Two Dogs and an Awning

Author: Fred

  • Winter Sun on North Hill

    Winter Sun on North Hill

    A regular walk of mine when in Minehead is a circuit visiting Selworthy and North Hill.  The beauty of walking around here is there are so many routes to choose from.  So today’s jaunt is another variation of this cracking walk. 

    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 right of the information board on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading uphill. 

    I ignore a path on the right soon after leaving the car park and then where the Macmillan Way meets a crossing of tracks I continue straight on, staying on the route of the long distance path.  The path now goes around the head of Long Combe, this is a cracking spot with stunning Beech trees lining the path.

    Leaving the trees the path continues through a section of open land with dead bracken and gorse.  On reaching a junction of tracks I turn right still on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading towards Tivington across the top of Hopcott Common.  At a fork in the track I go left to keep with the Macmillan Way West. 

    I continue to head west to reach another crossing of paths.  Here the Macmillan Way turns left towards Wootton Courtney, however, I keep going straight ahead soon passing the Ordnance Survey trig point tucked to the left of the track on a high bank. At the next crossing of footpaths I continue straight on.

    At the next junction of paths I follow the way-marker towards Headon Cross and soon pass a National Trust plaque and enter Holnicote Estate. Within a short distance the track forks and I go right continuing towards Headon Cross with the path leading through the attractive woodland of Tivington Common.

    The last time I walked through these woods was on a cracking day in December.  I must be extremely lucky because once again the sun is shining and it is one of those days when it great to be outside.

    The path I am on initially descends gradually, but as I near Headon Cross there is a short steep descent to reach a minor road.  Turning right on the road I reach Headon Cross and go straight over to take another minor road opposite.  This climbs steadily, as the road sweeps to the right I continue straight on along a track towards East Lynch.

    Approaching East Lynch farm I take a footpath on the right that runs behind a fine old barn.  I stay on the wide grassy track as it passes farm cottages, ignoring a footpath on the left and continuing uphill.

    I reach a minor road at Dean’s Cross and turn left following the road downhill towards Selworthy.

    In Selworthy I stop on one of the many benches in the churchyard and admire the view whilst I have my lunch. Resuming my walk I turn right beside the Way Memorial.  The path heads uphill through a gate to enter the woodland of Selworthy Combe.

    Soon I reach a junction of paths where I turn left and take a path waymarked to Holnicote Combe and Hurlestone.

    This is the first time I have walked along this path following the counter line around the hill.  I am not sure if it is because of the blue skies and sunshine, but it is a grand path to walk along.

    At a junction of paths in Holnicote Combe I continue straight on to still follow the way-markers towards Hurlestone. This path passes Allerford Combe and a wooden shelter.

    At the next junction of paths I veer to the right on a route heading steadily uphill through Allerford Plantation.

    This long steady ascent is one of those where it is easy to stop and take a breather, but I am conscious I have had a few weeks without any strenuous hill walking so I push on without stopping to reach a gate leading to open access land.  Here I go through and continue uphill on the path towards Selworthy Beacon.

    This broad grassy path leads to a car park and viewpoint.  As I skirt the car park a walker lacing her boots enquires about my route.  We spend the next ten minutes sharing tales of walking routes in the local area.  Chance encounters like this add pleasure to a day’s walking.

    My route now follows a broad path heading away from the car park in a northerly direction.

    I  soon have a cracking view across Bossington Beach towards Porlock.  My list of walks this week includes a route around there, but currently I have more walks planned than days available.

    On reaching a junction of paths I turn right to join the route of the South West Coast Path . This is the inland section of this route, the more rugged path goes closer to the coast line.

    At a junction of paths I veer left to stay with the South west Coast Path, leaving the path towards Selworthy Beacon.

    I now stay with this path going easterly towards Minehead.  It is a few years since I walked this route and on a day like today it is a real pleasure.  The gorse is starting to bloom and there are some cracking views across the Bristol Channel towards South Wales.

    After passing through a gate I continue on the path through an area of pasture.

    Through another gate I stay with the South West Coast Path heading towards Minehead,

    Near a car park the South West Coast Path goes left down Burgundy Chapel Combe.  Here I keep straight on in an easterly direction staying on North Hill heading towards woodland in the distance. On reaching the trees I continue straight on and pass concrete bases that housed Nissen huts during World War II.  Apparently the American Forces had a NAAFI in one of the huts on this hill.

    I continue on this path until it forks, here I go to the left and descend to a gate and then continue on the path going steadily downhill.  There are multiple paths in the trees descending towards the seafront.  

    It is difficult to describe a route due to the multiple options.  However, if you keep heading downhill and turn towards the east at every opportunity you will eventually end up in Minehead.  

    The route I take brings me onto a seafront road, Quay Street and I head towards Minehead harbour.  I have visited Minehead on numerous occasions, but whenever I pass the harbour the tide is out.  Obviously it must come in, but I wonder why it always disappears when I am around.

    From here it is a wander through the streets of Minehead to get back to the caravan site.

    You can view this 13.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

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

    6th 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.

  • Hopcott Common and Alcombe Common

    Hopcott Common and Alcombe Common

    The start of my 2023 walking year has been slightly hampered due to illness.  Last October I went down with Covid and it laid me low for a couple of days. Then a few weeks later I caught a heavy cold which took a while to shake off.  Given I avoided any colds or flu like bugs for a couple of years I had thought a couple of infections would build up my immunity.  

    However, in early January I picked up a flu like virus that knocked me out for the best part of three weeks.  It was not Covid, but affected me far worse than when I did have it.  Any plans of getting away for a few days walking were put on hold.  Fortunately I am back to full health and consequently have booked a short trip to Minehead CAMC to do some walking on Exmoor.

    Minehead is one of my favourite  winter locations for a trip on my own, Lynnie is not so keen on winter caravanning and is happy for Crosby and I to disappear for a few days together.  

    It doesn’t take long to set up on site and then I am lacing the boots up and heading out.  My stock walk when arriving on this site is a loop around the town to the harbour.  But today the light is good enough for me to do a loop up around Hopcott and Alcombe Commons.

    Leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement beside the A39, Hopcott Road.  On reaching The Hopcott I turn left to follow the narrow tarmac lane as it heads steadily uphill passing Higher Hopcott and then reaching woodland.

    I ignore footpaths leading off from the road until I reach an information board for Dunster Woods. 

    I take the uphill path to the right of the information board on the route of the Macmillan Way West. I ignore a path on the right soon after leaving the car park and then where the Macmillan Way meets a crossing of tracks I continue straight on, staying on the route of the long distance path.  The path now goes around the head of Long Combe, this is a cracking spot with stunning Beech trees lining the path.

    Leaving the trees the path continues through a section of open land with dead bracken and gorse.  On reaching a junction of tracks I turn left heading towards Dunster.

    I now stay with this track heading east to reach Holes Corner.  Out to my left are views of Minehead and over the Bristol Channel to the South Wales coast.

    At Holes Corner there is a convergence of tracks and paths.  I take the broad track heading east towards trees in the distance.  This route is signposted towards Dunster.

    I ignore a couple of footpaths leading off to the left and stay with the track I am on until I reach trees, here I turn left to reach a crossing of paths where I turn left again to take a path heading towards Alcombe.

    The path steadily descends through an area of gorse and at every junction I follow the way-markers to Alcombe. 

    At a junction of paths close to the Youth Hostel I turn right on the path which is signed to Alcombe.  This descends steadily to reach a tarmac lane where I turn right and follow it into Alcombe.

    At the junction by the Britannia Inn I turn left into Church Street and then on reaching the main A39 turn left and walk on the pavement back to the caravan site.

    This little circuit has covered just over four and a half miles and has been a good stretch of the legs after my earlier journey.  It is now time to plan my walking for the next couple of days.

    You can view this 4.6 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

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

    5th 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.

  • Walking on Watership Down

    Walking on Watership Down

    A new walking year starts and once again I am undertaking a “walk the year” challenge.  This is the sixth year I have undertaken this quest, so this year I will be aiming to walk at least 2,023 “boots on” miles.  Since starting this challenge in 2018 I have walked over 12,500 miles which is equivalent to half way around the world.  On today’s walk I am joined by my walking buddies Mandy, Gary and Nigel.  We are going to explore a part of Hampshire I have not previously walked and hopefully bag a couple of new trig pillars.

    The starting point for our walk is the car park at the top of White Hill on the B3051 south of Kingsclere (Grid Ref. SU 516565).  It is a chilly morning so we don’t hang around and are soon heading off to leave the car park to the north and after going through a gate follow a track along the top of access land on Stubbington Down.

    This area is home to horse racing stables and it is clear the track has been laid for the benefit of horses rather than walkers.  At a junction of footpaths we turn right and head south to another path junction where we turn left and continue along the edge of a field heading towards the Hannington wireless tower on Cottington’s Hill.

    This tower broadcasts television signals.  Apparently for a six minute period on 26th November 1977 the broadcasts from the tower were hijacked and instead of Southern TV news a broadcast purporting to be from Vrillon an alien from the Ashtar Galactic Command.  Extensive investigations failed to identify the individuals responsible for this prank.

    On reaching a gate in the corner of the field our route goes to the left, but first we make a short diversion so I can bag a trig.  To do this we go through the gate and follow the path for 100 metres and the trig is at the edge of woodland to the right.  This trig has been moved from its original location which was further into the field.  

    It’s never good to find a trig has been moved, but at least it has not been destroyed.  This is my 357th trig.

    From the trig we return to the gate and now turn right to head downhill to woodland on Freemantle Park Down.  Entering the trees we turn right and follow a footpath that heads east.

    It is a cracking morning and as we emerge from the trees we get wide ranging views.

    We stay with the path until we reach a track where we turn left to head north downhill.

    The path soon levels out and continues between arable fields.

    At a junction of paths we take the second path on the left and head towards Kingsclere.

    On reaching a fork in the track we go left and follow this track until we reach a playing field where we follow the footpath as it goes diagonally downhill to the north west corner of the playing field.  On reaching a road we cross and follow a residential lane to the centre of Kingsclere where we stop for our elevenses on a bench in the churchyard of St Mary’s.

    Parts of this church date to the 12th century but most of the current church dates from a rebuild in the 19th century.  I take a tour around the churchyard to see if there are any interesting gravestones.  

    One grave in particular stands out, this is the resting place of John Porter (1838-1922), he was considered the greatest racehorse trainer of the Victorian era.  Porter also lobbied the Jockey Club for a racecourse at Newbury.  Apparently they declined until Porter gained the support of King Edward VII after which there was a swift change of mind and the now famous Newbury racecourse was approved.

    From the church we head south west through the village along Swan Street.  At a junction we turn right into Bear Hill and soon cross a stream.  

    At the top of Bear Lane we turn briefly right into Fox Lane, clearly there is an animal theme to the naming of streets in this village. We are only in Fox Lane for a few yards before taking a footpath on the left.  This path is part of the Brenda Parker Way, a 78-mile route across Hampshire from Aldershot to Andover.

    This path goes along the edge of a field and skirts Bishop’s Hill.

    At a junction of paths by a barn we turn right and head north to a minor road where we turn right and then almost immediately take a path on the left. 

    We stay with the Brenda Parker Way heading north and keep with it around Frobury Farm passing fishing lakes.

    The path skirts the edge of Frobury Park Copse and then goes through Southwood Copse to a crossing of paths.  We turn right keeping with the Brenda Parker Way in a northerly direction towards Kisby’s Farm.

    We are keeping to the Brenda Parker Way all the way to Burghclere. Near Kisby’s Farm we turn left and continue along a track towards a road which we cross and continue on a track towards Birch Copse and Waterleas Copse.  On reaching a minor road we turn right and after a couple of hundred yards turn left along a track.

    The track heads between fields towards Pembroke House.

    We pass the house going through the grounds, then the path continues along the driveway of the property to reach a minor road which we cross and continue through woodland with a school to our left.  At the next road we turn left into Well Lane and walk into Burghclere.

    Soon we reach a fork in the road where we go to the right to join Harts Lane and follow this to reach the Church of Ascension where we turn left and pass the village hall and then take a left to enter a park with picnic benches. An ideal lunch spot.

    Refreshed we retrace our footsteps towards the church but take a footpath on the left just before reaching it.  We are now heading south across fields.

    On reaching a minor road we turn right and then very quickly take a footpath on the left and rejoin the Brenda Parker Way.

    In the field to our left is an old signal box which was part of the former Didcot, Newbury and Southampton railway.

    We now turn left to walk along the route of the old railway line which fully opened in 1885.  During World War II it was a significant route in moving troops and supplies to Southampton.  However after the war the number of trains on the line declined and by 1964 all trains had ceased.

    After going under a railway bridge the path goes to the right to rise up to a track which uses the bridge to cross the old railway.  Here the Brenda Parker Way goes left, but our route is to the right along a broad track leading towards a minor road.

    At the road we turn right and head south passing Wergs Farm to reach a road junction.  Here we cross the road and continue along a track which soon starts to ascend Ladle Hill.

    As the path levels out it goes between fields to reach a junction of paths at a flint cairn.  Here we turn left to join the Wayfarer’s Way.  This is a seventy-one mile long distance path from Walbury Hill near Inkpen in Berkshire to Emsworth on the Hampshire coast.

    Our route now follows along the Wayfarer’s Way back to the car park.  This soon takes us besides the open access land on Ladle Hill where we take a slight diversion through a gate towards the site of the Iron Age Hill Fort.  Apparently despite being occupied for hundreds of years this is considered an unfinished fort.

    To the north of the ramparts is an interesting disc barrow.  On my walks I have visited numerous barrows and tumuli but I can’t recall seeing a burial mound like this one.

    We head back to the gate and pass a dew pond, these ponds are regular features on chalk downs.  They are man-made being excavated and then lined with clay so rain water is captured to provide drinking water for livestock.

    Heading east we reach a junction of paths and turn left and then right through a gate with a collection of way-markers showing that along with the Wayfarer’s Way we are now also on the Three Shires Link and the Watership Down Trail.

    Watership Down Trail is a twenty-four mile circular walk from Whitchurch, so something to do later in the year when the days are longer.

    We now head through a field and descend to join a track where we turn left and then reach a minor road.  Crossing the road we join a footpath on the opposite side heading steadily uphill to Watership Down.

    After going through a gate we follow the fence line and then I hop over and walk across the stubble to bag the Watership Down trig pillar that sits just inside the field.

    Back on the footpath we pass jumps on the gallops and then join a track heading east.

    Watership Down was of course made famous by Richard Adams’ book of the same name.  It was Adams’ first book and apparently was rejected by all the major publishers before being accepted by Rex Collings who  published it in 1972. 

    In 1978 it was adapted into a feature film and the story of the rabbits on the Down became very well known.  Strangely despite rabbits being the focus of the book we have not seen a single one today.

    The track we are on goes between gallops and continues all the way back to our starting point in the White Hill car park.

    Back at the car we have completed a sixteen mile circuit.  It has been a cracking walk in unfamiliar countryside, I am sure we will revisit this area before too long.

    You can view this 16.3 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map – 144 – Basingstoke, Alton & Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton & Hook;  and OS Explorer – 158 Newbury & Hungerford

    6th January 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.

  • Map of My Trig Pillars

    Map of My Trig Pillars

    For many years a key feature of my walking has been to visit Ordnance Survey triangulation pillars, also known as trig pillars.  These pillars were introduced in 1935 in a project led by Brigadier Martin Hotine and for many years were essential in the production of detailed maps of the British Isles.
    (more…)

  • A Loop to Bossington from Minehead

    A Loop to Bossington from Minehead

    No sooner than we arrived home from our Settle trip I am off again.  This time I am heading back to Minehead for a few days walking on Exmoor with Crosby.  Lynnie has declined joining me, I am not sure if it is the prospect of walking on the moor in December or the fact I have started a cold and she thinks it a good idea to keep well away from me.

    I have become a frequent winter visitor to the Caravan and Motorhome Club site in Minehead.  It is perfectly placed for easy access to walking routes and being just on the edge of the town makes it easy to get supplies.  The layout of the site means it never feels busy and with easy access it ticks all the boxes for a solo trip.  By the time I set up yesterday it was well into the afternoon but there was sufficient light for Crosby and I to stretch our legs by wandering down to the harbour.

    Today’s walk is from the site and will be a variation of a walk I have done a few times.  On leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement besides the A39, Hopcott Road.  On reaching 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 right of the information board on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading uphill. I ignore a path on the right soon after leaving the car park and then where the Macmillan Way meets a crossing of tracks I continue straight on, staying on the route of the long distance path.  The path now goes around the head of Long Combe, this is a cracking spot with stunning Beech trees lining the path.

    Leaving the trees the path continues through a section of open land with dead bracken and gorse.  

    On reaching a junction of tracks I turn right still on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading towards Tivington across the top of Hopcott Common.  At a fork in the track I go left to keep with the Macmillan Way West.  There are good views from here back along the coastline towards Blue Anchor.

    I continue to head west to reach another crossing of paths.  Here the Macmillan Way turns left towards Wootton Courtney, however, I keep going straight ahead soon reaching an Ordnance Survey trig point tucked to the left of the track on a high bank. This trig on Periton Hill is one I have bagged a number of times.

    At the next crossing of footpaths I continue straight on.

    At the next junction of paths I follow the way-marker towards Headon Cross and soon pass a National Trust plaque and enter Holnicote Estate. Within a short distance the track forks and I go right continuing towards Headon Cross with the path leading through the attractive woodland of Tivington Common.

    The sun is out and there is a clear sky.  Ideal conditions for a walk in December.  The path I am on initially descends gradually, but as I near Headon Cross there is a short steep descent to reach a minor road.  Turning right on the road I reach Headon Cross and go straight over to take another minor road opposite.  This climbs steadily, as the road sweeps to the right I continue straight on along a track towards East Lynch.

    Approaching East Lynch farm I take a footpath on the right that runs behind a fine old barn.  I stay on the wide grassy track as it passes farm cottages, ignoring a footpath on the left and continuing uphill.

    I reach a minor road at Deans Cross and turn left following the road downhill into Selworthy where I stop on one of the many benches in the churchyard and admire the view whilst I have my lunch.

    Resuming my walk I continue through the village and pass the Tithe Barn which has a plaque commemorating the wanderings of Walter Wilkinson with his peep show.  Many years ago Lynnie gave me a copy of Walter’s “Peep Show” book.  It is a great insight into a way of life long passed.

    I continue through the village and then fork right on a footpath that leads through Selworthy Farm with its range of old barns and then continue along a track.  When I was here in February the hedge besides this path had recently been laid and looked a bit of an eyesore. Now ten months later nature has taken its course and the casual observer would not even know of the work to the hedgerow.

    As I go downhill I pause to take in the view.  There was a time when I constantly glanced at my watch to ensure I was maintaining a decent pace.  These days I like to pause and look occasionally. I still walk pretty fast but I have learnt to stop from time to time and take it all in.

    The track leads to the outskirts of Higher Allerford where I go straight on along a narrow lane leading to Allerford via a packhorse bridge besides a ford.  The bridge is thought to be medieval, though work to enlarge the bridge was undertaken in 1886.

    After crossing the bridge I turn right to walk through this attractive village passing the old Post Office with its King George VI postbox.

    Soon I reach a footpath along a track which passes Stoates Farm and goes through a gate to reach a footbridge over the river.  On the far side of the bridge I turn left and take a footpath towards West Lynch this initially follows the river.

    The path soon starts to ascend into the woods.

    At a crossing of paths I take the route signposted towards Hurlstone Point, the path continues to steadily ascend through trees. The path leads to a wooden gate and a crossing of paths at Lynch Combe.  There is an information board explaining the work that has been done by National Trust volunteers to restore the stone walls in the Selworthy and Cockerhill section of the Holnicote Estate. The walls are at least 200 years old and there are some fine examples in this Combe. 

    On previous visits I have turned right here and walked up the hill, but today I go straight over to follow the path towards Hurlstone Point.  This path leads through stunning section of trees.

    The path follows the contour line around Bossington Hill and opens out to provide cracking views over Bossington and Porlock Beaches.

    The path now opens out as it heads toward Hurlstone Point.

    At a fingerpost I turn right on a path to Minehead.

    This path goes uphill, when I say uphill I mean seriously uphill.  Bossington Hill is a stiff ascent. 

    The first time I walked up here I thought I would do it in one go and today I try to repeat the challenge.  But my cold is taking a toll on my lungs and I decide it is sensible to take a breather and admire the view back towards the coast.

    I am now on the route of the South West Coastal Path and I follow this uphill.  There are a number of options but I choose a broad path heading towards Selwothy Beacon. Close to the path are cattle and I meet a lady walking her dog who is anxious going through the cows.  I offer to walk with her and we spend the next fifteen minutes chatting.  I really enjoy such encounters I always learn something about others’ lives; this person, like me, feels the need to get out every day for a walk to get away from the pressures of modern life.

    We walk together to Selworthy Beacon where we wish each other well and part company.  

    From the Beacon I follow a track heading east across North Hill.  There are a number of paths up here but I know as long as I head east and keep the minor road somewhere to my right I will be fine.

    The track leads towards a parking area and soon after passing through it I take a path on the left.  This heads north and rejoins the South West Coast path where I turn right and soon go through a gate into an area of pasture.

    The path continues close to the road to reach another gate, now I keep going east to reach another parking area and then keep going to pass some Exmoor ponies.

    On reaching another car park close to woodland I have a choice of routes to take to get to Minehead.  I go to the left and then take a path that goes east through the trees and passes concrete bases that housed Nissen huts during World War II.  Apparently the American Forces had a NAAFI in one of the huts on this hill.

    I continue on this path until I reach a fork in the path, here I go to the left and descend towards a gate and then continue on the path going steadily downhill. 

    There are multiple paths in the trees that descend towards the seafront.  I stay with one that goes straight on to reach a tarmac lane where I turn left, soon joining the Zig Zag path going steadily downward.

    At the bottom of the path I turn left and pass cottages to reach the seafront by the sculpture marking the start, or end, of the south west coast path.

    It is a cracking evening and I stop on the seawall to watch the moonrise.

    From here it is a wander through the streets of Minehead to get back to the caravan site for a well-deserved cup of tea and a sit down to plan were I will walk tomorrow.

    You can view this 14.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

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

    12th December 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

    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.

  • Reaching 2,022 Miles in 2022

    Reaching 2,022 Miles in 2022

    This is my fifth year of walking the year, I started in 2018 with a challenge to walk 2,018 miles in the year and in doing so sought to raise over £2,018 for the Trussell Trust.  It was supposed to be a one off but it has become an annual event partly because the need to raise funds for this excellent charity, supporting those living in poverty, is even greater than it was five years ago.  In itself a terrible indictment of the political leaders who have become obsessed in extricating the Country from our European neighbours and ignored the most vulnerable in society.  As the Billy Bragg song goes there will be a day of reckoning, hopefully sooner rather than later!

    Walking soothes my soul.  It helps me manage the challenges of life and keeps my head on the right way around.  So I don’t need a mileage target to motivate me to lace up my boots and head out.  However, having the target means on days when I have walked a couple of miles and could turn for home I keep going.  

    Despite being on the cusp of reaching this year’s target with well over two months to spare I have found 2022 the most challenging year.  This is mainly due to picking up an ankle injury in the spring, it required rest, but I don’t do rest well and tried to punch on.  Of course it soon reached the stage where I could not walk more than a quarter of a mile without being in agony.  Thanks to excellent treatment and a recuperation period involving rest and exercises I gradually got back to full walking fitness.  However, it took almost three months before I was back to doing long distances. 

    It had never occurred to me that an injury could curtail my walking.  I am not an elite athlete but considered myself able to comfortably walk twenty miles a day for a prolonged period without any problem.  So an injury made me appreciate how athletes and sports players must feel when they pick up injuries which put them out of action for weeks or months.

    Knowing I am only seven miles from reaching 2,022 miles I have decided to venture somewhere different for today’s walk.  I don’t often go into the New Forest despite it being fairly close to home.  But doing the National Navigation Award Bronze and Silver courses with Nigel from New Forest Navigation introduced me to parts of the Forest I had not previously visited.  Today’s walk starts in Anderwood, a few miles south of Lyndhurst just off the A35.

    The starting point for my walk is the Forestry England car park at Anderwood, (OS Grid Reference SU248058).  From the car park I head south through a clearing and cross a minor road to enter Dames Slough Inclosure.

    The track I’m following heads south through the trees and crosses a footbridge over Black Water.

    150 metres from the bridge I ignore a track on the right, instead I continue south and then stay on the track as it sweeps to the right.  The track leads to a gate which I go through before continuing  west towards Cockroad Hill.

    About 700 metres past the gate I reach a junction of tracks and turn left and stay on this path for 200 metres before turning left along a ride which heads south to a gate at the edge of the inclosure.

    Turning left I follow the inclosure fence line to cross two footbridges and then follow a path in a south easterly direction over Redrise Hill.

    After crossing the hill I descend to reach another footbridge.

    Now I continue heading south, initially crossing a stream and then heading uphill on a clear track leading to the top of Rock Hills.

    As the track levels out I turn left at a junction of paths and after 250?? metres turn right on a grassy track. To my left near the A35 is the Parkway Hill OS trig pillar, I have previously bagged this trig so don’t make the diversion today.

    The path leads to a junction of paths near the A35 at Wilverley Post.  I initially continue south but after 25 metres turn to the right to follow a path down a valley into Scrape Bottom.

    I had initially planned to turn left at a junction of paths, however, decide to follow a faint path that follows the contour line around the hill and heads south towards a minor road.

    I cross the road beside a cattle grid and then turn left to take a pathway besides the road which leads to a path along a disused railway track.  I turn right and walk beside the remains of the platform of the former Holmsley Railway station.  Apparently when the station was opened in 1847 it was known as Christchurch Road but was changed to Holmsley in 1862.

    I now follow the track bed of the old Southampton to Dorchester railway line.  This was opened in 1847 and was part of a greater scheme to create a coastal route from Southampton to Exeter.  The railway operated for passengers until the 1960’s. Apparently there has been a campaign to re-open this section between Brockenhust and Ringwood, but it is currently viewed as a low priority.

    My route is very straightforward following the railway line for 2.5 kilometres heading west towards a car park at Burbush.

    It is now a cracking day and it is clear this section of path is a popular venue for weekend walkers and cyclists, so I am grateful when I reach the car park at Burbush.  After walking through the car park I cross a minor road (Pound Lane) and then take a path that heads north westerly towards Long Pond.

    The path goes to the north of the pond, which following an exceptionally dry year looks more like a large puddle.  Even the rainfall of the last few days has had little impact.

    I now take a clear path heading north through Church Moor towards Black Bush.  At a fork in the track I keep to the left following the wider of the two paths.

    At the next junction of paths I go to the left heading towards a minor road.  At the road I cross and continue, soon reaching a fork in the path where I keep left to head through Broad Bottom.  There are a network of paths but I have the clear landmark of Vereley Hill Mast in front of me.

    The path goes up the hill and then passes a copse heading towards Vereley car park.

    After passing the car park I continue straight on along a clear path through the gorse and bracken.

    At a junction of paths I go straight on through a gap in the gorse to reach Smugglers Road.  This is a broad track and I turn right.  During the 1700’s and early 1800’s the New Forest was rife with smugglers, the proximity to coastal inlets and close knit communities provided an ideal environment to avoid the attentions of excise men.  Burley is thought to have been a smugglers haunt.  Apparently when renovations were undertaken at the Queens Head Inn in the late 1900’s a secret cellar which still contained firearms and contraband was discovered.  Smugglers Road linked the hamlet of Knave’s Ash with the trading post at Ridley Wood.

    After 300 metres I reach a road, where I turn right and walk the short distance to reach a Milestone which dates back to the early 1800’s, it shows that I am currently 3 miles from Ringwood and 11 miles from Lymington.  It also signifies that the road here was once a turnpike road because Milestones did not come into general use until the Turnpike Act of 1766 made them compulsory on turnpike roads.  This was an early form of PFI construction because  these roads were built by private enterprise under licence from the Government and maintained by tolls on those who used them. 

    I now cross the road and turn right and follow a track for 100 metres and then turn left on a track that heads east towards Vereley Woods.  In the woods the track continues towards the entrance to Vereley Farm.

    On the track I turn left and follow a clear path towards Ridley Wood, this path initially goes downhill to cross Mill Lawn Brook.

    After crossing the brook I continue on the clear path heading north to reach Ridley Wood.  In the past these woods were the location of a popular trading post where forest folk and those from further afield, including Salisbury and Winchester, would gather.  Therefore, it was also popular with smugglers seeking to sell their contraband.

    At a junction of tracks I go right and head east on a clear path through the trees and on reaching a junction of tracks continue straight on along a path known as Sir Dudley’s Ride.  The route is so called because it was named after Sir Dudley Forewood in recognition for services rendered to the New Forest as Official Verderer from 1974 to 1982.  In his early life he was also the sole equerry to the Duke of Windsor after his abdication in 1937 until the outbreak of war in 1939.

    When I come across commemorative paths or plaques to the “great and good” I am often left wondering how many other more ordinary people have given time and effort to a community without any recognition for their dedication. 

    This track crosses a brook and then ascends steadily to go through the edge of Berry Wood to reach a tarmac drive where I go left passing the entrance to the Old House which was once the home of Sir Dudley Forewood.  I soon reach a junction of paths where I turn right through an area marked on the map as Soarley Bottom.  

    I am now heading east and keep going in this direction at a junction of paths to head towards a gate leading into Beech Bed Inclosure.

    In the woods I follow a broad grassy track, still heading east.  As I stroll along I can hear the distinctive sounds of stags bellowing, it is currently the rutting season and I am wary of getting too close to any stags.  The calls seem nearby, I can’t see the stags but proceed with caution.

    At a junction of paths I cross a cycleway and continue straight on. I have joined a cycleway to skirt around Burley Rails Cottage.

    I now head south for 200 metres to reach a crossing of tracks where I turn left and follow the track across Blackensford Brook. 

    Staying with the main track I continue straight on for a further 600 metres to reach a cycleway on the right beside a clearing.  

    I take this right turn and head south for a further 600 metres to reach a footpath on the left which leads me back to a track in Anderwood Inclosure where I turn right and walk the short distance back to the car park where I started my walk.

    Like many walks in the New Forest this one is difficult to describe because there are multiple options of paths which appear on the ground but are not shown on the map.  I therefore suggest that if you plan to follow this route you download the GPX file or make sure you mark up your paper map before setting off.

    You can view this 15 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL22 – New Forest

    22nd October 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

    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.

  • Great Knoutberry Hill

    Great Knoutberry Hill

    Last year my walking buddy Mandy and I did a walk through Arten Gill and up to the Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar at Great Knoutberry Hill it was a great walk but the weather was miserable and we didn’t get any views at all.  So today I am going to repeat the walk but this time Lynnie is joining me and I’m not sure if this is because she wants to see the Arten Gill railway viaduct or is out to bag another Ordnance Survey trig pillar.

    The starting point for our walk is a parking area beside the Dent Head Viaduct  (Grid Ref: SD777844).  We set off down the road towards Cowgill and Dent.  We soon pass Bridge End Cottage and continue down the lane besides the River Dee.

    Last year whilst walking along this road I saw a Red Squirrel, so we keep our eyes peeled.  Although walking along a road there its very little traffic and what there is is going very steady because a lot of sections are single track with passing places.

    Nearing Store House Bridge we stop to look across the river at a limekiln.  This listed building is thought to date back to the early 1800’s. 

    Where the road bends over Stone House Bridge we take a lane on the right to pass cottages.

    We are now on Arten Gill Lane and follow this as it goes through a gate and joins an ancient track heading towards the Arten Gill Viaduct.

    As we walk up the lane, the viaduct dominates the view.  It is a stunning bit of engineering and is listed as bridge number 84 on the Settle to Carlisle Railway.  Work on its construction started in May 1870 and was completed in July 1875.  The unstable nature of the ground in the gill meant that some of the piers are rooted to a depth of 55 feet into the ground.  

    The viaduct is 660 feet long and 117 feet high and stands 1,100 feet above sea level. Parts of the structure are constructed with Dent Marble quarried from Arten Gill beneath it. 

    We continue gradually ascending, it is a good long drag up this hill, but the scenery is worth it.

    When Lynnie and I are walking together we tend to walk at different paces, Lynnie is quicker than me on the flat but on ascents and descents I am faster.  So going uphill I pause occasionally to allow Lynnie to catch up.  It does mean I get a chance to admire the far reaching views.

    At a junction of paths we turn left continuing on the Pennine Bridleway as it heads north through a metal gate.

    The path soon levels and heads east along Dent Fell through a series of gates.

    In contrast to the last time I was up here it is a clear day and the views are stunning.

    The Pennine Bridleway sweeps towards the north and as we pass Green Bank we take a path on the right which follows a fence line and ascends Pikes Edge on Great Knoutberry Hill.  

    Last year heading up this hill I encountered a couple of boggy sections, nothing to worry about but it needed care to avoid getting wet feet.  Now after such a prolonged dry spell the ground is firm under foot.  However, when we reach the  trig pillar on Great Knoutberry Hill it is surrounded by water.  This does not prevent Lynnie climbing on top.  Personally I think this is bad trig etiquette. 

    From the trig we keep with the line of a dry stone wall as it descends from the hill in a south easterly direction.  It is clear from the worn path that there are frequent visitors here.  The path leads downhill past the disused Cross Pits Colliery and then we cross a wall stile to join a track.

    Here we turn right and follow the track to the junction of paths we were at earlier at the top of Arten Gill.  This time we turn left on the Pennine Bridleway towards Newby Head Road.

    This route takes us south through Swineley Cowm descending towards a minor road, we can see for miles in front of us.

    At the minor road we turn right leaving the Pennine Bridleway to head back along the road towards Dent Head Viaduct. Construction  started on this viaduct in 1869 and was competed in 1875.  Work was hampered by the constant rain and snow, in 1872 it is said that 92 inches of rain fell on Dent Head instead of the usual 68 inches. 

    We stay with the road which descends to go under the railway line and then we are back at our starting point.

    You can view this 9 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales – Western Area

    11th September 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

    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.

  • Cropton Forest from Cawthorn Roman Camp

    Cropton Forest from Cawthorn Roman Camp

    After such a prolonged dry spell we were bound to get rain at some point.  Following our walk on Fylingdale Moor yesterday we popped into Whitby for a fish and chip supper by the harbour.  Afterwards whilst wandering around the harbour we got caught in a torrential downpour.  

    Although today started bright the forecast thunderstorms arrived at lunchtime.  I don’t mind walking in the rain, but I always avoid heading out when there is thunder and lightning about.  Going out onto a moor when lightning is forecast is too risky for me.  

    In the last couple of years I have switched to using the Met Office weather app.  I find it a lot more accurate than others I have tried and the short range forecast is usually spot on.  I have also become more adept at judging if clouds  heading our way are going to deposit their contents on us.  

    After today’s lunchtime storm the forecast is for a clear afternoon with further risks of thunder this evening.  So I decide on another walk in nearby Cropton Forest, but this time I will drive from the site the couple of miles to the car park at the Cawthorn Roman Settlement.

    From the car park I pass the information board about the Roman Camps and follow a well-made path to reach the ramparts of the camp.

    This is a well preserved extensive camp built by the Romans between AD90 and AD130 and consists of two main camps and an annex.  

    I follow the path towards a viewing platform.  I had thought this might provide a more expansive view over the site, however, it is not much higher than the ramparts so does not give a perspective of the scale of the camps.

    There are a range of paths around the Roman Camps, but I have plans for a longer walk.  I had hoped there might be a path from here into Cropton Forest, but it soon becomes obvious that I need to return to the car park and walk along the entrance driveway and then turn right along the lane for 500 metres to reach a minor road leading to Keldy Cabins and the Forest.

    This is a quiet lane and pleasant walking, I soon arrive at a gateway providing an extensive view, but clearly indicating there is no access to the field.  I would like to see greater access to the countryside, preferably through the adoption of a right to roam.  However, I hold out very little hope given the policies of the current government.   

    Proceeding along the road in front of me there is an abundance of pheasants.  It is now clear why the landowner is so keen to keep folk out of the field.  I have lived all my life in a rural community but I am not a supporter of shooting. 

    I pass a farm cottage at Keldy Banks and ignore a footpath on the right and continue along the tarmac track.

    My route is now straight forward, keeping to the driveway for just over two kilometres to reach the entrance to Keldy Cabins.

    These cabins are part of a wider network of holiday accommodation run by Forest Holidays in partnership with Forestry England.  The land for the cabins is on a 125 year lease and provides an opportunity for people to holiday amongst the trees.  I had imagined basic log cabins, but these offer luxury accommodation.

    I continue heading north through the cabins and then walk along a forestry track heading towards High Muffles.

    After two kilometres I reach a barrier at High Muffles.

    At a crossing of forestry tracks I turn right and follow the fingerpost direction towards Stape.

    I am now heading east and pass the entrance to Life House and then ignore a track on the left.  I then pass a couple of small ponds.

    In April 2019 two beavers from Scotland were rehomed in an enclosure in Cropton Forest as part of an initiative to slow the flow of water from the forest into surrounding communities which had been suffering from flooding.  

    Since their introduction the pair have bred and produced kits so they should soon be starting to make a positive impact on the environment.  I am not sure where in the forest the beavers were released, but I can’t see any obvious sign of them being active in this section of woodland.

    I continue on to reach a junction of tracks at the edge of the forest and turn right soon reaching a minor road, Middle Head Road, I turn right again and head south along this lane passing farms.

    When the tarmac ends I continue along a track heading south.

    The track passes through an attractive area of deciduous woodland.

    On reaching a gate I cross a field.

    To the left is Elleron Lodge, this is a small country estate with 225 acres of land.  The property was on the market a couple of years ago for £3.5m and it looks like it is undergoing major renovation.

    After crossing the field I go through a gate and continue on the path through trees.

    After crossing a stream on a footbridge I keep with the clear path leading towards the entrance driveway for Keldy Cabins.

    On reaching the tarmac lane I turn left and retrace my route back towards the car park. 

    You can view this 8 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL27 – North York Moors Eastern Area

    6th September 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

    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.

  • Hanger Wood Dew Pond

    Hanger Wood Dew Pond

    After almost four weeks at home I am away again in the caravan, this time it is for my annual fortnight trip to Cholsey Grange Farm CL.  Lynnie is staying at home for the first week so Crosby and I will be on our own.  The injury to my ankle is gradually improving and in the last week at home I managed a sixteen and fourteen mile walk in my walking boots so I am hoping I will be fully fit for our upcoming trip to the Yorkshire Dales.

    The beauty of returning to the Chilterns is there are some good hills to test my ankle and build up some stamina in my legs.  I intend walking the Yorkshire Three Peaks towards the end of September so I definitely need to build up the muscles following on from over two months of recuperation. 

    After pitching up yesterday I went for a short walk in the woods below the site but today I plan to get out for a couple of hours.  There are many potential routes from the site but the one I choose will take me into Hanger Wood, this is a walk I have done a couple of times previously but I am particularly interested to see if the Dew Pond in the woods has any water in it after such a prolonged dry spell.

    I leave the caravan site by going through the gate at the far end and turning left onto the footpath to head downhill into the woods.  

    At a junction of paths I turn right to follow the clear waymarked route through Twigside Bottom.

    I keep with the path through the bottom of the valley ignoring footpaths that head to the left and right.  It is a cracking afternoon, sunny but not too hot.  I am not looking forward to next week when the temperatures look set to soar again.

    I stay on the path until I reach Chequers Lane, a minor road at Gravesend, here I turn right and then within a short distance take a footpath on the left which heads uphill towards Hanger Wood.

    This ascent is a good test for my legs and I maintain a good pace as I head up the hill. As I near the woods there are  fine views down the valley over Fingest.

    After going through a gate the path continues to ascend into the woods.  Soon on my right is the Dew Pond that would have been dug into this woodland to provide water for livestock.  A dew pond has no water running into it, so only gathers rainfall.  After such a lengthy dry spell I fully expected to see it dry, however, remarkably there is water in it and evidence that it is being used by animals as a source of refreshment.

    On reaching a junction of paths I turn left and then at the next junction almost double back on myself following a path to the right.  This footpath follows the edge of the woodland.

    Staying on the path I am soon above Hanger Farm, here the path sweeps to the right and descends steadily towards Fingest.  I ignore a footpath on my left leading down a track and go through a gate to enter the edge of pastureland.

    This leads to a fenced and then hedged path that emerges back onto Chequers Lane near to Fingest church.  I turn left towards The Chequers Inn, in the church wall is a post box dating from the reign of King George V.

    At the junction I meet two women who are walking along each carrying a pint of beer. I comment on how it is a novel way of keeping hydrated when out walking and they explain they are on a walking pub crawl.  They started at the Stag and Huntsman in Hambledon, then visited the Frog at Skirmett and now in Fingest they are going to pop into the Chequers for another pint.  Just to ensure they keep topped up they are leaving each pub with a pint to drink along the trail.  They are American and are very enthusiastic about the countryside and the quaint pubs.  Apparently they are going to end their walk at the Bull & Butcher in Turville and then get a cab back to Henley-on-Thames for a night out!  

    I enjoy a pint and like a walk, but I never mix the two.  I am not sure what state these two are going to be in come 10.00 tonight.

    I now turn right and head past St Bartholomew’s church.  This Norman church has an unusual tower with a double gable, apparently it is the only one of its kind in the Country.

    As the road sweeps to the left I take a footpath on the right leading besides a property to reach a junction of paths.  Here I turn left and soon cross a minor road.

    Now the path continues under Turville Hill.  After going through a kissing gate I keep straight ahead across the Downs. On the hill to my right is Cobstone Mill which has featured in a number of films including Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang.  The two Americans I met earlier were very excited at the prospect of seeing this windmill.

    At a junction of paths I turn left into Turville and then turn right to walk by the church and then stay on this minor road as it heads out of the village.  Shortly before reaching Turville Valley Farm I join a bridleway on the right that runs through woodland parallel to the road. 

    After crossing a minor road I continue through Turville Wood and when the path forks go right to head steadily uphill on a track.

    This is another steady ascent and a good test of legs and lungs on a warm afternoon.   The path bends to the right and continues through a fine avenue of beech trees.

    Eventually as it starts to level out the path reaches a tarmac lane and I follow this back to Ibstone Common where the preparations are underway for the village fete tomorrow.

    At a junction I cross the road and return to the caravan down the driveway of Cholsey Grange.  It has been a cracking afternoon to be out, my walk has covered just over seven miles and my leg is showing no ill effects.  So tomorrow I will venture a bit further.

    You can view this 7 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 171 – Chiltern Hills West

    5th August 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

    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.

  • Minchinhampton Common and Rodborough Common

    Minchinhampton Common and Rodborough Common

    Since becoming caravanners we have sought to do most of our walking from, or near, the site we are staying on.  In part because we like to get to know the local area well and also because I dislike driving.  When younger I enjoyed a long car trip, in those days I never tired of being behind the wheel.  Nowadays I go to all possible lengths to avoid driving and view it as a necessity in order to get to and from our adventures.  

    Added to my dislike of driving is the recent dramatic increase in fuel prices.  I can hardly believe that before we set off I felt fortunate to be able to fill up with diesel at £1.95 per litre.  I am old enough to remember people saying petrol would never be more than £1 per gallon!

    It is therefore no surprise that today’s walk is from our pitch at Burnt Ash Farm CL and we are heading towards the wide expanse of Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons.  We leave the site by the footpath which runs besides the ménage and then heads across paddocks to join another footpath close to the road.  Here we stay in the field and turn right to walk along the edge of the field with the wall on the left.  After crossing a stone stile we continue into another field and keep walking with the wall to our left.  

    After crossing another stone stile the footpath forks.  We take the left fork to walk through a meadow and then cross the wall via a stone stile and enter an arable field.

    This leads us to another stile where we enter a field divided into horse paddocks and on the far side is a caravan park.  The path is clearly fenced and well-marked.

    We cross a stone stile over a wall under the close attention of one of the horses and then continue to the entrance to Tobacconist Farm campsite, turning left to pass well-maintained allotments.

    At a junction we turn right into Tetbury Street and head into the town centre.  Nearing the High Street there are a number of interesting old properties.

    At a crossroads we continue straight on and pass the butcher’s and then at a junction we go left into Cuckoo Row and follow this until we reach a junction with Box Lane where we turn left.

    We stay with the lane until we reach Box where we pass St Barnabas church.  It was originally built in 1880 as the village school and at the time was constructed of corrugated iron.  From 1918 it was used by the church as a Sunday school and for the occasional service.  At the time it also doubled as a village hall.  It was not until 1952, after restoration, that the building was dedicated as a church.  

    We continue through Box, keeping right at a fork in the road, passing the village hall and keeping with the road as it sweeps to the right and goes uphill.  At a junction close to the Halfway Cafe we cross the road onto Minchinhampton Common.  The cafe is a former pub which, despite a campaign by locals was closed in 2013 and allowed to re-open as a cafe.

    We head in a north westerly direction across the common towards the clubhouse of Minchinhampton Golf Club.  This is open access land but we follow a footpath besides holes on the golf course.  

    Minchinhampton Golf Club has three courses, two of which are near the village of Avening, but this is the original course, known as the “Old Course”.  This course was established in 1889 and is clearly not the most popular of the club’s courses. It is a Saturday afternoon and we can’t spot a golfer on it.

    After passing the Old Course clubhouse we keep with the footpath going north across the common crossing a minor road and then keeping in the same direction to reach the Amberley War Memorial.

    From the War Memorial we take a road heading north west that goes downhill towards Littleworth.

    At a fork in the road we go downhill to the right to a junction where we cross the road and take a footpath opposite which goes steeply downhill to reach a junction of paths where we turn right and follow a footpath through trees. This is an attractive bit of woodland and we stay with the path towards the southern edge.

    We reach a minor road and turn right and then after going through a gate beside a cattle grid take a path on the left that goes steadily uphill onto Rodborough Common.

    There are cracking views from here, we follow a path around the common close to a wall.  This protects the gardens of Rodborough’s houses from the cattle that roam on the common.

    We stay reasonably close to the wall  to come to a road, which we follow briefly heading south east crossing a common on a clear cut path towards a crossroads where we take a minor road downhill towards Winstones Ice Cream Parlour.  Unfortunately for Lynnie it is closed but I assure her we will be visiting here again in the next few days.

    We now follow a road which tracks a wall to the east of the walled estate of Bownham.  There are some cracking views over the Golden Valley from this lane.  I am looking forward to walking in the valley, it is part of my planned routes for our stay in the area.

    We reach a track that forks to the right from the lane and follow this steadily uphill and after passing cottages keep going onto Minchinhampton Common.  There are a number of well-worn paths cut through the long grass on this section of the common.  We turn to the left and follow a path heading south easterly above the houses of Burleigh.

    After crossing the road we continue on and meet cattle enjoying the afternoon sunshine besides a fenced green on the golf course.

    We cross a road on the common and continue along the Bulwarks, this is an Iron Age earthworks sweeping around part of the common. After crossing another road we continue walking over the common and then turn to the right so that we can pay a visit to Holy Trinity church with its unusual tower.

    Apparently the original spire of Holy Trinity church was pulled down in 1563 because the arches in the nave were failing under the weight.  The stub of the pair was retained and surmounted with a coronet structure.

    We leave the church by the main entrance and arrive in Minchinhampton in the Market Square with its raised Market House with cattle barriers in the lower part.

    From the Market Square we follow Butt Street and then turn right at a cattle grid and pass through a gate to follow a road through housing.  After going besides another cattle grid we join a lane and turn right.  At the end of the lane we reach a small common.

    Where the common becomes a track we take a footpath on the right and cross a gate stile to enter a meadow and walk towards trees.

    We then cross a stone stile into another field and follow the path along the wall to reach a second stone stile and take the footpath as it head towards the road and then as we near the road we turn left to follow the path diagonally across the field to return to Burnt Ash Farm.

    Our walk has covered nine-miles and it has been interesting to explore a part of the Cotswolds we have not previously visited.  We are now looking forward to exploring more of the local area and Lynnie has a visit to the Winstones Ice Cream Parlour high on her list of activities.

    You can view this 9 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer – 168 Stroud, Tetbury & Malmesbury

    2nd July 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

    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.