fri. 2nd September. West Monkton, Hestercombe & Combe Bottom
It was a warm barmy summer evening; there was no wind and the sky was clear with sunshine filtering through the trees. Thirty-five walkers and two dogs slowly gathered in the car park of the Monkton Inn. The priority of the evening meal was discussed and, after negotiation with the landlord, the various individual needs were identified. On completion of the preliminaries in satisfying the inner man, our leader called the group together to give them information on the coming walk and places of interest that would be encountered. He said the walk would start from West Monkton that contains the Church of St Augustine dating from the 13^th century although there are signs of an earlier building; it was extended in the 15^th century including a fine wagon roof. In the churchyard there are well-preserved stocks and a whipping post and there is a big yew tree that is reputed to be 1500 years old. The footpath would pass Noah’s hill to Whale’s Farm and climb up to Gotton; from Gotton it goes past the Hestercombe estate and onto Hill Farm. Hestercombe House was built by Coplestone Warre Bamfylde in the 18^th century with extensively landscaped gardens; Edward Lutyens and Gertrude Jeckyll added the 19^th century Victorian terrace and gardens. The route then continues to Burlinch wood and descends to Combe Bottom passing abandoned quarries nearby which produced Morte slate up to 100years ago commonly used for dry-stone walling. From Combe Bottom the walk climbs up to Overton and returns to West Monkton. Having been suitably indoctrinated, our eager band left the Monkton Inn at a steady gait reaching Whale’s Farm and, catching their breath, climbed up the hill to Gotton. From Gotton the walkers travelled along the side of the Hestercombe estate, inspecting repairs being carried out to the boundary dry-stone wall, and on to Hill Farm. They started the descent through Burlinch wood and eventually reached Combe Bottom; here darkness fell in the wood as dusk was approaching. Our leader produced his torch and said, ‘Do not fear, follow me’; a very attractive young lady replied, ‘I’m right behind you’. He pondered for a moment and came to the conclusion that being a walk leader had its compensations. As our intrepid walkers emerged from the wood to the comparative light of sunset twilight and climbed up to Overton, the resident sheep looked enquiringly at these intruders wondering who was disturbing their tranquillity. From Overton the pace quickened as our gallant band, having been thoroughly tested, were anticipating their evening repast and they returned to West Monkton in record time. Here the group retired to the Monkton Inn where they enjoyed an excellent meal washed down with copious drafts of real ale amid the buzz of humorous and stimulating conversation.

Ramblers of Taunton Deane

Reports on Walks in September 2005 updated 1st October 2005