Category: Region

  • Jamming About to Dunkery Beacon

    Jamming About to Dunkery Beacon

    Whilst staying in Minehead in October last year Crosby and I walked from the site to Dunkery Beacon.  I was hoping for a clear day to appreciate the views from the Beacon but as I was walking the weather closed in and I struggled to see as far as the North Somerset coast.  I am heading towards Dunkery today but don’t plan to go to the summit.

    The start of my walk follows the route I took yesterday, leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement besides the A39, Hopcott Road.  I keep with the road until I reach Periton Cross.  Here I turn left and take a bridleway on a track into Periton Combe.

    Soon I reach a metal barrier preventing vehicle access to the Combe, it has an information board about Dunster Woods attached to it.

    The path follows the track and then starts heading uphill.  There are forestry tracks in the woods but I keep with the way-markers for the bridleway as I ascend through the trees.

    It is a long steady haul up Periton Hill to reach Wootton Common, I was a bit chilly at the start of my walk but I soon warm up and start shedding layers.  

    At a fork in the track, as is reaches the edge of open land on Wootton Common, I fork to the left, still going uphill to reach a junction with a track running along the top of the hill where I turn right.

    At a fingerpost for Wootton Courtenay I turn left onto a track initially passing through Pine woods which are dark and featureless but at a junction of paths I turn right into a cracking area of Beech woodland.

    The path I am now on is marked on the map as Roadway Lane, this soon becomes a stunning sunken track descending steeply into Wootton Courtenay.  Such tracks will have been used for centuries and it would have been a challenging journey dragging a cart up this hill to reach Minehead.

    The track enters the village and passes the community hall and then reaches a road.  Here I turn right and then very soon take a lane on the left which is signposted to Brockwell and Ford.  This lane leads to a cattle grid with a gate beside it and then continues on to reach Brockwell.  At a T-junction I leave the road and take a bridleway with a fingerpost to Dunkery Beacon.

    The bridleway ascends gradually and then goes through an attractive area of woodland.

    At a junction of tracks I continue straight on, still going uphill and then emerge from the trees.  It had been my initial intention to turn right here and head towards Horner Wood, but it is such a pleasant day that I decide to head further up Dunkery Hill.  So I continue straight on making a gradual ascent through the heather.

    As I head up I decide that despite my initial plans I will walk to the summit of Dunkery Beacon.  This is often a feature of my solo walking, I have a rough idea of a route but at a junction of paths will go wherever the mood takes me.  So on reaching a minor road I cross and then pass a metal barrier to continue on towards the beacon.

    The ascent is now easier and there is a chance to take in the stunning views.  Reaching four Exmoor ponies I realise I have now seen more ponies than people on my walk.

    Heading towards the summit I see there are folk up there, but by the time I stop to look at the toposcope near the beacon they have moved on.  I do like a toposcope, not as much as a trig point, but they are always an interesting feature on a walk.

    In recent times the beacon has been repointed and it looks a bit stark until it weathers in.  This is the highest point on Exmoor and Somerset and as you might expect it is a bit breezy up here, but the last couple of times I have been here I have struggled to stay upright against the wind.

    Dunkery Hill forms part of the Holnicote Estate which was donated to the National Trust by Colonel W.W Wiggins in 1932.  The views from the summit are outstanding and today I can see all the way across to South Wales.  

    Close to the cairn a chap has what looks like a radio transmitter and aerial.  We have a brief chat and he explains he has been there a couple of hours and has been speaking to people in Europe and now is in a conversation with someone on the Brecon Beacons.  It must be a chilly hobby to participate in.

    I leave the summit following a path downhill heading north towards the coast.

    I ignore paths to the right and continue downhill towards a path marked on the map as Dicky’s Path.

    On reaching the junction with Dicky’s Path I turn right to head towards Aller Coombe. I later try, without success, to find the origins of the naming of this path.

    I follow the path into the combe and cross a ford around the head of the combe and then continue on to reach Hollow Combe.

    From this Combe I stay with Dicky’s Path to reach the large parking area at Webber’s Post.  This is another spot with stunning views.

    From the car park I join the Coleridge Way and follow the way-markers for this long distance path as it leads through Horner Wood.

    The Coleridge Way is a route based on the path said to have been walked by Samuel Coleridge  from Nether Stowey on the west side of the Quantock Hills to Lynmouth.  This section goes through attractive woodland reaching a minor road on the outskirts of Horner after going through a deer proof gate.

    At the road I turn left and walk through the hamlet, continuing along the road to reach a footpath on the left.  Here I take a short diversion to view the pack horse bridge over Horner Water.

    Returning to the road I turn left and head north towards West Luccombe.  Before reaching the village I take a footpath on the right heading east across a field of pasture.

    The way-marked route leads through kissing gates into another field and then follows the fence line to further fields to reach a minor road.

    I turn left along the road and follow it to Piles Mill.  This is a 16th century corn mill with an overshoot watermill.  In the 1930’s and 40’s it was used as a cider mill and is now a National Trust visitor centre.

    After passing the mill I cross the A39 and walk into Higher Allerford and then take a track on the right which leads steadily uphill towards Selworthy.  There are great views from the track looking over the route I was on earlier today.

    I pass fine old barns on the outskirts of Selworthy and then reach a road where I turn left and head uphill to pass the village church.

    After passing the church I continue along the single track lane to reach a crossing of tracks at Dean’s Cross, here I continue straight on along the narrow lane to reach a junction of footpaths on the edge of Little Headon Plantation.  I go through a gate straight in front of me to walk along the northern edge of the plantation.

    Heading along this footpath I get a cracking view of North Hill away to my left.

    The footpath leads into a pasture field where I continue with the hedge line to my left until I reach a way-marker which indicates the path goes through a gate and then downhill on a fenced path towards a minor road.

    At the road I turn right and follow the lane heading back towards Minehead, soon I pass Bratton Court and then continue straight on to stay with the road to reach housing at Woodcombe.  At a road I turn left and then very quickly take a path besides a stream through a park.

    At a road I turn right and then almost immediately left to continue following the stream through another park.  The route is marked as the Parks Walk and leads me to the outskirts of Minehead where I turn left and walk into the town centre and then wend my way back through the streets to reach the caravan park.

    My walk has covered 17 miles which is further than I had intended when I set off, but it has been a cracking day to be out and I have walked through some stunning scenery.

    You can view this 17 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

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

    11th February 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.

  • A Cracking Walk From Minehead

    A Cracking Walk From Minehead

    Back in the Autumn we decided it was time to change our caravan.  We had been travelling in a Coachman VIP 675 for four years and really liked the van.  However, we found a couple of sites were not prepared to take a twin axle and access to others was very tight.  There was also the challenge of setting up and fixing the Alco locks to both wheels.  So last week we collected a Coachman VIP 575 and I am away for a few days to test it out before we start our more serious touring in the Spring.

    One of my favourite winter places to pitch up is the CAMC Minehead site.  It is only a few hours away from home and it is really easy to access.  It is conveniently located for Minehead but more importantly it has great access to Exmoor and the Quantock Hills.  I have done numerous walks from the site and today I am going to do a variation of a walk I often do whilst staying here. 

    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. The road then enters woodland with a steep final ascent to reach a small car park with an information board.

    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 on to reach a junction of tracks.  Here I turn right still on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading towards Tivington.

    I am heading across the top of Hopcott Common and at a fork in the track I go left to keep with the Macmillan Way West and 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 which I have bagged a number of times.

    At the next crossing of footpaths I continue straight on.

    I soon reach the National Trust plaque and enter Holnicote.  

    Within a short distance the track forks and I go right towards Headon Cross with the path leading through the attractive woodland of Tivington Common.

    It has turned out to be a cracking day there is a definite warmth to the sunshine as I walk through the trees.  Initially it is a gradual descent, but then as I near Headon Cross there is a short steep descent to reach a minor road.  In front of me I can see East Lynch which is on my route.

    Turning right on the minor road I reach Headon Cross and go straight over to take a minor road opposite.  This climbs steadily, as the road sweeps to the right I continue straight on along a track towards East Lynch with great views of Dunkery Hill away to my left.

    Approaching East Lynch farm I take a footpath on the right, this runs behind a fine old barn.  I stay on the wide grassy track as it sweeps by farm cottages, ignoring a footpath on the left and continuing uphill to reach a minor road at Deans Cross.  Here I turn left and follow 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 forking right on a track heading towards Allerford.  The track passes some cracking old barns and I stop to look back towards the church.

    The track continues downhill and soon reaches an area where a hedge has been laid.  A couple of years ago I read the Natural History of the Hedgerow by John Wright.  It is a cracking book and totally transformed my walking, I am now far more observant about the way hedges are constructed and the different styles of hedging as I walk in different parts of the Country.

    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.  Soon after passing the old Post Office I take a footpath on the right which passes Stoates Farm and goes through a gate to reach a footbridge over the river.

    On the far side of the bridge I take a footpath towards West Lynch which, initially goes besides the river before starting to ascend into the woods.

    At a crossing of paths I take the route signposted towards Hurlstone Point, this 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 the 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. 

    It is a steady ascent up through this Combe. As I near the edge of the trees I turn left on a path signposted to Hurlstone Point.  This continues through trees and then emerges into Church Combe with cracking views over Porlock Beach.

    At a path on the right I turn and continue up through Church Combe.  

    This is open access land and there is a wide choice of routes made by cattle and people.  One route I choose is blocked by cattle.  They seem very docile, but I decide to be cautious because I am always wary of cattle when I have Crosby with me.  I take one of the other multiple options and carry on uphill skirting the cattle to eventually reach the route of the South West Coast path on Bossington Hill.

    Turning right I follow the way-markers for this long distance trail.  Soon Selworthy Beacon comes into view and then at a fork in the path I go to the right to leave the South West Coast path and continue uphill to reach the trig point besides the beacon.

    It is an absolutely cracking day, there is a chilly breeze but it is mitigated by the warmth of the sunshine and the stunning views.  I follow a track heading toward North Hill with views of the Quantock Hills in the distance.

    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 ontinues with a fence and hedge on the left to reach another gate.  Here I leave the pasture and continue on the South West Coast Path as it goes east across North Hill.  This is an exposed spot and there is a stiff breeze, but despite it being late afternoon the sun continues to provide some warmth.  

    There are a network of paths that would take me back towards Minehead, but after passing a parking area I leave the South West Coastal Path and continue heading east towards woodland.

    On reaching the trees I continue straight on 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 zig zag down through the woods.  I take one that brings me down to the sea front by a park.  From here I walk along the road to pass the Lifeboat Station and the Old Ship Aground pub and reach the harbour and beach.

    From the seafront I turn towards the centre of Minehead and then follow the roads leading back to the caravan site.  It has been a cracking day for walking and I have covered fourteen and a half miles.  I am hoping that the weather is as good for another long 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

    10th February 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.

  • Hippenscombe Bottom and Fosbury Camp

    Hippenscombe Bottom and Fosbury Camp

    It is with relief that I wave goodbye to January and we enter February.  At this time of year the end of winter is only a few weeks away and when the sun shines it radiates a bit of warmth.  Snowdrops and Catkins have started to appear and the days are becoming noticeably longer.  The other thing that lifts the spirits is exploring somewhere new with a walking buddy.  

    Today I am heading out with Nigel, one of my regular walking partners.  We meet up at the Lower Chute Club car park (SP11 9DU) (Grid Ref: SU308530) and plan to do a circuit from the village to the Hillfort at Fosbury Camp.  After the recent mild spell it is a chilly start to the day and there is a bit of drizzle about so we get kitted up in waterproofs and then leave the car park and turn right along Hatchet Hill and very quickly take a footpath on the right which leads between gardens to reach farmland where we continue along the edge of a field heading towards Malthouse Lane.

    At Malthouse Lane we turn left and continue into Upper Chute where we follow the road as it bends to the right soon reaching the Church of St Nicholas.  Apparently there are records of a church on this site dating back to 1320, but this was almost completely rebuilt in 1869-72.

    In the churchyard, close to the entrance path is an old water pump and trough.

    From the church we continue along the road and then at the end of the graveyard wall we go through a gate on the right and head diagonally across a field to reach a gate where we turn right and follow a track heading east.

    After crossing Dummer Lane we continue on the track.

    The path turns to the left at a gate, the map now has it marked as Breach Lane (Track).  We follow this to reach a junction with the Causeway, which was the route of the Roman Road between Winchester and Cirencester. After crossing the road I make a short diversion to walk along the field margin on the left and then briefly pop into the field to bag the Ordnance Survey trig pillar besides the Causeway.  This is my 290th trig.

    Returning to the track we continue to head north, soon we are walking besides Cleves Copse and the path starts to descend steeply and soon becomes fine sunken track.  Such tracks are centuries old and their sunken nature has been created by continuous use by drovers and cart wheels. 

    At the bottom of the hill we turn left and walk through the small hamlet of Hippenscombe and continue along a track as it passes through fields in the attractive Hippenscombe Bottom.

    The sun is breaking through and the rain appears to have blown over.  So we make use of a felled tree trunk to stop for our elevenses and take the opportunity to shed our waterproofs.  Refreshed we head off again still following the track which is now heading north and then sweeps to the left and continues through Hippenscombe Bottom to reach Scotspoor plantation.

    At a junction of paths in the plantation we continue straight on with the fence line to our right, this leads us to a minor road where we turn right and walk about a two hundred yards before taking a track on the left going in a northerly direction towards Tidcombe Down.

    We reach the southern edge of the open access land of Tidcombe Down and turn right at a junction of tracks to head downhill into Tidcombe.  This is a cracking spot, Lynnie and I walked this section of track on a very hot day last June.  It is a lot chillier today, but is still a great place to be.

    It is now a steady descent into Tidcombe where we make a brief diversion to visit the 14th century church of St Michael.

    From the church we turn right and retrace our steps for fifty yards and then take a way-marked path on the left which goes through a gate and descends across a field.

    The path, which is not marked on the OS Map, leads to a track where we turn right and follow this soon passing besides fields.

    When we reach a minor road we turn left and then very quickly take a footpath on the right which goes besides fields heading towards Beacon Farm.

    On reaching the driveway to Beacon Farm we turn right and follow the track as it skirts around the farm buildings and then continues to pass Tummer Copse .  At a junction of paths above Hippenscombe we look to find a way to enter the access land, but there is no clear way through the undergrowth so we go left and then through an open gate on the right which takes us along a track in a pasture field on the edge of the access land.  We spot walking boot tracks so assume that although this is not marked it is probably a permissive path.

    Entering another field the track continues along the edge of the access land and then we reach a point where we enter an area of shrubland and soon turn left to walk across the shrub to reach the Fosbury Camp trig pillar.

    Whilst we are looking at the view from the trig a quad bike approaches across the field.  We are aware that we are off the access land but are greeted warmly by the farmer who seems pleased to meet someone visiting his trig pillar.  We chat about trigs, farming on chalk downland and the New Forest.  We tell him the route we have walked and he seems content that we have walked along the edge of his field and he points the way to Fosbury Camp.

    Resuming our walk we continue along the edge of the access land to reach a gate to Fosbury Camp, the gate has a sign on it reminding people to close it which reinforces our thoughts that this is a permissive route.  Immediately we are in the ramparts of Fosbury Camp.

    Our route will follow the southern edge of the ramparts but we decide to have a look at the ramparts on the left which lead round to a cracking Dewpond.  These ponds sit on downland and have no flowing water supply, instead all the water comes from precipitation.  They are constructed to provide drinking water for livestock.

    Fosbury Camp is an Iron Age hill fort which covers an area of around 26 acres and sits on Knolls Down.  There are cracking views back over Hippenscombe.

    We follow the ramparts around to reach a footpath where we turn right and descend Knolls Down and follow the footpath along the edge of Oakhill Wood.

    We reach a minor road and turn right beside a cottage and then fork right along a track heading towards Hippenscombe.  We stay with the tarmac drive through Conholt Bottom until we reach a footpath on the left which we take and head diagonally back across Conholt Hill.

    We ascend the hill to reach a minor road and after going through a kissing gate turn right along the road and stay with this to reach a junction close to the entrance of Conholt Farm.  Here we take a footpath on the right which goes through a gate into Conholt Park.

    The path follows a clear route as it descends towards a gate and then follows a fenced path which leads into Chute Cadley. 

    We continue along a minor road through the village to reach a green in Lower Chute. 

    Here we go right passing the Hatchet Pub and then fork left to go up Hatchet Hill and reach our starting point in the Club car park.  It has been a cracking 14 mile walk and it won’t be too long before I return to this area for another walk.

    You can view this 14 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here 

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer 131 – Romsey, Andover & Test Valley

    4th February 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

  • Milestones and Bunkers

    Milestones and Bunkers

    Like so many people I find the winter months a gradual drain on my mood.  In years gone by when I commuted to London for work we headed to Lanzarote for a couple of weeks winter sunshine to lift my spirits.  It is over ten year since we did that and increasingly the lack of daylight and dull skies wear me down and I lose my bounce.

    Spending time out walking helps lift my spirits, but during the winter there is always a spell when each walk is a trudge through the mud, or I am heading into driving rain.  My mood is not helped by having Raynaud’s disease meaning that in colder weather my fingers and toes turn numb making even simple tasks very difficult.

    Most of my winter walking is a solitary pastime. Lynnie is occasionally tempted to join me but apart from that and the odd day out with walking buddies I am on my own with Crosby.  I like walking on my own, but there are times when the company of others perks up a walk.

    Today I am out with my walking buddies Mandy, Nigel and Gary.  We are going to have a jamabout around Grovely Wood and as luck would have it we are forecast a bright day once the morning mist has lifted.  

    Our starting point is a parking area besides a drove at the west end of the woods (Grid Ref: SU007347).  We set off along the drove heading in a south-easterly direction.  It is a chilly start to the day but the sky is clear and we have a good view across the valley with the fog hanging below us.

    This track is an ancient drove known as Ox Drove, a common term in this area for a track which was used to drive cattle to market.  This particular route linked Chicklade and Wilton and we soon encounter an old milestone sitting to the left of the track.  It is dated 1759 and indicates that we are 9 miles from Sarum, the old name for Salisbury.

    It is a cracking morning and the frost still lies on the ground as we head along the drove.

    Stopping to take in the view behind us I spot a stunning fog bow.  This is similar to a rainbow, but is created by the sun interacting with water droplets in the fog.  I cannot recall seeing one before.

    The Ox Drove we are following is also part of the Monarch’s Way, a long distance walking route retracing the journey made by Charles II after the battle of Worcester.  The 615-mile way starts from Worcester and after a convoluted route reaches the Dorset coast and then heads east to finally end at Shoreham-on-Sea. 

    At a junction with Fir Drove we stay with the Ox Drove and Monarch’s Way to head uphill in an easterly direction.

    At a junction of tracks just before West Thornhills copse we leave the Monarch’s Way, which forks to the left.  We stay on Ox Drove forking right to pass the copse and carry on to reach East Thornhills.

    The track now descends to a junction of paths and a minor road.  There is a small parking area here and another milestone beside the path bears the inscription “VI Miles from Sarum 1750” .

    We continue east on the Ox Drove, ascending again we get fine views across to Cranborne Chase with the fog still lingering in the valley to the south.

    Just before reaching a junction of paths we pass another milestone.  The inscription on this stone is difficult to make out, apparently it said “V Miles to Sarum 1750”.

    At the junction of paths we continue straight on towards Ugford Red Buildings.

    At a junction of paths by the farm buildings we turn left and keep left as the path forks, this takes us along a line of attractive beech trees. 

    At a junction of paths we turn right and then after a couple of hundred yards take a left along the wide track called First Broad Drive.

    After 500 yards, shortly before the Grim’s Ditch joins the drove, we turn left into the trees to visit the Handsel Sisters.  These are ancient beech trees within this section of pine woodland.

    The Handsel sisters were born in Denmark in the 1700’s and moved to the Wilton area.  Soon after they arrived an outbreak of smallpox claimed 136 lives.  Locals were convinced the sisters were responsible for the deaths and they were accused of witchcraft and an alliance with the devil.  Without an official hearing they were taken to Grovely Woods and bludgeoned to death.  They were then buried some distance apart to stop them conspiring against their murderers.

    There are conflicting tales about the origins of the beech trees, one is that they were planted to mark the graves as a warning to others who might consider practicing witchcraft.  The other that the trees grew on top of the unmarked graves as a reminder to locals of their murders.

    Of the four original trees three remain.  The largest of the trees is strewn with offerings to the sisters.  There are reported sightings of the ghosts of the sisters in this area of woodland and pages on the internet dedicated to the spooky goings on here.  I am not sure what to believe, but the trees have grown in a very strange way and there is certainly a feel about this area that makes me slightly uneasy.

    Having visited the trees we make our way back to First Broad Drive and follow this heading west.  Shafts of sunlight are shining through the trees giving a dramatic effect.

    It is very pleasant walking along the wide track feeling the warmth of the sun.  This is just the sort of thing to lift the spirits, walking with friends in cracking woodland in the sunshine!

    At a crossing of tracks close to Grovely Lodge we continue straight on to join Second Broad Drive.  We decide to take advantage of the sunshine and stop besides the track for some lunch.  

    We don’t hang about too long because despite the sun it soon feels chilly when you are inactive.  Continuing along Second Broad Drive we pass Four Sisters Copse and then leave the main track turning right to follow a path through the trees heading northwest towards the Little Langford Down Nature Reserve.  Like much of Grovely Wood this is open access land so there are no way-markers and we take care to ensure we skirt the top of a valley before turning north through Langford Woods.

    This is a stunning section of woodland maintained as a nature reserve by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.  We stay with a broad ride through the trees to reach the northern end of Langford Woods where there is a barbed wire fence.  This marks the edge of the access land.  Here we make a brief excursion into the field to visit the Ordnance Survey trig pillar on the ramparts of Grovely Castle Iron Age hill fort.

    Back in the woods we retrace our steps through the nature reserve, this time when we reach the top of the valley we fork right on a ride passing an area marked on the map as Powten Stone.  Despite searches over many years by many people the actual location of the stone is unknown but it still justifies being recorded on the map.

    We rejoin the Second Broad Drive and turn right to head west.  During the Second World War these woods played an important role as a storage location for ordnance.  As a result the old Roman Road which we are now walking along was paved to allow easy access for military vehicles.

    Apparently bombs were stored in the woods and fuses and other volatile munitions were stored in hundreds of bunkers.  A couple of these bunkers still remain and one is located by the track, it is easy to identify because someone has sprayed ‘Bunker” by the entrance.

    We stop to have a peek inside, I am not sure I would have wanted to be in such a confined space with volatile ordnance.

    Our route continues along Second Broad Drive, it is getting late in the afternoon and the sun has lost its warmth and there is a definite chill to the air.

    We keep our eyes peeled for a second bunker besides the track, this one is not so easy to find because it is overgrown.  This one has been bricked up presumably to prevent it from being damaged.

    We stay with Second Broad Drive until we reach the edge of the woods, here we turn left besides a barn and follow a track along the northern edge of the wood to reach a minor road.  We turn left to walk through Dinton Beeches and return to our starting point.

    We have covered over thirteen and half miles and it has been a cracking walk.  The sunshine and company of friends has gone a long way to lifting my spirits.  Roll on spring!

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

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map OS 130 Salisbury & Stonehenge 

    13th January 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.

  • Visiting Beacons on Exmoor

    Visiting Beacons on Exmoor

    After a couple of days walking Lynnie has decided that Crosby and I should head out on our own today.  I have long planned a walk to the top of Dunkery Beacon from Minehead.  I’ve walked up Dunkery Hill on a number of occasions but never from Minehead.

    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 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 we 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 another crossing of paths.  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 which I have bagged a number of times.

    I continue straight on through an attractive area of woodland.

    On reaching another  junction of paths I turn left on a track leading to Roadway Lane.

    Joining Roadway Lane I follow this ancient track as it heads downhill to Wootton Courtenay.

    Arriving in the village I turn right and then after 100 yards at a junction I fork left onto Brockwell Lane towards Brockwell and Ford. 

    I now stay with this lane to reach Brockwell Farm and then as the road sweeps to the left I continue straight on to join a footpath signed to Dunkery Beacon.

    There are a couple of paths here but I follow the one heading south west which soon leads through an attractive area of beech woodland.

    At a crossing of paths I continue straight on through the trees to reach the edge of moorland.   Here I keep heading in a south westerly direction and start the gradual ascent of Dunkery Hill. 

    It is a long steady two mile up hill to Dunkery Beacon but I appear to have the hill to myself so I can enjoy the solitude.

    After crossing a minor road I continue uphill along a broad track with the beacon in view in the distance.

    As I near the beacon I stop to check out the toposcope.  I have been here a number of times, but previously the visibility has been poor.

    On every occasion I have been here there has been a chill wind blowing and today is no exception.  This hill stands at 1,705 feet and is very exposed.

    From the beacon I take a grassy path which heads north as it descends the hill.

    After a couple of hundred yards I take a path on the right which heads north east towards a minor road.

    Nearing the road I turn left on a path which initially runs parallel with the road but then joins it and continues downhill to Webbers Post Car Park.

    From the car park I join the route of the Coleridge Way.  This 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. 

    I stay with the way-markers until I reach Jubilee Hut. This is a weather hut thought to have been  built originally by the Acland’s who owned Holnicote Estate.  Built in celebration of 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.

    At the hut I leave the Coleridge Way and take a footpath on the left which soon descends steeply  towards Horner Water.

    On reaching the water I cross on a footbridge and turn right along a track heading towards Horner with the water flowing to my right.

    After crossing a bridge I turn left along a minor road and walk through Horner.

    I stay with this road heading towards West Luccombe until I reach a footpath on the right which is opposite a campsite on the left.  The path goes through a gate and across a field heading east to a band of trees.

    After going through a kissing gate I continue along the edge of a field and then pass through two more fields to reach a minor road where I turn left and follow this lane to Piles Mill.  This 16th century mill was originally a corn mill and then between 1930 and 1940 it was used for cider making.  Now it is run by the National Trust.

    With care I cross the A39 and walk into Brandish Street and turn left to follow a lane to Higher Allerford.  Here I turn right to follow a track signposted to Selworthy.  This route heads steadily upwards along the track towards Selworthy.

    At a junction of paths I turn left and go through a gate to head uphill through Holnicote Combe.  Despite walking a lot in this area this is the first time I have walked through this attractive combe.

    At the top of the combe I reach a minor road where I turn right and then very quickly take a track on the left leading to Selworthy Beacon.

    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.  From here I follow a waymarked path indicating it is two miles to Minehead.

    During World War II North Hill was requisitioned and local farms evacuated so the area could become the Minehead Armoured Fighting Range. It is not long before I start to see signs of the construction that took place to enable the tank movements and the strategically placed Radar Station. This station was built in 1942 and formed part of a network of 244 similar stations across the Country constructed between 1937 and 1944.

    The purpose of these stations was to plot the German Luftwaffe aircraft and guide British pilots. During World War II Lynnie’s mother was stationed in a unit like this in South Devon.

    I now continue along a track which leads into woods above Culver Cliff.

    There are an extensive network of paths that zigzag down through the trees.  I know that as long as I keep descending and follow the way-markers towards Minehead I will eventually end up in the town. The route I take arrives at the sea front by a park where I then walk besides the road to reach Minehead Harbour,

    From here it is a case of following the roads through Minehead to return to the caravan site to find out how Lynnie has spent her day.

    You can view this 19 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

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

    28th October 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

  • England’s Tallest Tree

    England’s Tallest Tree

    Four years ago I did an interesting walk from the delightfully named Nutcombe Bottom to Withycombe Common and on my return went close to the site of the tallest tree in England.  However I decided not to visit the tree because I thought I would save it for a day when Lynnie was walking with me.  Today we are going to combine the visit to the tree with a variation on my previous walk in this area.

    Today’s walk starts just south of Dunster in the car park at Nutcombe Bottom, (OS Grid Ref: SU977423).  We start by heading south through Nutcombe Bottom and gradually ascend into Hats Wood.

    There are a network of tracks and paths in the woods but we keep heading south crossing a couple of tracks to reach Broadwood Plantation where the track sweeps in a south-easterly direction to reach a crossing of tracks.  Here we go to the left and head east on a track that follows the contour line around a hill.

    We stay with this track as it sweeps around Longcombe Hill and then heads south towards Long Wood.  I recall from the last time I was walking here that one of the features of walking in these woods is the wood carvings created from old tree stumps.  

    This is another track where paths lead off to either side, but we stick with it going towards the south until we reach a crossroads of tracks where we turn left and go east towards Withycombe Common.

    Emerging from the trees we keep going east to reach a point where six paths meet on the edge of Withycombe Common.  Here we take the broad stony track heading up onto the Common.

    Reaching the brow of the hill we leave the track to walk the few yards to reach the Withycombe Common OS trip pillar.  I have previously bagged this trig but it is the first time Lynnie has been up here so much to Crosby annoyance we stop for the obligatory trig picture.

    There are far reaching views along the Somerset coastline as we start to descend towards Rodhuish Common.

    At a crossing of tracks on the edge of Rodhuish Common we keep heading east to follow a muddy path across the common.  It looks like this path has been churned up by a number of horses,  making it hard going for two legged creatures.

    At the edge of the common we head towards a gate and join a track heading towards Rodhuish Cross.

    On joining a minor road we turn right and continue to Rodhuish Cross where we turn right again and then at a fork go left to follow the lane to reach the delightful, small 15th century church of St Bartholomew.

    This small church is equally attractive inside as it is from the outside.  After a brief internal visit we settle down on a bench besides the church to eat our lunch.

    Refreshed we continue south along the road and follow it as it bends around Style’s Farm.  There is a sign advertising their ice cream, this is not an ice cream Lynnie has knowingly tasted.  So she makes a note to try it the next time we spot somewhere selling it.

    At the next junction we take the lane on the left (Sandrocks Lane) to head north.  As the path descends towards Withycombe there are good views across the Bristol Channel.

    At a junction we turn left and continue downhill into Withycombe.  After crossing a footbridge besides a ford we turn right to reach St Nicholas’ Church.

    We take a look inside the church and are drawn to the effigy of a woman lying in a window. Either side of the effigy are elaborately carved turrets and the effigy is holding a box across her chest. I later read that this is thought to signify that only her heart is buried in the location. 

    From the church we take the left fork to join Withycombe Lane and follow this out of the village and then as we near the outskirts of Carhampton we take a drove on the left (Hill Lane) and follow this towards Withycombe Hill. 

    At a junction of tracks we continue straight on still heading up Withycombe Hill, it is a long steady haul.

    As the path starts to level we reach open access land.  Here we follow a track with open heathland too our left and a plantation to our right.

    On reaching Withycombe Hill Gate we take a path to the left heading towards Bat’s Castle.

    We are now heading west.  It is cracking winter’s afternoon, a chill in the air is compensated by bright skies with a bit of warmth from the sun.  The path leads to the ramparts of the Iron Age hillfort at Bat’s Castle.

    The path passes through the centre of the hillfort and then descends before rising again to reach Gallox Hill where we encounter Exmoor ponies grazing beside the path.

    The path descends to a gate where we turn left and follow a clear path descending through coniferous trees.

    We continue through the trees and then reach a track which leads to a parking area for the Tall Tree Trail.  Here we take the Trail path on the left which follows the stream.

    The trees in this section of woodland are mainly Douglas Firs planted in the 1870s.

    Fortunately we have chosen a very quiet afternoon to visit this spot.  I imagine it would be packed in the tourist season or school holidays, but today we have the place almost to ourselves.  On a day like this it is a special place.

    The tallest of the trees in this woodland is a Douglas Fir which reportedly is 197 feet tall.  It is easy to identify because it is the only tree with a wooden surround.  It also lays claim to being the tallest tree in England.

    The only problem when trying to photograph a tall tree is the angle you need take the picture, consequently making the tree look pretty average in size.

    Returning to the Tall Tree car park we turn left and follow a path leading back to our starting point in Nutcombe Bottom car park.  It has been a cracking walk covering just over eleven miles.

    You can view this 11 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here 

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

    27th October 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    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.

  • Tea For Two at Periwinkle Cottage

    Tea For Two at Periwinkle Cottage

    Last year when staying at Minehead I walked over to Selworthy to meet up with a Twitter buddy, Sarah, at Periwinkle Cottage Tea Rooms.  My meeting someone I met on social media didn’t concern Lynnie, however, going to a tea room without her was frowned upon.  So today I am putting things right and we will stop for tea and scones at this excellent tea room.

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

    We ignore footpaths leading off from the road until we reach an information board for Dunster Woods.  Now we take the uphill path to the right of the information board on the route of the Macmillan Way West. We ignore a path on the right soon after leaving the car park and then where the Macmillan Way meets a crossing of tracks we 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 we 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 we go left to keep with the Macmillan Way West.  There are good views from here back along the coastline towards Blue Anchor.

    We continue to head west to another crossing of paths.  The Macmillan Way turns left towards Wootton Courtney, however, we 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 which I have bagged a number of times.

    At the next crossing of footpaths we continue straight on through an attractive area of trees.

    On reaching another  junction of paths we 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 we go right continuing towards Headon Cross with the path leading through the cracking woodland of Tivington Common.

    Our route descends gradually, but as we near Headon Cross there is a short steep descent to reach a minor road.  Turning right on the road we reach Headon Cross and go straight over to take the minor road opposite.  This climbs steadily, as the road sweeps to the right we continue straight on along a track towards East Lynch.  From here there is a good view of Dunkery Hill.

    Approaching East Lynch Farm we take a footpath on the right, this runs behind a fine old barn.  We stay on the wide grassy track as it sweeps by farm cottages, ignoring a footpath on the left and continuing uphill.  On reaching a minor road at Deans Cross we turn left and follow the road downhill into Selworthy for Lynnie’s long awaited tea and scones.

    Refreshed we head back up through the gardens of the tea room to the War Memorial and then take the footpath on the left, soon heading into the attractive Selworthy Combe.  Where the track forks we go left to go over a bridge and follow the path as it heads uphill through the trees.  Our route continues steadily uphill on an attractive path through the trees.  Nearing the minor road at the top of the hill we turn left along a grassy track.

    We follow the path to reach the Memorial Hut, erected in 1878 by John Barton Arundel Acland the youngest son of Thomas Dyke Acland (1787 -1871).  One of the inscriptions inside reads “In remembrance of the father who during more than fifty years took Sunday walks up this Combe with his Children and Grandchildren training them in the love of nature and of Christian poetry this Wind and Weather hut was built”.

    From the hut we walk uphill to a minor road and cross to follow a track leading uphill to Selworthy Beacon.

    From the trig point we take a path heading east on a track running close to the road.

    After going through a gate near a cattle grid we continue through an area of pasture.

    The path continues close to the road to reach another gate, now we keep going east to reach another parking area and then keep going to another car park close to woodland.  Here we veer to the left and take a path going east through trees and passing 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.

    We carry on until we reach a fork in the path, we go to the left and descend towards a gate continuing steadily downhill on the path.  

    There are multiple paths in the trees that descend towards the seafront.  We stay with one that goes straight on to reach a tarmac lane and turn left, soon joining the Zig Zag path, enjoying views of the sea as we descend to the seafront.

    At the bottom of the path we turn left and pass cottages to reach the seafront by the sculpture marking the start, or end, of the south west coast path. From here we turn right and wander through the streets of Minehead to get back to the caravan site.

    You can view this 12 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

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

    26th October 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    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.

  • The Smallest Church in England

    The Smallest Church in England

    Almost exactly a year ago I took a trip to Minehead CAMC without Lynnie.  She decided to stay at home whilst Crosby and I walked on Exmoor.   During the week I did a number of cracking walks I had not previously done.  This year I have persuaded Lynnie to join us, I am not sure whether it was the thought of some new walks or the promise of visits to a few tea rooms that temped her.  I am pretty sure it was the latter.

    The final walk on my last trip was a stunning, circular walk from Bossington visiting Porlock Weir, Culbone Church, Worthy Wood and Porlock.  At around 12 miles it is an acceptable distance for Lynnie and is a new walk she is keen to do.  Our starting point is the National Trust car park in Bossington (TA24 8HF) (Grid Ref: SS898479).  

    From the car park we join the road and turn right and at a junction continue on a right fork to head along a dead end lane passing Bossington Farm and heading towards the beach.

    On the beach we turn left towards a World War II pillbox.

    Just a bit further along is an impressive disused lime kiln.  This is the last remaining one of four kilns on this beach and is thought to have been built in the early 1800’s.

    Close to the lime kiln is another pillbox, this one is a bit further inland and looks better protected from the ravages of the sea.

    From the pillbox we take a path that goes beside a wall over marshy pasture and then at a junction of paths we turn left and follow a raised walkway across the salt marsh heading inland.  There are cracking views of Bossington Hill from here.

    At a junction of paths we turn right and follow the route of the South West Coast Path towards Porlock Weir.  After crossing a footbridge over a stream we reach a memorial to the crew of an American Liberator bomber that set off on 29th October 1942 from Holmsely airfield in the New Forest as part of an anti-submarine patrol in the Bay of Biscay.  On its return flight it encountered bad weather and  clipped Bossington Hill.  The plane crashed on the marshland and eleven of the twelve man crew lost their lives.

    We continue on the path through the petrified remains of ancient woodland on the marshes which formed part of a submerged forest.

    We stay with the coastal path way markers and soon follow a shingle bank heading towards Porlock Weir.

    As the path reaches a road we turn right and wander into Porlock Weir passing the Ship Inn, or Bottom Ship, as it is known.  This is because there is also a Ship Inn in nearby Porlock.

    A bit further on we reach the harbour.  There was once a thriving industry here catching Oysters and the harbour was also visited by herring fleets.  These days the fishing industry is small, the harbour is mainly occupied by pleasure vessels, though oyster farming was revived in 2013 and they can be purchased at the harbour.

    It is a pleasant, sunny, autumnal day and we decide to stop at a picnic bench beside the harbour and get a pot of tea from a cafe situated in the converted barns.  Lynnie seizes the opportunity to look at the crafts in the gallery. 

    Refreshed we resume our walk and take a footpath on the left just after the barns.  This goes up some steps to reach the edge of a field of pasture.  Now we follow the way-markers to reach a minor road where we turn right and continue down to the gates of the private toll road at Worthy.  This toll road on the Porlock Manor Estate was built in the 1840’s to provide work for local people following the Napoleonic Wars.  Originally the tolls were collected at the Ship Inn in Porlock Weir, but these days they are collected at the gates.

    Our route continues on the coastal path through the arch to the right of the main gate and then goes steadily uphill passing through tunnels.  Apparently early in the 19th century the Earl of Lovelace built a home here for his bride, Lord Byron’s daughter Ada. This was a rambling folly called Ashley Coombe which was demolished in the 1950’s.  It is said that these tunnels were built so that Ada did not have to see tradesman delivering goods to her home.

    The path steadily ascends through the trees, over time landslips have meant the path has been diverted, there is the occasional section where recent erosion makes the going a bit tricky and the walking poles are deployed for extra stability.  After getting the occasional view across  the sea to the south coast of Wales we start to descend into the hamlet of Culbone and  make our way to the churchyard.

    St Beuno’s church still holds regular services and is said to be the smallest church in England seating just 30 people.  It is a cracking little church dating back to pre-Norman times, the porch was added in the 13th century.

    After stopping for lunch on a bench in the churchyard we leave via a gate leading to a footpath beside a stream and turn right following the way-markers to Silcombe Farm.  This path goes by a cottage and then continues up through Withy Combe on a clear way-marked path.

    At a junction of paths we turn left and continue heading uphill on a hedge lined track to reach a gate.

    After going through the gate we continue along a track besides a field to reach another gate where we join a minor road near Silcombe Farm. Now we turn left and follow this lane, Yearnor Mill Lane, passing a series of entrances to farms, Parsonage Farm, Ash Farm and Yarner Farm.  Along the way there are stunning views of the coastline.

    We are now on the Coleridge Way, I have walked a number of sections of this 51 mile route which goes from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s home in Nether Stowey to Lynmouth. It is said that he walked the route frequently to visit friends.  Coleridge was mates with William and Dorothy Wordsworth, at the time Coleridge was in Nether Stowey the Wordsworth’s were also in the Quantock Hills at Alfreston, he was also a contemporary of Lord Byron.

    We ignore a road to the right to Lynmouth and stay with Yearnor Mill Lane to a junction with Pitt Lane, here turning left we go steadily downhill to reach the entrance to the Worthy Hill Toll Road.   The toll road is not accessible to walkers so we take a footpath on the right signed to Porlock.  This goes through a gate and joins an attractive track through trees in Worthy Wood.

    We are still on the Coleridge Way, but where it veers to the left we stay on the main track at the southern edge of the woods.  Then at a fork in the path we go left and continue downhill to a junction of tracks and turn left.  At the next junction of tracks we turn right and rejoin the Coleridge Way and follow the track to the Community Hall at Porlockford.  Now we turn right up a track besides the hall and then cross a stream at a footbridge on the left.

    We are still on the Coleridge Way and follow this towards Porlock.  It is a wooded path but we get occasional glimpses of the coastline and Porlock Bay.

    The path leads into Porlock where we turn left and wander through the village to pass the Ship Inn, or the Top Ship as it is known.  This pub dates back to the 15th century and as you would expect of such an old inn there are many tales of smuggling and other goings on.  The pub’s website has tales of its interesting history.

    We continue through the village to pass the church of St Dubricius with its unusual spire that appears to have had the top cut off.

    From the church we continue along the High Street and then take a left turn into Sparkhayes Lane and follow this out of the village towards the coast. At a junction of paths we turn right to join the South West Coast Path with a cracking view of Bossington Hill in front of us.

    We now follow the way-markers back into Bossington to reach our starting point in the National Trust car park.  Our walk has covered 12 miles and has gained full approval from Lynnie.

    You can view this 12 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX file here

    To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map OS9 Exmoor

    25th  October 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    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.

  • Wiltshire’s Thankful Village

    Wiltshire’s Thankful Village

    It is taking me a while but I am gradually bagging the Ordnance Survey trig pillars in Wiltshire. I have yet to work out how many there are, but I know a few sit on Ministry of Defence Land with limited or no access, so getting them all is unlikely.  There are also a few others where access might prove difficult, so for the time being I am going for those that are easy to get.  Today I have my sights set on a couple more and I am joined on my jaunt by my walking buddy Mandy.

    The starting point for our walk is the village of Stapleford, just off of the busy A36 in the Wylye Valley.   We start from the parking area in the village just past the village church (Grid Ref SU070373).  From here we walk back along the road to the visit St Mary’s Church.

    On my walks I frequently pop into churches to admire the architecture rather than the spiritual aspect.  For me it is usually a cursory glance, but Mandy is more into churches so we spend time having a good look inside.  Immediately I am glad we have as there are many interesting features in this church.  Behind the 12th century font in a window is a notice explaining that Stapleford is a Thankful Village.

    During my walks I have stumbled on a few Thankful Villages, these are villages where residents served in the First World War and all returned.  The exact number of “Thankful Villages” is unclear.  In 1930 the writer Arthur Lee identified thirty-two such villages and then later research in 2013 identified fifty-three villages.  Neither list contains any Wiltshire Village.

    However, the notice says that Stapleford is the only “Thankful Village” in Wiltshire and lists the names of nine men who fought in the so called “Great War”.  However, there is a caveat in the notice saying it is unclear exactly how many men from the village went to fight in the War and how many returned.

    I have driven along the A36 passing the edge of Stapleford hundreds of times, but I am sorry to say that I have never ventured into this attractive village.  Along with being a “Thankful Village” apparently it is where, in the summer of 1938, the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams stayed and composed part of his Fifth Symphony.

    Just before reaching a bus stop we turn right into Chapel Lane and then take a footpath between walls and follow the path across a field to reach the A36.  After carefully crossing this busy road we turn right and then take a footpath on the left between the Petrol Station and the Pelican Bridge. This path soon leads us to meadows besides the River Wylye.

    The path takes us through fields to cross the river at Kingsmead Bridge.

    Over the bridge we continue to a road and turn right.  This is a quiet country lane and it is pleasant walking along with good views of the edge of Cranbourne Chase to our left.

    After just over a mile on the road we reach a junction at the edge of Little Langford.  Here we turn right and cross the railway line and then take a path on the left heading towards the church of St Nicholas.  This is an attractive small church originally dating from the 12th century and the interior was refurbished in 1864.  

    The church is locked but there’s plenty to see on the outside as the walls are littered with interesting stone carvings.

    From the church we continue on a footpath taking us through a pasture field to join a road which we follow for half a mile to reach Hanging Langford where we pass the village hall and continue along the road for a further two miles to reach Wylye.  

    In this attractive village we turn right opposite the old Chapel and continue through the village to reach St Mary’s church.

    There are a number of interesting features in this church but I am drawn to the notice explaining the background to the Popjay Tomb. This stands opposite the south porch and is an ornate tomb inside railings. According to the story, an 18th century local man by the name of Popjay was convicted of crimes and transported to Australia. When he eventually returned to Wylye it was in a fine carriage, and he was dressed with all the trappings of great wealth.  Popjay lodged at the Bell Inn and enquired after his mother and sister. He was dismayed to find that in his absence both had died and been buried in pauper’s graves. He ordered an elaborate tomb and had his relatives reburied.  But when the bills arrived for the work on the tomb Popjay disappeared, leaving the bills unpaid. He was never seen again, and the rector of St Mary’s had to pay the bills out of his own pocket. In 1840 Rev Francis Baker chose to be buried within the Popjay tomb.

    Leaving the churchyard we turn right and pass the Bell Inn and then the Village Hall.  We soon cross the River Wylye and then take a footpath on the left which passes under the busy A303 and leads into fields besides the river.

    The path leads us to the small village of Fisherton de la Mere where we stop at St Nicholas’ Church.  Dating back to the 14th century the church had substantial rebuilding in the 1830s and 1860s.

    The church is maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust.  Inside is a 12th century font.

    From the church we head west and then at a junction of lanes turn right to reach the A36.  We turn right for a few yards and then cross this busy road to take a track on the opposite side leading to Manor Farm.  The track takes us through farm buildings and then continues north through arable fields.

    This is a long straight track with stunning views over rolling down land.  

    The track turns to the left and then at junction of tracks we go right to continue north to reach a crossing of tracks.  Here we turn left to make a short detour to the Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar on Clay Pit Hill.  This the 286th I have bagged.

    From the trig we return to the crossing of tracks and this time go east on a route which skirts the edge of a copse.

    From the corner of the trees the path heads across a field to reach a track where we turn right and follow it in a south easterly direction across Deptford Down.

    There are soon signs to our left warning of an active airstrip and then a helicopter flies low overhead.  It continues to do a range of manoeuvres, we assume this is part of a training regime rather than a private show for our benefit.

    We stay with this main track heading in a south easterly direction towards Yarnbury Castle.  On reaching the edge of the castle site I take a brief diversion from the public right of way to enter the site of the old hill fort.

    Yarnbury Castle is a large iron age hillfort covering an area of 28.5 acres.  There are panoramic views from the site and well maintained ramparts.  It is now designated as a site of special scientific interest, but from the 1700’s through to 1916 it was the site of the Winterbourne sheep fair.  In 1916 the area was commandeered by the Ministry of Defence as a training area.  Now it is used for pasture.

    On the south eastern side of the hillfort there is an ordnance survey trig pillar, I have passed this on many occasions driving along the nearby A303 but have never noticed it.

    Returning to the track we carry on towards the A303.  This section of the road is a dual carriageway and there is a large refuge area in the centre so we are able to cross comfortably.  However, I would not want to try and get across here in peak holiday season when it is really busy.

    Our route continues along a drove and we soon pass a milestone. The engraving is worn but it is dated 1750 and indicates that it is IX miles to Sarum (Salisbury) and XXVII Miles to Bath.

    Staying with the track we soon start to descend and go straight on at a crossing of tracks.  As we descend there are fine views across the Wylye Valley.

    At the next junction of tracks we turn left, leaving the main track and heading towards Stapleford Castle.  

    Stapleford Castle is a medieval Ring and Bailey castle that sits beside the River Till.  It is not accessible and hard to make out from the path.  On reaching a minor road we continue straight on.  After crossing a bridge over a stream we turn right onto the B3083 and follow this road through the village to reach our starting point in the church car park.

    Our walk has covered 16.5 miles and despite the early section along minor roads it has been a cracking day out exploring a part of the Wiltshire countryside I have not previously visited.

    You can view this 16.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here 

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map – 130 – Salisbury & Stonehenge

    22nd October 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    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.

  • Three New Forest Trigs from Burley

    Three New Forest Trigs from Burley

    I am still exploring parts of the New Forest I have not previously walked.  Despite being so close to home it has never been high on my list of locations to walk.  However, since doing a navigation course there early last year I have begun to visit more frequently and have started to piece together the landscape.  An unexpected benefit of doing the navigation course was meeting the course leader Nigel, we have become walking buddies and his knowledge of the Forest means we visit some cracking spots.

    Today I am meeting Nigel at the car park besides Burley Cricket Club, (Grid Ref: SU215029).  The car park also serves as a drop off point for the village school located across the Green so it is pretty busy with comings and goings.  I played cricket locally for nearly thirty years but never played at Burley, which is a pity because it is a cracking spot.  The club was formed back in 1875 and moved to this pitch in 1912.  The outbreak of the World War I saw the club suspend play, but they resumed again in 1918 and have played here ever since.

    We leave the car park and cross the road and head west and then on meeting a minor road, Moorhill Road, we turn left and head south.  We leave Moorhill Lane to join a track signposted to Goats Pen Cottage.

    The track leads over Shappen Hill where we start to descend towards a disused railway line.

    On reaching the disused railway we turn right.  This is a section of the railway line that linked Brockenhurst and Ringwood, it was part of the line between Northam and Dorchester.  It was opened in 1847 and created at the instigation of a Wimborne solicitor called Charles Castleman.  The line took a circuitous route through the forest and was called ‘Castleman’s Snake’.  

    The route leaves the disused railway line and goes through a car park to cross a road and continue towards Long Pond.

    We are now on open heathland surrounded by heather and dead bracken.  It is interesting that most other places I have walked recently the bracken has only just started to brown, whereas here it is dead.  Nigel tells me that in the forest the bracken comes up much earlier and therefore dies back earlier too.

    We follow a path almost parallel to the railway line and then cross it on a bridge to head south towards Dur Hill Inclosure.

    Soon at a junction of tracks we turn left and then very quickly take another track on the right which goes South and starts to ascend the hill.  Many of the trees in the inclosure have been felled, so what looks like woodland on the map is heathland.  We reach a four way junction of tracks where we turn left  and then at the next junction we turn right to head south along a track by a few remaining trees.  Soon on our right is the Dur Hill Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  This is the 283rd I have bagged.

    From the trig post we head south on Dur Hill Down, along the way we meet a solitary cow.  There is no sign of any others so presumably she has become separated from the herd.  She stands in the path and nonchalantly watches as we pass by.  

    At the southern edge of the down we turn left and follow a path to cross a minor road at Cross Ways and then continue on the heathland opposite across Thorney Hill Holms towards Holmsley Inclosure.

    We head through the inclosure in an easterly direction following clear tracks to reach a minor road where we right.  We now have a short section besides this lane we it leads to the A35.  At the main road we turn left and then cross almost immediately opposite the Holmsley Toll House.  I am intrigued that the house has a crest of Edward VII on it.  The association with royalty is unclear, apparently Edward VII liked to visit the forest, but why he would have a crest on a toll house is not recorded.  It is odd given that the toll house stood on an old turnpike and these were abolished in the 1880’s.  

    After crossing the road we continue heading east  on a cycleway through Brownhill Inclosure. Our route continues into Wootton Coppice Inclosure to reach a minor road at Wootton Bridge.  We turn left and cross the bridge and then stay on the verge beside the road.  Just before reaching a junction we go right on a cycleway which soon joins the track bed of the old disused Brockenhust to Ringwood railway.

    We stay with the route of the railway until we reach caravans parked in the woods of Set Thorns Inclosure.  We have stayed at nearly a hundred caravan sites on our travels but never one that looks like this.  There are vans parked apparently haphazardly amongst the trees.  The wood is dense here and there is little light.  Many of the vans look like they have been pitched up for the season.  I prefer open spaces so it would definitely not be for me.

    We follow a track through the caravans to reach the Set Thorns Inclosure car park.  Here we turn left and walk besides the road to reach a T- junction where we turn right and follow a path running parallel to the road signposted to Brockenhurst and Battramsley.  Soon after passing a track to the Longslade View car park we spot the Sway Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar on our left and wander across to bag my 284th trig.

    From the trig we head in a northerly direction through the heather to pick up the track to the Longslade View car park and then continue along the track still heading north. The track soon starts to descend across Hincheslea Bog.  The recent rain means the water level here is high and has started to encroach on the track.

    This is a cracking spot and an area of the forest I have not visited.  I must bring Lynnie here before too long.  The path starts to rise and enters Hincheslea Wood where it turns to the left through the trees.

    Emerging from the trees we stay with a track heading across the gorse covered Horseshoe Earth to cross a minor road and then continue on a track to reach Wilverley Plain. Heading diagonally across this open space we see an abundance of sweet chestnuts.  This is odd because we are a long way from woodland and start to speculate as to how they could have ended up there.  We are heading towards Wilverley Inclosure, but before reaching the boundary of the trees we turn right along a broad grass path heading towards Wilverley Post.

    Our intended route is across the A35.  The best option is to use an underpass a bit further north, so we before reaching Wiverley Post we turn right along a track that heads towards Markway  Inclosure. 

    As the track ascends we veer to the left towards the A35 and then pick up a path running parallel to the main road.  This path soon becomes an old tarmac road with the cat’s eyes still visible.  This was the route of the old road before the new road was constructed.  We descend to the subway and pass under the main road.  The last time I used one of these underpasses it was in the heat of the summer and the tunnel was congested with ponies trying to get some shade. Today it is much cooler so we have the passage to ourselves. On the far side of the road we turn to the left and follow a track before heading across the heather to reach the Markway Hill Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar, this is number 285 for me.

    Returning to the track we turn left and head across heathland towards the Clay Hill car park.

    The car park is fenced off and looks as if it is going to be permanently closed, however, I later discover the closure relates to work being carried out on the nearby Holmsley Rail Bridge, so presumably it will reopen at some point in the future.

    We now follow a tarmac driveway from the car park that heads west.  This passes a pond at Holman’s Bottom.

    After the pond we carry on to reach a road junction, we cross a minor road and continue west on a path besides Wilverley Road heading towards Burley.  On either side of this road is the attractive Burley golf course.  I played here about forty years ago, in those days green fees were paid into an honesty box and the clubhouse facilities were very basic.  The course opened in 1906 and although not particularly long it is interesting and challenging, not least because of the livestock that roam around the fairways. There are nine holes, but played off separate tees to make up a full eighteen. If I pick up my clubs and start playing again I will make a point of revisiting this course.

    Staying parallel to the road leads us back to our starting point besides Burley Cricket pitch.  We have walked sixteen and a half miles through some places in the forest I have never been.  Gradually Nigel is changing my perception of walking in the New Forest so there is every chance I will be heading here again before too long.

    You can view this 16.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map 22  – New Forest

    19th October 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

    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.