Two Dogs and an Awning

Author: Fred

  • Haresfield to Gloucester (Day 1)

    Haresfield to Gloucester (Day 1)

    After months of planning I am finally off on the first stage of my long distance walk.  Yesterday was spent travelling from my home in Wiltshire to the starting point at the Beacon Inn in Haresfield.  On the train journey between Bristol and Gloucester I passed the pub but it was a couple of hours later before I reached it after an interesting bus journey, where overhearing a loud conversation between two young women I learnt all about being inked, previously I thought this was called getting a tattoo.  I then had a pleasant short walk across fields to reach the village.

    With around one hundred and fifty miles to cover in the next six days I decided on a relaxing evening at the Beacon Inn and turned in for an early night.  My plans were somewhat scuppered because I had failed to anticipate the regular fast trains thundering by.  However as night fell the train’s frequency reduced and I managed a reasonable night’s sleep.  After a hearty breakfast I am off.  Wendy the landlady of the Beacon Inn wishes me luck on my venture.

    From the pub I walk back into the village and turn right at a junction with a finger post to Haresfield Beacon.  It is not too long before the road starts to ascend gradually and then more steeply as I pass College Farm.

    Just after passing Ringhill Farm I go through a gate on the right to join the Cotswold Way heading towards Haresfield Beacon.

    It is a cracking morning without a cloud in the sky as I follow the well walked path through fields.

    The path leads to the Ordnance Survey Haresfield Beacon trig pillar.  Most of the trigs I have bagged recently have been the standard concrete trigs so it is nice to see one built out of local stone.  This is my 376th trig and it should be the first of a number over the next few days.

    Staying with the Cotswold Way I turn and go along the edge of the hill with fine views.

    After going close to a minor road the path goes under Bunker’s Bank and then heads out to the Haresfield Beacon Toposcope.  Rather than the normal flat surface this one is a raised relief map of the surrounding area.  I take a few minutes to admire the view towards the River Severn, in a couple of days’ time I will be walking beside the river.

    Still staying with the Cotswold Way I head across the top of the hill towards a car park and pass a herd of cattle, they are very docile.  I can only hope that all my encounters with cows on this walk are equally uneventful.  After passing through the car park I join the minor road and follow it to a junction, I keep going straight on towards Edge.  After a couple of hundred yards on Scottsquar Hill, just before reaching a junction, I leave the road and follow a footpath into Stockend Wood.

    Initially the path goes along the top of the woods and then descends gradually through the trees to reach a lane, here I go to the right and pass the bottom of Maitlands Wood.  The lane becomes a minor road and there are good views away to my left.

    As the road starts to ascend towards Edge I take a lane on the left which passes a property and continues on to reach a narrow lane.  I turn right and head uphill into Edge.  I cross a B road and then very quickly reach the A4173 which I cross and turn to the left.  Immediately there is a junction on the right with a fork I go right along Edge Lane to continue into the village.  I have been walking for a couple of hours and stop for a cup tea on a bench under a tree.

    Resuming my walk I take a lane which passes the Village Hall and then goes through a farmyard.

    The footpath goes through a gate and then across fields to reach a junction of paths with the Cotswold Way, here I turn to the left and head steadily downhill through a pasture field and pass a standing stone with a marker on it that indicates it is 47 miles to Chipping Camden along the Cotswold Way.

    The Cotswold Way leads down to Washbrook Farm, this former mill has been converted into a farmhouse and has some elaborate stonework facing the footpath.

    After a slight uphill section I pass a playing field and tennis courts and continue into the attractive Cotswold village of Painswick.

    After a wander around the village in search of a postcard to send to Lynnie I stop for a cup of tea and snack in the churchyard and notice the tell-tale signs of railings that would have been removed during World War II and smelted down to create armaments for the war effort.

    I leave the Cotswold Way in Painswick and continue my route by going past the Town Hall to join Tibbiwell Lane and go downhill towards Brookhouse Mill.  At the bottom of the hill I turn left on a footpath which is by a sluice gate for the old forge mill.

    The path goes beside a stream and then enters fields.  At a junction of paths I turn right and go uphill towards Dell Farm.  After passing through the farm the footpath follows the farm drive to a minor road.  Here I turn left, on my right is a row of houses and across the open fields to my left is a view of Painswick.

    At the end of the lane I go right to join a footpath into Blackstable Wood.  It is a warm day so the shade of the trees is very welcome.

    On leaving the woods at a minor road in Jack’s Green I turn right and then at a signpost for Sheepscombe go left to descend steeply towards the village.  After passing the village church I reach the war memorial and sit on a bench for lunch.  It was beside this war memorial that the puppeteer and writer Walter Wilkinson made his first public performance in the late 1920’s.

    I have walked about eight miles but this is only a third of today’s walk so despite it being a pleasant spot to sit I don’t linger too long and soon have the rucksack on my back again.  My route continues on a footpath through the cemetery and then goes along a minor road heading towards the B4070.  At the B road I cross and continue along a lane signposted to Miserden.  After a third of a mile I leave the lane and take a footpath on the left which heads across a field towards Hazle Manor.  

    Emerging from the field I turn left and walk a short section beside the road before going over a stone stile on my right to follow a path across a field.

    After passing Hill Top farm I go along a track to reach a minor road in Whiteway, I turn left and then after passing the last house on the right join a track on the right.  Whiteway is an interesting development.  The community was founded on 1898 by Tolstoyans,  It was set up on forty-one acres of land. For many years the community lived under utopian socialist principles of shared ownership.  These days the properties are privately owned,

    I continue on the footpath into Barn Wood and after crossing a stream turn left to follow a track through Climperwell Wood.  This leads me to a minor road where I turn left towards Climperwell Farm. After passing the farm entrance the lane heads towards a cross roads.

    At the cross roads I go straight over and continue on the road for half a mile, passing Overton Farm and ignoring a track on my right, to reach a footpath into Cranham Wood.  The path descends through an attractive area of woodland with an abundance of wild garlic.

    There is a network of paths in the woods but I stick with the main path heading towards Cranham.  Leaving the trees the path goes through Cranham Common and descends towards the village.

    At a minor road in the village I turn right and head downhill passing the village hall on my left and then at the bottom of the hill go by the Cranham Scout Centre.  The road is now uphill and I ignore a couple of footpaths on the right to reach a car park for Witches Tump.  Here I leave the road and take a footpath that heads in a north westerly direction through the trees towards Buckholt Road.

    I cross Buckholt Road and continue steadily uphill on a footpath into Buckholt Wood.  As the path levels out it meets the Cotswold Way, here I turn left and follow the footpath towards Cranham Corner.  After a short spell besides Buckholt Road I cross the A46 and continue to follow the Cotswold Way way-markers through Pope’s Wood.

    The path joins a minor road and soon passes a parking area and then goes onto the open to soon reach a golf course on the open access land leading to Painswick Beacon.  I leave the Cotswold Way here and stay close to the tree line on the right.

    When the Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar on Painswick Beacon comes into view I take a path which leads to the viewpoint.  I have previously bagged this trig, it is a cracking spot with far reaching views.

    From the trig pillar I descend through an area of disused quarries to join the Wysis Way long distance footpath.

    The Wysis Way is a 55 mile route which links Offa’s Dyke National Trail to the Thames Path National Trail and goes between Monmouth in Wales and Kemble in Gloucestershire.  I leave the access land and then follow the trail for a short distance beside a road which I then cross to join a footpath on the far side going through trees to reach a minor road.  I turn left to follow the Wysis Way towards Cud Hill.  At an information board I stop for a breather and take in the view over the Severn Vale.

    A little bit further along the lane I pass a folly, despite my later efforts to find out details of its history my searches prove unsuccessful.  Apparently there is a memorial to the architect Detmar Blow (1867-1939) a few hundred yards along from the folly, so presumably there is a connection.

    Soon after the folly I take a footpath on the right with a Wysis Way fingerpost.  The path quickly follows a track surrounded by Blackthorn bushes in bloom.

    At a junction of paths I go right to stay with the Wysis Way, in the distance in front of me is Robins Wood Hill.  I will head there later before going into Gloucester.

    The path is not way-marked but I follow the route others have taken through the field and then continue on a track along the edge of a field leading towards paddocks at Hazel Grove.

    After following the path around the paddocks I enter woods and go steeply downhill and follow the Wysis Way across fields to a B Road.  Here I turn right and cross the M5 and continue into Sneedham’s Green.

    The path I had planned to take is too overgrown so I turn to the right and join a path on the left which takes me onto the edge of the Gloucester Golf Course.

    I am still on the Wysis Way but have also joined the Glevum Way, this is a 24 mile circular walk around the outskirts of Gloucester which was devised in 1991 by local ramblers.  

    I soon leave the Glevum Way as it turns left and I head diagonally across a field to reach a gate and then turn right along a track which follows the contour line around Robins Wood Hill.  At a clear path on the left I start a steep ascent.  It is a warm afternoon and having walked over twenty miles so far today my rucksack is beginning to weigh heavy.   I stop a couple of time on my way up the hill to take in the views and draw breath, making use of one of several benches.

    At the summit of Robin’s Hood Hill there is an Ordnance Survey trig pillar, my 377th.

    Alongside the trig pillar is a beacon, the current beacon was erected in 2000 but this is the site of one of the beacons used in 1588 to warn of an invasion by the Spanish Armada.  It has commanding views over the River Severn and would also have been a good vantage spot to observe the other beacons away to the south west.

    There is the added bonus of a toposcope on this hill and I use this to spot points on the horizon before following a track downhill towards Gloucester on the Wysis Way.

    After going through an open area the path heads through attractive woodland before continuing down with views across Gloucester with the Malvern Hills in the distance.

    After going through the car park for Robin’s Wood Hill I join a road and follow the Wysis Way towards the centre of Gloucester.  My overnight accommodation is in the Gloucester Travelodge.  After checking in and having a shower I head to the docks which have undergone major regeneration since I was last here.  I have walked almost 24 miles today, with plenty of steep hills so I am ready for some food and drink.  There is no shortage of spots to choose from but I won’t be out too late because I have another full day’s walking tomorrow.

    You can view this 23.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey OS Explorer – 179 – Gloucester Cheltenham & Stroud

    26th May 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Holcombe Nap

    Holcombe Nap

    After our disrupted week walking the Wayfarer’s Way we are off in the caravan for a few days to stay at Rails End Nursery CL in Ashton under Hill.  This site is not too far from Goodhleigh Hill CL on the other side of Bredon Hill, in the past we have found that staying close to somewhere we have previously visited opens up a whole new range of walks.

    It is our first time on this site.  Everything was straightforward from booking through to receiving the helpful directions to ensure easy access.  It was also good to meet Andrew ,the site owner, on arrival who showed us where everything was and gave some useful tips on local footpaths.

    It doesn’t take long to set up and after a cup of tea I am ready to head out for a short walk.  I leave the site by the main driveway passing the glasshouses that used to grow tomatoes commercially but these days are let to a couple of people growing garden plants.  At Back Lane I turn right and walk into the village.  

    Turning left at the end of the lane I see the village cross.  It is thought that prior to the village church being built in 1627 this cross was used as a preaching place by the monks from nearby Beckford Priory.  

    I now turn right and head through the village passing the Star Inn, village school and playing field.  On reaching Cotton’s Lane I turn left and head steadily uphill.

    This lane goes uphill out of the village and I ignore a couple of paths to the right and stay on the tarmac driveway with some fine views.

    After passing some farm buildings I go through a gate and continue uphill on a track.

    At a junction of paths my route is to the left through a gate, but first I take a diversion following the path to the right to continue uphill and then I briefly leave the path to head across the grassland to bag the Ordnance Survey Holcomb Nap trig pillar.  This is the 373rd trig I have bagged.

    The trees to the north of the trig block out any view in that direction, but to the south it is open and there are far reaching vistas.

    From the trig I retrace my steps to the junction of paths, this time going through the gate to follow the waymarked route through sheep pasture.

    After going through another pasture field I reach a junction with the Wychavon Way trail.  Here I turn left to follow the Wychavon Way downhill.

    The Wychavon Way is a 40-mile route through the Worcestershire countryside between Droitwich Spa and Broadway.  The symbol on the waymarkers signifies Bredon Hill above the River Avon.

    This well-walked footpath is easy to follow over a series of stiles heading downhill towards Ashton under Hill.  It is always welcome when stiles have a dog gate. It makes life a lot easier if I don’t have to lift a 26 kilo Crosby over every stile.  

    Nearing the village I keep with the Wychavon Way waymarkers bringing me to field above St Barbara’s church.  The drizzle that has been with me since Holcomb Nap has finally ceased and visibility has improved.

    The path now leads through the churchyard of St Barbara’s church.  This church was built in the 12th century and apparently retains many interesting features.  Before we leave we are sure to pop in and have a look around.  The dedication to St Barbara is unusual, apparently there are very few other churches in the Country with such a dedication.  It is said that St Barbara lived before the 7th century and was the daughter of a pagan man who killed her for her Christian beliefs.  As he beheaded her a bolt of lightning struck him and he was also killed.

    From the church I pass the village cross and then retrace my route back to Rails End CL.  This little loop has covered just over three miles and has been a good introduction to the area.  Time now to plan a longer walk for tomorrow.

    You can view this  3 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File here.

    To follow this walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map – 190 – Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill

    6th May 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Mills on the River Avon

    Mills on the River Avon

    After yesterday’s exploits with flooded brooks Lynnie has decided that a wander into Pershore is more attractive than the proposition of venturing far today.  I have decided to walk from the caravan site again and plan to do a variation on a walk I did during our last stay at Goodleigh Hill CL.

    Leaving by the pedestrian access I walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill and continue until I reach a road junction where I turn left and follow the lane out of the village on the route of Shakespeare’s Avon Way.  

    Soon the lane turns into a farm track and the route continues between fields with the snow still covering the top of Bredon Hill in front of me.

    After passing junctions with two other paths the map shows the footpath going diagonally across a field, however, clearly a route around the edge of the field is well walked so rather than damage crops I follow the field margin to reach a footbridge over a stream.

    The path now goes to the right and then left around the edge of a recently ploughed field and then turns to the right to walk a grassy path besides the site of a former golf course currently being turned into a mobile home park.

    After going through a kissing gate the path descends to the River Avon where I turn left to head along a broad grassy path beside the river. The river level is still very high, but hopefully there will be no more rain today. 

    After going through another gate the footpath turns away from the river and heads up a lane towards Great Comberton.  At a junction with a road I turn left and walk along the pavement to pass the village War Memorial.

    I ignore a road on the left which leads back to Pershore and continue a few hundred yards to where the road bends sharp to the left, here I go through a gate in front of me and follow a path across fields towards Little Comberton.

    As I near the village I cross an old ridge and furrow field which is being grazed by sheep.  Ridge and furrow fields are a consequence of ploughing with non-reversible ploughs on the same strip of land each year. They are found on land that was ploughed in the Middle Ages, but has not been ploughed since then.  It is always a treat to come across one on a walk.

    The footpath heads diagonally across the field and enters the village by a stile.  This leads to a path between properties and then reaches a road in the village where I turn right towards a crossroads where there is a village information area.  This logs the history of the village and serves as a reminder that communities had a whole range of services that no longer exist.  The list includes a dairy, bakery, laundry, forge, cheesemaker, post office, shops, petrol station as well as the village policeman and district nurse.  

    I continue my walk by turning into Manor Lane.

    After passing the church I turn left along the pavement and then take a footpath on the right leading into a field.  

    St Peter’s Church dates back to the 12th century and over the years there have been many additions to the original structure.  In 1871 the then rector Reverend William Parker paid for a clock to be installed in the tower which still chimes the hours.  In 1886 major restorations were undertaken to create the church as it now stands.

    I follow the well-used footpath alongside fields heading east toward Bricklehampton,.  Away to my right I get a glimpse of Bricklehampton Hall behind trees.  This is an interesting Italianate house built in 1848 which, has now been converted into a care home.

    Arriving in Bricklehampton I turn right along a road to reach St Michael’s church and take a footpath through the churchyard.  This Norman church was restored in 1875.  It has started to drizzle so I decide to press on rather than take a look inside.

    Apparently Bricklehampton lays claim to having the longest village name in England that does not repeat any letters.

    From the back of the churchyard the path heads east across a field and then alongside horse paddocks to reach a minor road.  At the road I turn left and head north to pass Lower Field Barn.  As the road bends sharp left at Lower End I take a bridleway on the right.

    I stay with this track until I reach a footpath on the left that follows a broad path between fields heading in the direction of Cropvale Farm.

    After crossing a bridge the path turns to the left and heads north towards Cropthorne and I soon pass a fine old barn.

    Staying with the waymarked route I continue through fields with a stream to my left.  This footpath leads to the B4084 which I cross and turn right and then almost immediately take a footpath on the left which goes besides Rowlings Nurseries.

    The path goes over a field and then crosses a footbridge and then at a junction of paths I continue north to enter Cropthorne where I turn right along the road and soon pass Holland House which is a Christian retreat.

    Further up the road I pass St Michael’s Church.  I have previously visited this church which has a number of interesting features, but today Crosby and I are both wet and muddy so I decide not to go in.

    From the church I turn left into Neigh Lane which is signposted to Fladbury.  I follow this road out of the village and then downhill to reach a junction where I turn left and cross the River Avon.

    On the far side of the bridge I join a permissive path on the right crossing meadows besides the river, heading to Fladbury Mill.  

    The flood waters in the meadow mean I have to take a circuitous route to reach a gate in the corner of the field close to the mill.

    The oldest part of Fladbury Mill dates to 1650 when Fladbury Lock  and weir was built to make the River Avon navigable.  In 1888 electric turbines were installed in the mill which used the power of the river to provide electricity to some houses in the village.  By 1900 two turbines were installed and these provided enough electricity for homes and street lighting.

    The mill is now in the ownership of the Society for Protected Buildings (SPAB) , it was donated to them in 2021 in a bequest from the then owner David Wynn.

    I turn right along the road and pass the mill and then take a brief diversion to look across the flooded river towards Cropthorne Mill.  This mill was built in the early 18th century and operated as a mill until the 1930’s.

    Continuing through the village I pass the Anchor pub and the Fladbury Pie Shop which is opposite the 1340 St John the Baptist church.

    I then pass the Social Club and almost immediately take a footpath on the left leading down Coach Drive.  This passes houses and then allotments and follows a concrete driveway heading towards Spring Hill Farm.  I’m on the Shakespeare’s Avon Way an eighty-eight mile long distance path following the river Avon from its source at Naseby to its confluence with the River Severn at Tewkesbury.

    As the path nears Spring Hill Farm I go to the right past farm buildings and then west to cross a minor road.  The waymarked route heads towards a static caravan park.  The path is clearly signed and passes caravans dotted around disused gravel pits.

    Staying with the waymarkers for Shakespeare’s Avon Way I continue on to skirt around a sewage works and then Lower End Farm, ignoring other footpaths, to reach Wyre Piddle.

    The path joins a road where I turn left and wander through the village passing the Anchor Inn to reach the village medieval cross.

    I go left at the cross and follow the lane past the small church of St Ann.

    The lane heads out of the village, going downhill past the entrance to Wyre Boatyard and then reaching Wyre Mill, this old corn mill dates from the early 1800’s and originally had three wheels.   It is now the base of Wyre Mill Club a social club for locals and visiting caravanners and boaters.

    After passing the mill and the entrance to a caravan and camping site the path continues on to follow a footpath across meadows heading towards Pershore.

    I have a number of options on reaching the edge of Pershore and choose to walk around past the entrance of Pershore Football Club and then wander through a car park besides Asda supermarket to join the High Street where I turn left and continue along the road through the town and then across the River Avon before turning right to return to Goodleigh Hill CL.

    You can view this  12.8 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File here.

    To follow this walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map – 190 – Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill

    11th March 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Bow Brook in Flood

    Bow Brook in Flood

    After the snow a couple of days ago we have had overnight rain, but today’s forecast is pretty good so hopefully the wet weather gear can stay in our rucksacks.  We have done a number of walks in the local area on previous trips to Goodleigh Hill CL, but so far have not explored much to the north of Pershore.  Today I have plotted a route visiting a couple of the local villages we have not visited.

    We leave the caravan site and follow the pavement towards Pershore.  Just after crossing the River Avon we turn left on a footpath and go down steps to enter a meadow.  It is noticeable how much higher the river is today compared to late yesterday afternoon.

    We have joined the route of the Millennium Way.  This 100-mile long distance path goes between Pershore and Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire and we follow this section beside the River Avon heading in a westerly direction.

    After passing a copse and crossing a bridge over a stream we ignore a footpath on the right, instead continuing by the river.

    At the next junction of paths by a footbridge over a stream, the Millennium Way turns to the right, we continue alongside the river on the route of the Pershore Bridges Walk, a five-mile circular walk around Pershore.

    After crossing a couple of footbridges the waymarked path turns to the right heading towards houses sat above the A4104.  Reaching the road we go through a kissing gate and turn left to walk on the wide roadside verge and then cross with care at a way-marker to head into Tiddesley Wood.

    We follow the Pershore Bridges Walk way-markers through the woods.  This area of woodland was once an enclosed deer park owned by the Abbots of Pershore Abbey. In the 1950’s the Forestry Commission took ownership and used it a as commercial woodland and planted coniferous trees.  Now in the ownership of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust they are clearing the remaining coniferous trees and replacing them with traditional deciduous woodland.

    The route is a clear track and easy to follow.  Reaching a crossing of way-marked footpaths we turn left leaving the route of the Pershore Bridges Walk and rejoining the Millennium Way which heads steadily downhill.

    At a crossing of footpaths I had intended to go straight on to cross Bow Brook.  However, the route looks flooded and on closer inspection there is no safe way of crossing.  

    A quick look at the map shows there is a relatively straightforward alternative route which will soon have us back on our intended path.  So we take a footpath over a stile and head north along the edge of the woodland.

    We stay with this path through an orchard of neglected plum trees and at a junction of footpaths on the northern edge of the woods we turn left over a stile and then continue north through another orchard towards a minor road.

    At the road we turn left crossing Besford Bridge and then almost immediately cross a stile on the left to follow a footpath heading uphill across fields.

    We stay with the path to reach another minor road which we cross to join a grassy track heading west.

    At the end of the track we continue straight on across a field and then at the hedge line reach a junction of paths and turn right rejoining the Millennium Way.  We now follow this clear path across fields towards a minor road.

    At the road we turn left, staying with the Millennium Way along the road for just under half a mile before turning right on a footpath to keep with the Millennium Way as it crosses fields.

    This path brings us to another minor road which we cross and take a footpath leading into Croome Perry Wood.  This is a well-used path along the edge of the woodland.

    The path leads to the edge of the village of Wadborough.  We continue straight on through the village passing the Masons Arms. A couple of hundred yards after the pub we take a footpath over a stile on the right.  

    There is a choice of paths, our route is the path keeping the hedge line close to our right.  After crossing another stile we continue past a horse’s paddock to reach yet another stile.  

    We now turn right along a minor road and then just before reaching houses on the left take a footpath going along the edge of a field behind the houses.  

    We are still on the route of the Millennium Way and keep with this path as it skirts around the edge of the field and then heads north towards Hawbridge.

    In Hawbridge we turn left along the road and pass a closed down restaurant and then take a footpath through an old metal kissing gate on the right.  The path heads across a field with chickens roaming free and then crosses a stile to go down steps to reach the B4084.  We cross the road with care and take a footpath opposite which leads into an area of shrub.  

    The path then crosses a field to reach trees, there are several paths here, we choose one that goes beside a stream.

    At a junction of paths near the north edge of the woods we turn right crossing the stream and then follow a well-worn muddy path along the edge of the woods.

    After going through a gate we go east along the edge of a field heading towards Windmill Farm.  The path goes on a track between farm buildings stabling horses to reach a lane where we continue straight on.

    At a junction with the B4084 we turn right and before reaching Thorndon Farm take a footpath on the left leading into a field.   We head east to reach a crossing of paths where we turn south towards Drakes Broughton.  

    After crossing a footbridge we are tempted to continue straight on along a well-worn route, however the map shows the footpath goes to the left besides a stream so we follow this route and then cross another stream to keep along the edge of a couple more fields to reach Drakes Broughton.

    In the village we turn right and soon pass the Old Oak pub.  Perhaps it’s just me, but the modern signage on an old pub does nothing to entice me through the door. 

    At a junction beside the church of St Barnabus we turn left into Walcot Lane. 

    We now head out of the village along the lane.  After passing the last house on the right we take a footpath through a kissing gate beside a barn to enter a field.

    After crossing a couple of fields we reach a lane and turn left soon passing Broughton Farm.  The lane starts to head downhill and at the entrance to Bow Brook Farm we turn into the driveway and take a footpath on the right which goes through a gate and heads east through sheep pasture. 

    After going through a gate our route should descend to cross Bow Brook at Gig Bridge.  However once again our route is blocked by the flooded brook.

    Luckily an alternative route is available, so we turn left and follow the flooded river northward.

    Just as I am feeling confident that this route is going to be fine we encounter a stretch where the river has flooded the path.  Fortunately there is a fence along the edge of the field which we are able to use to keep above the water line.

    The path then goes through another gate and heads uphill to reach a minor road at Walcot Farm.   We now turn right and follow the lane past the farm and continue to reach a ford across Bow Brook.  I am relieved to find there is a footbridge beside the ford which allows us a safe crossing.

    Nearing what should be the ford we see a van which has been caught in the flood water.  We assume the water has risen significantly since the van got stuck as it would have been foolhardy to try and go through water this deep.

    Later I read this ford is notorious for people getting stuck and needing to be rescued and in 2007 a County Court Judge lost his life whilst attempting to drive through the ford.

    Despite the potential hazards of this location it does look spectacular on a day like today.

    After crossing the brook we continue up the road to the edge of Pershore.  At a junction we turn right to head back into the centre of the town.  Our diversion to gain access across the river means we are just over a mile from where I had planned to enter the town, but at least we have kept our feet dry.

    Back at the caravan we reflect on what has been an interesting walk.  The planned route was just under twelve miles, but with all the diversions we have walked a couple of extra miles! 

    You can view this 13.6 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Maps: OS Explorer Map – 190 – Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill

    10th March 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • River Avon Loop via Nafford

    River Avon Loop via Nafford

    A good book has captured Lynnie’s attention so Crosby and I are venturing out on our own today.   It is an essential part of our packing to ensure the caravan contains a sufficient number of books to open a small library.  Both of us have a bit of a book habit and can’t be trusted to walk out of a charity shop without having acquired more reading material.  The idea of an undisturbed day to read is, therefore, ideal as far as Lynnie is concerned.

    I am walking from the site with a rough idea of a circuit but no clear route planned.  I refer to days like this as “jamming about”, I just go where the mood takes me.  As long as I’ve a flask of tea and some lunch there is no need for a strict route.

    Leaving the site by the pedestrian access I walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill and continue until I reach a road junction where I turn left and follow the lane out of the village on the route of the Shakespeare’s Avon Way.  

    Soon the lane turns into a farm track and the route continues between fields with the snow covered Bredon Hill in front of me.

    After passing junctions with two other paths the map shows the footpath going diagonally across a field, however it is clear the route around the edge of the field is well walked so rather than damage crops I follow the field margin to reach a footbridge over a stream.

    The path now goes to the right and then left around the edge of a recently ploughed field and then turns to the right to walk a grassy path besides the site of a former golf course currently being turned into a mobile home park.

    After going through a kissing gate the path descends to the River Avon where I turn left and head along a broad grassy path besides the river.

    After going through another gate the footpath turns away from the river and heads up a lane towards Great Comberton.  At a junction with a road I turn right to walk into the village and then fork right by a telephone box to continue through this attractive village.

    At a way-marker for a footpath to Nafford I turn right following the path to a wooden gate which I go through and continue downhill.

    I am still on the route of the Shakespeare’s Avon Way, this is an eighty-eight mile long distance trail following the River Avon from its source at Nasby in Northamptonshire to Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire.

    At the foot of the hill I go through another gate and then follow the path as it turns to the right and heads through a field of sheep pasture.

    After another gate into a field I get fine views over the River Avon.

    Keeping the fence line close to my left I continue through the field and then descend to reach a footbridge over a stream.  Over the bridge I cross a field to a gate and another field.  The path heads towards Nafford House and then after going through a kissing gate reaches a minor road.

    I keep straight on to pass Nafford House and then take a footpath on the right heading downhill to reach the River Avon at the sluice gates.

    Crossing the sluice gates I reach Nafford Lock which makes the River Avon navigable at this point.  According to the Avon Navigation Trust’s website it was back in 1636 when William Sandys of Fladbury came up with a plan to make the river navigable from Tewkesbury to Stratford.  In the 1830’s the Worcester and Birmingham Canal company leased the river, but like many canal companies suffered from increased competition from railways.

    By World War II the route was barely navigable but in 1950 restoration commenced and by 1962 the Lower Avon Navigation was reopened to Evesham and then in 1974 it reopened  all the way to Stratford.

    Crossing on a swing bridge I continue to the weir over the Avon.

    After crossing the weir I had intended to turn left and follow the footpath towards Birlingham, however, I spot a permissive path way-marker and follow this to the right heading towards the river.  The permissive path then enters a field beside the river.

    This path is not marked on the map so I am unsure where it will lead me. But then as luck would have it I meet a chap walking in the opposite direction who explains that the path follows the river for a few miles and then heads back to Birlingham via Woodfield Farm.  Comfortable in this knowledge I continue along the path.

    This is pleasant walking with nobody else about as I follow the frequent way-markers.

    The river is very tranquil and there are cracking views of it as the path heads north.

    After crossing a footbridge over a stream, with a plaque saying it’s “Baker’s Bridge” I decide to stop for lunch in a spinney which has a great outlook over the river.

    I am soon heading along the river on the opposite side of the bank from where I was walking earlier as I headed to Great Comberton.

    The land in this area is mainly used for growing vegetables and there are extensive irrigation systems which use water pumped from the river.  To facilitate the extraction of the water, pump houses sit close to the river.

    I stay with the river until reaching a fence into a field, here the permissive path goes left towards Woodfield Farm which has a number of static caravans, presumably used by agricultural workers.

    After passing the farm I reach a road where I turn right and walk along it heading west.  I ignore a minor road on the left and carry on to a T-junction turning right and then almost immediately take a footpath on the left, initially through trees, to reach an open area and then continue through a field.

    The path joins a driveway passing properties and then continues along a track.

    Near the end of the track I take a footpath on the right way-marked to Upper End.

    This path leads along the hedge line of a field to reach a minor road where I cross and continue on the hedge-lined footpath besides a property.  At a kissing gate the path enters an old orchard, Rough Hill Orchard, and turns left with good views across to the River Avon.

    Rough Hill Orchard is owned by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and contains 30 old apple trees, 65 young apple trees and 25 plum trees.  Apparently on this site nineteen nationally scarce species insects have been recorded.

    Initiatives like this are great for the environment and educating people on the importance of maintaining habitats for flora and fauna.

    The path leads to an information board beside a gate.  Here I leave the orchard and cross the busy A4104 with care and follow a path into Tiddesley Wood.  

    This area of woodland was once an enclosed deer park owned by the Abbots of Pershore Abbey. In the 1950’s the Forestry Commission took ownership and planted coniferous trees making it a commercial woodland.  Now in the ownership of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust they are in the process of clearing the remaining coniferous trees and replacing them with traditional deciduous woodland.

    The path leads through the trees to reach a track where I turn right and head down to reach the A4104 again.  I cross and take a way-marked footpath on the far side turning left to walk along the grassy verge to reach a kissing gate leading into a field where I head towards the River Avon.

    At the river I turn left and follow a path beside it heading back towards Pershore.

    It has started to rain, but luckily I don’t have far to go.  After walking besides fields the path goes along the edge of a copse and then reaches open land.  I keep by the river and climb steps at the end of Pershore Bridge to the road where I turn right across the bridge.

    At a road junction I turn right and walk the short distance back to the pedestrian entrance to the caravan site.  

    You can view this  9.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map – 190 – Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill

    9th March 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Bredon Hill in the Snow

    Bredon Hill in the Snow

    When we arrived at Goodleigh Hill CL yesterday it was a cracking afternoon, but overnight the weather has changed and the predicted cold wintery spell has arrived.  I had planned for us to walk on the Malvern Hills today, however the fall of snow in the early hours has put Lynnie off.  So instead we are going to walk from the caravan and head onto Bredon Hill.  

    We walked to the top of Bredon Hill on our first stay at this site, but today’s route to and from the summit will bit different.  Leaving the site by the pedestrian access we walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill.  As the road levels we take a footpath on the right beside a post box.  The path follows a driveway and then goes through a gate to enter a field.

    This is the route of the Wychavon Way, a forty mile long distance route between Droitwich Spa and Broadway.  We go through the field with the hedge to our right to reach a kissing gate. We now follow a clear path across fields heading towards Home Farm in Pensham.  

    The path leads to a minor road where we turn left and walk through the village.   At a junction of roads we continue straight on.

    At the end of the lane we turn left, still on the route of the Wychavon Way and follow the farm track which passes glasshouses at Sandilands. After passing a barn which is being converted into a home we reach a junction of paths.  Here we turn right still on the route of the Wychavon Way.  The map shows the footpath going diagonally across a field but there is a permissive path around the field edge which we choose instead.  When possible I prefer to take a route that avoids damaging crops.

    The permitted path turns left at the corner of the field and soon rejoins the main footpath continuing along the edge of the field.  We reach a point where the footpath goes through bushes, when we walked this path last year the path was overgrown and impassable, so I continue along the edge of the field towards glass houses and then turn right to follow a track downhill to rejoin the main footpath which goes over a footbridge into a field.

    Over the bridge we turn to the right and the path soon turns besides the River Avon and we continue along with the river on our right.

    Through a gate we keep going along a broad grassy path besides the river.

    After going through another gate the footpath turns away from the river and heads up a lane towards Great Comberton.  At a junction with a road we turn right to walk into the village and then fork right by a telephone box to continue through this attractive village.

    At a way-marker for a footpath to Nafford we turn right following the path to a wooden gate which we go through and continue downhill.

    We are now on the route of the Shakespeare’s Avon Way, this is an eighty-eight mile long distance trail following the River Avon from its source at Nasby in Northamptonshire to Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire.

    At the foot of the hill we go through another gate and then follow the path as it turns to the right and heads through a field of sheep pasture.

    After another gate into a field we get fine views over the River Avon.

    Keeping the fence line close to our left we continue through the field and then descend to reach a footbridge over a stream.  Over the bridge we cross a field to a gate and another field.  The path heads towards Nafford House and then after going through a kissing gate reaches a minor road.

    We turn left along the road to reach a junction where we turn left and then within fifty metres take a minor road on the right, Woollas Hill, going towards Woollas Hall.  After passing Woollas Hall Farm we reach a gate by a cattle grid, here the footpath continues on the tarmac drive still heading towards Woollas Hall.

    At a crossing of paths we leave the tarmac driveway going over a stile and continuing uphill on a grass path.  We have now rejoined the Wychavon Way and it has started to snow.

    We reach a gate besides a cattle grid and continue along a track until we reach a junction, here the footpath goes to the right into a field and the route is well waymarked as it ascends the hill.

    After going through a gate the track heads uphill towards trees.

    We go through another gate and quickly reach a junction of paths where we turn left and follow a broad path in the shelter of trees.

    Leaving the trees we are exposed to the full force of the wind and snow.  It is suddenly a bit bleak and the visibility is significantly reduced.  We go through a gate and continue to Parsons’ Tower.  

    The tower was built in the mid 18th century for John Parsons, he was the local MP and squire at nearby Kemerton Court, apparently he intended to use it as a summer house so he could enjoy the views over the surrounding countryside.  

    The tower sits on the edge of an Iron Age hillfort known as Kemerton Camp, we are unable to see any of the fort because of the poor visibility.

    Our route continues in a north easterly direction to reach a toposcope, I recall from our last visit enjoying some good views, however we can’t even see Parsons’ Tower from here.

    From the toposcope we continue in a north easterly direction to reach a stone wall and then continue on the Wychavon Way with the wall to our left.  

    After passing through a gate we continue along to reach a junction of paths where we fork left staying with the Wychavon Way as it descends to a crossing of paths at which point we turn left to follow a path heading north downhill towards the edge of Doctor’s Wood.

    The path leads to a pasture field which we cross to reach Comberton Wood.

    In the woods the route descends steeply on a path, which has been well used by horses, and then reaches a track where we go right.  Soon the track leaves the trees and heads downhill between fields.

    We stay with the track at a crossing of paths and then at the next junction of paths turn left on a bridleway with a well-hidden fingerpost pointing towards Great Comberton.

    We keep with the bridleway to Great Comberton, it is easy to follow, passing through a couple of fields to join a track into the village.

    In the village we turn right at a junction and reach the telephone box and then go right before taking the left into Quay Lane leading us back towards the  River Avon at Comberton Quay.

    We are now on the route we covered earlier in the walk and turn right to walk along the grassy area besides the river.  This time at a junction of paths we turn right to walk beside the site of a former golf course which is being turned into a mobile home park.

    We go through a kissing gate and follow the grassy path besides the fence line and then reach a recently ploughed field.  The path is waymarked and continues on the muddy margin with the field edge on our left to reach a footbridge over a stream.

    After the bridge the map shows the footpath crossing a field, but it is clear from the worn route that locals use the field margin, so we turn right and then at a hedge line turn left and continue uphill to reach a track.

    Staying with this track, which is the route of Shakespeare’s Avon Way we head back to Pensham Hill.  At a road junction we turn right and continue along to reach the pedestrian entrance to Goodleigh Hill CL.

    Our walk has covered just over eleven miles and despite the wintery conditions and poor visibility on Bredon Hill it has been a very enjoyable bit of out.

    You can view this 11.3 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow our walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map – 190 – Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill

    8th March 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Back at Goodleigh Hill CL 

    Back at Goodleigh Hill CL 

    For various reasons I have delayed making plans for our caravan travel this year which makes me feel a bit twitchy.  I like to have things in the diary and know where we are going to travel during the year.  I find making last minute bookings stressful and there is invariably limited availability on the more popular CL’s.  Since the growth of CL Bookings, an initiative set up by a group of CL owners booking is a bit easier and increasingly it is my first point of reference when looking for a site.

    A few years ago we had an unfortunate incident on a CL in early April.  There had been heavy rain and whilst trying to pitch we got stuck in soft ground.  After plenty of chastisement from the CL owner we were pulled out by tractor.  Ever since when booking trips at this time of the year we ensure there is hard standing available.  

    Goodleigh Hill CL near Pershore is, therefore, perfect for a winter trip.  Easy access, fully serviced hard standing pitches and some great walking locally.  So I was pleased to find Emily and Matthew, the site owners, had availability at short notice.  We have been here a couple of time before so it did not take long to get set up and then lace up the boots for a quick walk.

    Leaving the site by the pedestrian access Lynnie and I walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill.  As the road levels out we take a footpath on the right beside a post box.  The path follows a driveway and then goes through a gate to enter a field.

    This is the route of the Wychavon Way, a forty mile long distance route between Droitwich Spa and Broadway.  We go through the field with the hedge to our right to reach a kissing gate.  To our left there is a fine view of Bredon Hill.  We walked up there on a previous visit and another jaunt up the hill is on my list of walks for this week.

    We now follow a clear path across fields heading towards Home Farm in Pensham.  The path leads to a minor road where we turn left and walk through the village.   At a junction of roads we continue straight on.

    At the end of the lane we turn left, still on the route of the Wychavon Way and follow the farm track which passes glasshouses  at Sandilands.

    After passing a barn which is being converted into a home we reach a junction of paths.  Here we continue straight on, leaving the Wychavon Way, and head towards Pensham Fields Farm.

    The agriculture in this area is mainly vegetables and besides the path there are a number of irrigation taps used with the network of pipes to water the fields.  

    The track leads through properties to reach barns in the farmyard.  There are no way-markers but the OS map clearly shows that we turn left after the first barn and then go between barns.  It always surprises me that farmers don’t erect clear signage when they have footpaths leading through farmyards. 

    Leaving the barns the track sweeps to the left and then to the right and continues between fields towards trees in the distance.  

    At the trees we turn left on a track which soon turns into a road heading towards Pensham Hill.

    In Pensham Hill we turn right and follow the road through the village until we reach the path back into Goodleigh Hill CL.  This little stroll has covered  three miles and has given us a chance to stretch the legs after our car journey.  The forecast for tomorrow shows snow so I may have to adjust my plans for walking on the Malvern Hills.

    You can view this 3 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow our walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map – 190 – Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill

    7th March 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • A Chance Encounter on Brendon Common 

    A Chance Encounter on Brendon Common 

    My short trip to Minehead is almost over, I head home tomorrow so today is my last chance to get out on Exmoor for a while.  It is another bright morning when I take Crosby out for his early morning walk and the forecast is set fair so ideal for a walk on the moor.

    I have decided to head west along the A39 towards Lynmouth to start my walk at the County Gate car park.  I have a rough idea of a route in mind, but plan to just wander where the mood takes me rather than sticking religiously to a pre-planned route.  I refer to days like this as jamming about and it is my favourite way of walking.

    It is the first time I have used the County Gate car park.  It sits beside the A39 so is very easy to locate and it has a number of paths leading from it so is a great spot for walkers.  I start my walk by going through a gate and taking the path that heads south towards Malmsmead.

    Initially the path goes along the top of the hill offering fine views to the west as I look down towards Brendon.

    This is open access land but the steep sides of the valley mean that access would be pretty limited. The path soon starts its sharp descent towards Malmsmead.

    At a junction of paths I turn right towards Oare Water and then cross the river on a footbridge.

    After crossing the river I follow the footpath up to the minor road where I turn right and wander back down into Malmsmead and the 17th century Malmsmead Bridge that crosses Badgworthy Water.

    After crossing the bridge I pass the shop and cafe, which is currently closed whilst being refurbished and then turn left along the minor road signposted to Fellingscott, Slocombeslade and Tippacott.  As the road sweeps to the right I follow a footpath sign through a gate to join a track signposted to Badgworthy Valley.

    After crossing a ford the path goes through a series of gates and then becomes a sunken track beside pasture fields.  Since I was last here a fence has been erected along the edge of the field so it is now possible to walk along the track without encountering cattle.

    The track leads to a gate which I go through and continue along the side of the river.

    I have walked along this path a number of times and it always surprises me how quiet it is.  I expect in the holiday season it is packed, but today I appear to be the only person out.

    Continuing along the path I reach a plaque to Richard Doddridge Blackmore the author of Lorna Doone.  This book, first published in 1869, was one of Lynnie’s mother’s favourite books. The story was set in this valley in the 17th century and tells the tale of the love between John Ridd and Lorna Doone and culminates with the villainous Carver Doone sinking into a bog.

    The path now follows the river through Badgworthy Wood.

    The sun is out and in the shelter of the combe it is pleasantly warm and perfect conditions for walking.

    At a junction of paths I decide to stop and appreciate the tranquility.  I can hear nothing but birdsong and it is a wonderful spot to just sit and enjoy the pleasure of being out on such a cracking day.

    Resuming my walk I follow a path going west towards Badgworthy Lees and walk through the site of a medieval village.

    It is here that the Doone’s were said to have lived.  Whilst Blackmore’s story is fiction it is based on historical characters.  An exiled Scottish clan, the Doones, were known to live on this part of Exmoor in the 1600’s.

    The route now heads up onto the moor.  This is a clear path that crosses a ford at Badgworthy Lees.

    On the horizon I see sheep running about and a figure walking along the fence line.  The path takes me towards a gate and as I get closer I recognise the dog running to me as Jack, known on social media as Exmoor Jack.  His owner Sarah spotted me coming over the moor and has stopped to greet me.

    Sarah and I have followed each other on social media for a number of years and back in October 2020 met over a cup of tea at Periwinkle Cottage Tea Rooms in Selworthy.  

    Today’s meeting is a chance encounter, it is just by luck we both happened to be walking in this part of Exmoor at the same time.  Seeing me in the distance Sarah zoomed in with her camera and recognised Crosby so decided to wait for us.

    We now walk together on the track heading west over Brendon Common.

    Although Sarah and I have only met face to face once before we know a lot about each other’s activities through social media.  Walking along it is like chatting to an old friend.  

    Just before we start to descend to Lankcombe Ford our ways part.  But first we stop and chat in the sunshine in the middle of the moor.  Sarah’s knowledge of the moor is extensive and when I tell her where I am heading she suggests a slight change which will take me on a path I have not previously walked.

    We agree that the next time I am in these parts we should arrange to get out for a few hours walking together.  Social media gets a lot of bad press, but I have to say the handful of people I have met through it have all been really nice.

    Heading off again I descend to cross a steam a Lankcombe Ford and then take a track to the left  heading uphill to join a broad track leading across the moor. 

    At a fork in the track I go to the right and follow a narrower path through the heather to reach Dry Bridge where I take an uphill path in a northerly direction.

    This path leads me to Shilstone Hill Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  I have bagged this trig a number of times, but Crosby still grabs the opportunity to have his picture taken.

    At this point I had intended to go left towards Farley Water Farm.  However Sarah has suggested I take the path to the north which leads to Shilstone and then down to Rockford.  It is not a route I have walked so I follow Sarah’s advice and follow the path descending towards Shilstone.

    The final section is a steep descent into Shilstone.

    At the bottom of the valley I ford a stream and then follow the way-markers through the collection of homes in this small hamlet.  After the cottage on the left I leave the farm driveway and take a footpath on the left into a field.

    After passing a fence line the path descends to a stile.  It is relatively low on the field side but it is a big drop down the far side.  I encourage Crosby to wait but he jumps over and is surprised by how far he has leapt down.

    I have now joined a road, Gratton Lane, I go left and descend to cross a stream and then take a path on the right to Rockford.  This path soon descends steeply besides a stream.

    It has been a pretty dry week so there is not a lot of water flowing down through the rocks.  I imagine after a prolonged period of rain it would be spectacular walking down this path with waterfalls to the side.

    I pass a water mill, searching on the internet later I could find no history of this mill which is surprising because things like this are usually recorded.

    On reaching a road I turn left to follow it towards Rockford.  Just as I enter the village I take a footpath on the right which crosses the East Lyn River at Rockford Bridge.

    On the opposite bank I turn right on a footpath forming part of the Coleridge Way.  This fifty-one mile trail goes from Nether Stowey to Lynmouth.

    After climbing above the river the route descends to join an ancient track.

    The track leads down to a cobbled path beside the river.  When the water level is low this is not an issue, but after a period of heavy rain I imagine it might be a bit tricky keeping your feet dry.

    The footpath soon goes by Countisbury Mill; this old watermill has been restored for bed and breakfast accommodation.  The driveway leads to a minor road soon passing an old packhorse bridge and continuing on the road bridge over the river.  I don’t cross the bridge but instead keep with the Coleridge Way on the road towards Porlock.

    The road climbs gradually passing Hall Farm and then I take a footpath on the right leading steeply uphill.

    I have walked along this path a few times and on each occasion it has been a cracking day.  

    As I stroll along admiring the view I realise I have now walked close to nine miles and I haven’t seen another person apart from Sarah in the middle of the moor.  

    Nearing Ashton Farm I go through gates and over a footbridge and then at a fork in the path I leave the Coleridge Way to follow a path going uphill by the fence line.

    This path leads me close to the A39, but just before reaching the road I turn right on a bridleway heading back towards County Gate.  From here there are great views across to South Wales and also back over much of the route I have walked.  The bridleway takes me back to my starting point in the County Gate car park.

    This has been a wonderful walk to round off a cracking few days.  Now it’s time to head back and start my preparations for my return home tomorrow.  

    You can view this 10.7 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    9th February 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Barrows and Combes On Dunkery Hill

    Barrows and Combes On Dunkery Hill

    After a couple of days walking from the caravan site I have decided it is time to get in the car to venture to a slightly different area.  Today I plan to walk up to Dunkery Beacon, a hill I have walked many times.  However, today I am going to ascend it on a path I have never walked.

    The starting place for my walk is the National Trust car park in Horner (Grid Ref SS898455).  I leave the car park by the path besides the pay and display machine and then join a minor road where I turn left soon passing Horner Mill, built around 1839.  After passing the mill I take a footpath on the right which goes through tall deer gates.

    This path follows a wide track uphill through Horner Plantation.  I am on the route of the Coleridge Way, this long distance trail covers the fifty miles from Nether Stowey, on the east side of the Quantocks, to Lynmouth linking locations associated with the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.  

    At a junction of paths I turn right in the direction of Webber’s Post following the Coleridge Way markers, annotated with a writing quill. 

    Ignoring paths to the right and left I gradually ascend Horner Hill keeping with the route of the Coleridge Way.  It is a cracking day and I soon get good views of Ley Hill on the opposite side of the combe.

    This area is part of the Holnicote Estate, the Acland family seat for the best part of 300 years before Sir Richard Dyke Acland, 15th Baronet, donated both this and the Killerton Estate to the National Trust.  The land covered 16,000 acres and was the largest donation received by the National Trust.

    On top of Horner Hill there is a weather hut, thought to have been originally built by the Acland’s to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, it became known as the Jubilee Hut.  During World War II it was used as a look out post, but then fell into disrepair and collapsed in the winter of 1946.  The National Trust have rebuilt it following the original design, facing four directions it always provides shelter from wind and rain.

    I now continue along the Coleridge Way to reach Webber’s Post car park.  Here the route goes in a south easterly direction to cross a minor road and then after going through a thicket reaches another minor road which I cross and go into another parking area. This is a bit of a sun trap and the Exmoor ponies appear to have chosen the spot for some winter warmth.

    From the car park I follow the Coleridge Way as it goes uphill still heading south east.

    At a junction of paths I turn left on the Coleridge Way heading towards Wooton Courtney.  I have passed a couple of warning signs indicating there is gorse clearing work going on in the area.  In front of me I can see smoke rising from the controlled fires.

    The path goes close to the area being burnt, but the chaps supervising the fires make sure I can pass safely.  One of them has a chat with me about the methods by which gorse is controlled in this area of the moor.  It needs to be kept back otherwise it would smother everything and apparently an added bonus of fires is it regenerates the growth of heather.

    The challenge for these chaps is knowing which way the wind will take the fire, apparently it has changed direction three times in the last forty minutes.  Currently it is blowing from the east so as I continue along the path I know the smoke is blowing in the opposite direction.

    Nearing woodland I take a path on the right and follow the contour line heading south.  I soon reach the route of the Macmillan Way West.  A right turn here would take me up towards Dunkery Beacon, but instead I turn left and descend a few yards to reach a path on the right.  I have now rejoined the Coleridge Way and head steadily uphill.

    There are a couple of paths leading off the route but I stay with the Coleridge Way and skirt round a field and then start going downhill.

    I know if Lynnie was walking with me she would now be questioning the route and demanding why if we are walking up Dunkery Hill we are going downhill.  Of course the answer to the question is to see where the path leads.  

    This path leads into Hanny Combe and it is a stunning spot.

    I cross a stream and then it is a short steep ascent to reach a junction of paths.  I go to the right to follow the Coleridge Way towards Spangate.

    It is now a steady ascent towards Spangate with some stunning views behind me.

    At a junction of paths at Spangate I leave the Coleridge Way and turn right to head uphill on a broad track which has intermittent boulders along it.

    This is the first time I have approached Dunkery Beacon on this path.  It is a long steady ascent to reach a minor road.  After crossing I join a narrow path which heads west through the heather.  In the distance on the horizon I can see Dunkery Beacon.

    At a junction with a broader path I turn left and follow this route to reach the hill summit.  This is the highest point on Exmoor and also the highest spot in Somerset.  It stands at 1,705 feet and there is no protection from the elements so the wind is always blowing up here.  Today there is a slight breeze but I have been up here when it is difficult to stay on your feet.

    As I stand admiring the view I am approached by a lady who is interested in to know where I have walked from.  She is bewildered by the distance I have walked so far and how much further I am going to travel.  She has walked up from the road and says that was plenty enough for her.  We then spend ten minutes talking about the spots we can see.  She lives relatively nearby in Tiverton, but has never been up here before.

    I have a choice of routes here, but decide to extend my walk by following a clear track heading west towards Little Rowbarrow.

    The track passes by the ancient burial mound of Little Rowbarrow,  On top of the barrow is a cairn which in poor weather would be a welcome site on this section of moor.

    Soon I reach a junction of tracks where I turn right and pass Great Rowbarrow, this burial mound in more prominent and distinctive by the number of stones covering it.

    The track now goes north west and soon starts to descend with Wilmersham Common in the distance.

    At the road I turn right and follow this single track lane through Stoke Pero Common.

    On reaching a small parking area I turn right on a track which follows the fence and tree line downhill into Bagley Combe.

    The track leads down to a ford in Bagley Combe and then rises again and heads east towards Sweetworthy Combe.

    At a fork in the track I go left  and continue straight on at a junction of paths following a route which is shown on the map as Dicky’s Path.  This soon heads through the attractive Aller Combe.

    Now there is an open stretch of moorland before reaching trees to go through Hollow Combe after which the path heads north towards Easter Hill.

    I ignore routes leading off this path and keep going north until I reach the car park at Webber’s Post.   I now retrace my steps along the Coleridge Way until I reach the Memorial Hut where I take a path on the left descending steeply through Horner Side.

    The route zig-zags its way down the hill, I ignore paths from it to reach a footbridge over Horner Water.

    After crossing the footbridge I turn right and follow a wide track with the attractive Horner Water flowing to my right.

    I stay with this path heading towards Horner. After crossing a stone bridge I turn left along the road and walk through the hamlet to reach the entrance to the car park.

    My walk has covered almost 13 miles.  The sun shone for most of the day and it has felt more like a spring day than early February.  I have been very lucky with the weather this week.  Let’s hope it lasts into tomorrow because that will be my last chance to be out on the moor for a while.

    You can view this 12.6 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    8th February 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Dunster and Bat’s Castle

    Dunster and Bat’s Castle

    After a cracking day’s walking yesterday I sat down with the map to plan my route for today.  On recent visits to this site I have squeezed in a walk to include a stop at Dunster for a Cornish Pasty.  I don’t usually buy pasties or pies whilst out walking, but the Lunchbox cafe close to the Dunster Exmoor National Park Centre serves great pasties.

    There are numerous ways to walk to Dunster from the site and I have done many but I tried to find a new route.  Eventually I spotted a couple of paths I couldn’t recall walking and I now have the route roughly sorted.  I say roughly sorted because I rarely keep to a set route.  If I see something interesting, or if the mood takes me, I deviate from a plotted circuit.

    Today’s route is not the most direct to Dunster, but adding a couple of miles is no problem especially if it means exploring a new path in Dunster Woods.  So on leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement besides the A39, Hopcott Road.  At the Hopcott I turn left to follow the narrow tarmac lane as it heads steadily uphill passing Higher Hopcott and reaching woodland.

    I ignore footpaths leading off from the road until I reach an information board for Dunster Woods.  Now I take the path to the left of the information board and keep straight on to pass another parking area.  The path sweeps to the left and starts to descend into Long Combe.

    I have walked around the top of Long Combe but never followed the path leading steadily down into the combe.  It is a cracking spot to walk.  Early in the descent I ignore two paths to the left.  It is another cracking day and the sun is shining through the trees as I head towards a junction of paths.

    At the junction I turn right to descend steeply towards the stream running through the combe.  The path joins another running through the bottom of the combe and I turn left and then after a couple of hundred yards take a footpath on the right going uphill and passing the entrance to the Youth Hostel.  Very quickly I reach a way-marker showing the route of a bridleway to Alcombe Common.  I take this path into woodland.

    The path leads through the trees and shrub to pass the grounds of the Youth Hostel and then reaches a junction of paths where I follow the way-marked route towards Dunster.

    This clear path was apparently the medieval route between Dunster and Alcombe, it goes in a south easterly direction and crosses a couple of other paths to reach a third crossing of paths.  Here I go left on a path through a gate heading towards Dunster.  I like walking tracks that have been used for centuries, it is amazing to imagine the people that have trodden this path in earlier times and the lives they led.

    The path follows the fence line of a field.  As I look back towards Minehead I can see mist rolling in from the sea.

    After going through another gate the path descends through woodland to join a track which soon passes St Leonard’s Well. This medieval Holy Well is now housed in a 16th century well house.   It is thought to have supplied water to a Benedictine priory that was located a bit further down this lane and was dissolved in 1539.

    I now follow this lane downhill towards Dunster with views of the Quantock Hills in the distance.

    On reaching a junction with a minor road I turn left and then within a few yards turn right at the Butter Cross.  This trading post dates from the late 14th century and once stood in the High Street in Dunster.  It was the centre for a market that traded local produce.  It was originally taller and although the exact date of moving to this site is not known it is thought to have been in the late 1700’s or early 1800’s. 

    I follow the path, passing a community orchard.  These local community initiatives are great ideas, not only growing produce, but also providing a community hub, thereby, tackling the issues related to social isolation.

    At a minor road I continue straight on and follow this lane into Dunster arriving in the centre of the village close to the Yarn Market.  My route is to the right, but I turn left and walk the short distance to pick up a pasty at the Lunchbox Cafe by the Exmoor Visitors Centre.  In recent years this has been a regular stop on our walks through Dunster and Crosby makes it abundantly clear that he fully intends sharing my pasty!

    We now head through the village to pass the octagonal Yarn Market Cross. This was originally built around 1609 by the Lutterall family, who were major landowners in the area, including Dunster Castle.  As the name suggests the Yarn Market was predominantly used for trading cloth and wool. At the time Dunster was a major centre in the wool trade.

    Keeping by the road I continue through the village to pass St George’s Church and reach The Foresters Arms where I turn left into Park Street and follow this lane to reach the Gallox Bridge.  This grade 1 listed medieval packhorse bridge crosses the River Avill, at one time this was the main route into Dunster from the south. Its name derived from its proximity to the village gallows, which stood on nearby Gallox Hill.

    After crossing the bridge I follow a path which heads steadily uphill in a south westerly direction.  At a fork in the path I keep left, the path keeps going uphill now in a more southerly direction to reach a gate which I go through and follow a track up to Gallox Hill.

    After going over the hill the path descends to a junction of tracks, here I go straight on to ascend the hill to the Iron Age Hillfort of Bat’s Castle.  The ramparts of this hill fort are well preserved.

    I am now on the route of the Macmillan Way West and I follow this over the hill towards Withycombe Hill Gate.

    On reaching the tall deer proof gate I turn left to join a track, Park Lane, lined with beech trees.

    As I descend towards Carhampton along Park Lane I am walking into the mist and the temperature drops significantly.

    I stay with the lane as it bends to the right to head into the village of Carhampton where I turn left down the High Street to reach the A39. Here I turn right and cross the road at the traffic lights and then opposite the Butchers Arms I take a track on the left which passes the church.

    Continuing down the lane I turn right at a footpath sign to walk along a field edge path. 

    I stay on the footpath across a stream.  On the far side of the stream I cross fields towards the West Somerset Railway line.

    I ago over a stile and then cross the railway line heeding the sign to “Stop, Look and Listen”.

    On the far side of railway I join the coast path and turn left.  This path soon becomes tarmac as it heads towards Dunster Beach.

    After going through a large car parking area at Dunster Beach I keep on the coast path passing chalets.

    This route is part of the West Somerset Coast Path, a twenty-five mile route from Steart to Minehead.

    After passing the chalets the path continues with Minehead Golf Course to the left and the beach to the right.  Once again the tide is out and there is a huge expanse of sand.

    The path is easy to follow going beside the golf course to reach the car park next to the club house.

    I now join the promenade and walk into Minehead.  The earlier mist has cleared and there are stunning cloud formations.

    From here I wander through the residential streets of Minehead to return to the caravan site.  

    You can view this 12.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    7th February 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.