Two Dogs and an Awning

Category: South West

  • Bye Common and Room Hill

    Bye Common and Room Hill

    After yesterday’s abbreviated walk, due to feeling unwell, I had an early night and today feel a lot brighter.  Still not 100% but well enough to venture out for a ten mile walk.  My aim today is to visit one of the Exmoor trigs missing from my list of trigs bagged.  I also hope to do a walk I planned a few years ago with Dexter and Crosby, but had to re-route due to frisky cattle.

    The starting point is the Exmoor National car park in the centre of Exford.  At the moment the parking is free but there is a notice saying parking charges will apply when meters have been installed. I leave the car park via the footpath at the far end of the parking area and head in a south-easterly direction along the edge of a field following the route of the River Exe.

    At a junction of paths I turn left on a path signposted to Higher Combe.

    I am now heading east along a track and keep going in that direction when the path enters a field of pasture.  

    The path leads to a metal gate on the edge of the field.  

    Going through the gate there is a short steep descent to a footbridge over a stream.

    On the far side of the stream I head uphill across a field to join a track close to Higher Combe. I turn left and continue uphill on a concrete driveway.

    At a junction with a minor road, Staddonhill Road, I turn right and walk along this lane, soon reaching a cattle grid with gate beside.

    The map shows this lane as a minor road, in reality it is a dead end lane which leads to Staddon Farm.  It was along this track that I encountered the frisky cattle a couple of years ago.  There is evidence they’ve been here in the recent past but it looks like they have been moved elsewhere.  In any case without the dogs a herd of cattle is easier to deal with.

    Staying with the tarmac driveway I pass a section of hedgerow that has recently been cleared.  This looks drastic, but it is the traditional way of coppicing a hedge in this part of the country and it will soon regenerate.

    At a junction of tracks I continue through a gate on a restricted byway waymarked to Larcombe Foot.

    At a junction of tracks the restricted byway turns right and starts to descend gradually, there is no public access on the path that goes straight.

    Turning left the track keeps going downhill, it is now shown on the map as Kemps Lane.  After going through a gate the path continues to descend towards Kemps Farm.

    It is a cracking day and as I walk down the track there are  fine views of the other side of the valley and the hill I will be heading up before too long.

    After passing through Kemps Farm I reach a minor road.  Instead of joining it I turn right and take a bridge over the River Exe.

    After approximately 100 metres the track forks and I go to the left and head through a gate onto a track heading towards Bye Hill.

    The track leads to another gate after which the path goes diagonally across Bye Common to the top of Bye Hill.

    Heading up there are cracking views back across the valley over the area I walked earlier around Kemps Farm.

    It is a stiff walk up this hill but the views make the effort well worth it.  At the top of the hill the footpath divides and I take a grassy track on the right which starts a steady descent across Bye Common towards the River Exe.

    When the track reaches a junction of paths at a gate I do not go through but instead keep heading west staying close to the fence line.  Soon it becomes a sunken track and keeps going downhill towards the river.

    At a junction of tracks near the river I turn left towards Nethercote and almost immediately reach a bridge over the river.  I don’t cross, but take a path on the left way-marked to Ash Lane and Room Hill.

    Initially the path goes besides the river, but at a fork in the track I go left and head uphill away from the riverbank.

    At first the path goes through trees and then crosses a couple of fields to reach a very boggy area.  The map shows there is a spring here, but today the water running over the bank is like a torrent.

    After going through a gate I turn right along the fence line onto a footpath which joins a grassy track going steadily downhill.

    The path descends through an area of woodland and then across a field to reach the side of the River Exe by a footbridge and ford.

    I turn left on the path as it hugs the river to my right and about one hundred metres after cross a stream and turn to the left to head uphill on a clear path that ascends steadily towards Room Hill.

    At a junction of paths I turn left following the way-markers for Room Hill, this path ascends steeply.  As the path emerges from woodland there are stunning views back into the valley.

    I am now on open access land but follow a well walked path across the summit of Room Hill heading towards Room Hill Road.  At a gate near the road I make a diversion from my route and leave the access land and turn right to walk along the road for a few hundred metres to reach a gateway on the right leading into a field.  Here I pop over a couple of gates and cross the field to reach the Chibbet Cross Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  This is the 421st trig I have bagged. 

    From the trig I retrace my steps back along the road to the access land on Room Hill and head along the edge of the access land with the hedge line on my left.  I am now on route  of the Exe Valley Way, this is a long distance 52-mile path from Exford to Starcross where the River Exe reaches the sea.

    I am heading towards a line of Beech trees and after passing the trees go through a gate and head downhill to reach a gate on the left.  I go through and then cross a field whilst battling with a strong headwind.

    On the far side I enter Court Copse and follow the Exe Valley Way as it goes through the trees and then beside fields.

    The track leads to Court Farm where I have an option of routes, but decide to keep on the Exe Valley Way which goes to the left up a tarmac lane.

    At a road junction at Monk Cross I turn right and then descend along the road into Exford where I turn right to cross the bridge over the River Exe and pass the Exmoor White Horse pub.

    I now follow the road the short distance back to the car park.  It has been a cracking nine mile route with some stunning views.

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

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

    9th December 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.

  • Robber’s Bridge and Culbone Hill

    Robber’s Bridge and Culbone Hill

    Yesterday I woke to the sound of heavy rain on the roof of the caravan and the forecast showed it was set in for most of the day so I hunkered down in the van until midafternoon and then went for a wander around Minehead.  The day ended with a fish and chip supper.  I rarely eat fish and chips because it usually leads to a bad bout of indigestion.  But unfortunately, I could not resist the temptation and today I feel decidedly under the weather.  Hopefully some fresh air will improve things.

    For a number of years I have had a trig point on Culbone Hill in my sights, but it involves hopping over a gate into a field which usually houses sheep so it has been off limits when Crosby has been with me, however, today I am walking solo so plan to see if I can bag it as part of my walk.

    I start from the car park on Porlock Common (OS Grid Ref: SS845461).  This is an exposed spot and there is a chill to the strong wind blowing across the moor as I lace up my boots and then head off west beside the A39 towards Pittcombe Head.

    Close to a junction for the Porlock Hill Toll Road on the opposite side of the road sits an AA sentry box.  These boxes were first installed by the Automobile Association (AA) in 1912 and were installed to be used by patrolmen as places for shelter.  Later they were fitted with telephones and AA members were issued with a key so they could open the box and make a call in the event of a breakdown.  When I started driving in the 1970’s I was an AA member and was issued with a key.  

    There were over 1,000 of these boxes installed around the country, but by 1968 the AA had started phasing them out.  The once familiar roadside landmarks are now extremely rare with only nineteen remaining in their original locations.

    Opposite the sentry box is a junction of bridleways, one heads north, but the one I take is a permitted bridleway heading towards Culbone Hill which runs parallel with the A39.

    Despite being close to the road this bridleway is protected from the traffic by a hedge so it is a pleasant route.

    On reaching a gate in the bridleway I go through and then make a detour from my route by hopping over the gate on my right and heading up onto Culbone Hill to bag the trig pillar.  This is the 420th trig I have bagged.

    From the trig I return to the bridleway and then cross the A39.  I am now at Oare Post and here I take the minor road that heads steadily downhill towards Oareford.  Out to my left there are far reaching views across Exmoor.

    This is a very quiet lane and it is cracking to walk down.  Soon I reach an area where there is a magnificent old beech tree hedge.  

    Then as I keep going down a stunning view opens up in front of me.

    Gradually the road levels out and reaches a parking and picnic area near Robber’s Bridge.  In the height of the summer this would be a popular spot but today there is no one else here.  I pause to look at the old stone bridge dating to before1842, because it was shown on tithe maps of that time.  It gets its name because this area was once known as bandit country and travel along this route would have been fraught with danger.

    Just before reaching Oareford I turn right to follow a bridleway heading towards North Common which goes over the river on a wooden bridge.

    This path heads steeply uphill and I am feeling decidedly under the weather and beginning to fear that I might have more than a bout of bad indigestion. So I am grateful for the excuse to stop and take in the views.

    It is a stiff ascent to reach the more level ground of North Common and once out in the open a strong wind is blowing.  I head north towards a copse on the horizon, I am certainly getting some fresh air but I’m not sure it is doing me any good.  

    On reaching the trees I turn to the right to join the Coleridge Way.  I know that tucked on the western side of the trees is a bench with a cracking view, I sat here in July whilst on a ten day long distance walk.  It is the ideal spot to sit and get my flask of tea out of the rucksack.

    Resuming my walk I follow the Coleridge Way as it goes between the trees and a fence line.

    Leaving the trees behind me I continue along the path still along the fence line before turning left towards the A39.

    At the main road it had been my intention to cross and follow the Coleridge Way before heading back to my starting point via Pitt Combe, however, I am not feeling up to a couple of hours more walking.  So unusually for me I look at options for shortening my route and decide to walk east along the wide grass verge beside the A39 which is the quickest route back to the car.

    The side verge makes it safe enough to walk besides the road and there is not much traffic at this time of year.  I stay with the road to reach the Culbone Stables Inn.  This was once the point where stage coaches stopped on the route between Lynton, Porlock and Minehead.  In 1962 it became a private members club then appears to have been run as pub for a while.  It is now used as a shooting lodge for people visiting the Lillycombe Estate.

    After passing the Stables Inn I cross the road to take a permitted bridleway on the right which runs parallel to the A39.

    I follow this permitted bridleway with the hedge protecting me from the A39.  To my left is woodland.  

    The bridleway leads me to the point where earlier I hopped over the gate to bag Culbone trig pillar.  I now retrace my steps to return to the car.

    My walk has covered just over 5 miles which is much shorter than originally planned. I am looking forward to getting back to the caravan and resting up for the remainder of the day.

    You can view this 5.25 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

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

    8th December 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.

  • Brendon Common from County Gate

    Brendon Common from County Gate

    A couple of years ago I achieved the gold award in the National Navigation Award Scheme.  Learning navigation skills was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I wish I had done it much earlier.  I am sure if I had I would have avoided a couple of mishaps whilst out walking in remote areas.  I undertook my training with Nigel at New Forest Navigation, since doing the course Nigel (aka Navigation Nigel) has been a regular walking companion.  So alongside the skills I developed on the course I also benefited from gaining a new walking companion.

    I find walking in remote places, whilst relying on a map and compass and using pacing and timing, exhilarating.  It definitely makes me far more aware of my surroundings, constantly looking at contours and features both on the map and on the ground.  Like all skills there is a need to regularly use the knowledge to ensure it is firmly embedded.  So today I have planned a walk which will take me out on Brendon Common where I can test my navigation in some unfamiliar places.

    I start my walk at the County Gate car park beside the A39 between Porlock and Lynton. The car  park is easy to locate and has a number of paths leading from it so is a great spot for walkers.  I leave through a gate and take the path heading south towards Malmsmead.

    Initially the path goes along the top of the hill but soon descends sharply towards Malmsmead.  At a junction of paths I turn right towards Oare Water and cross the river on a footbridge.

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

    After crossing the bridge I pass the shop and cafe and then turn left along the minor road signposted to Fellingscott, Slocombeslade and Tippacott.  

    As the road sweeps to the right I follow a footpath sign through a gate to join a track signposted to Badgworthy Valley.  After crossing a ford the path goes through a series of gates and then becomes a sunken track beside pasture fields.  

    The track leads to a gate which I go through to continue alongside the river.

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

    The path now follows the river through Badgworthy Wood.

    It is a cracking day for walking and apart from two runners I haven’t seen anyone else since I set off.  

    Staying with the path beside the river I cross a footbridge and now the path is high above the river.

    At a junction of paths I go right towards Brendon Common.  As I head up onto the moor the clouds clear and there is cracking blue sky.

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

    My route heads up onto the moor where there are fine views.  This is a clear path that crosses a ford at Badgworthy Lees.

    The path takes me towards a gate on the horizon.

    Once through the gate I follow the clear track across Brendon Common.  Parts of the track are boggy, but nothing too serious and it is relatively easy going.

    The track descends to cross a stream a Lankcombe Ford and then I take a track to the left heading uphill to join a broad track leading across the moor. 

    Proceeding along the track I can see low cloud approaching across the moor.  One of the features of walking on Exmoor is how quickly the weather can change.  It is why I would never head out here without a map and compass.

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

    This path leads to Shilstone Hill Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  I have bagged this trig a number of times.

    There are a range of options from the trig point.  I continue north heading towards Shilstone.

    At a crossing of paths I turn to the right going south-easterly, I have not previously walked on this part of the moor so decide to do a bit of map and compass work with some pacing and timing.

    I am soon heading east across Tippacott Ridge, this is remote part of the moor.  The visibility is good and by regularly checking the map I am confident of my location.  

    At a fork in the track I go to the left and head north crossing a ford and heading towards trees.

    Now on a clear track I continue north towards Easter Lane.

    I cross the minor road to go through a gate onto the access land of Southern Ball.

    As I follow the track across the access land there are fine views.

    The path descends to a gate on the edge of Southern Wood.  I go through and follow a path towards Malmsmead.  This path descends through the trees to a minor road.

    At the road I turn right and then almost immediately take a track on the right way-marked to Malmsmead.  This track soon heads up through the trees and then turns to the south to reach another gate.

    Through the gate I follow a track downhill into Malmsmead where I once again cross Badgworthy Water on the packhorse bridge.

    I now retrace my steps to the footbridge over Oare Water.  After crossing the bridge I have the option of going straight up to the car park, instead I turn left and walk beside the river.

    I last walked this path in July whilst on a ten day long distance walk.  Then the water level was low but following the recent rain it is a fast flowing torrent.

    The path leaves the river and steadily ascends through trees,  Emerging from the tree line I continue to a junction of paths near Ashton Farm.  I stop and look back over the route I have just walked.

    I keep the fence line to my left and ignore a path on my right.  This route goes close to the A39, but just before the road I turn right on a bridleway back towards County Gate. The bridleway returns me to my starting point in the County Gate car park, where I enjoy a cup of tea whilst admiring the view.

    It has been a cracking walk covering over eleven miles and I have only seen two other people all the way round.  It always amazes me how quiet it is here outside of the main holiday season.

    You can view this 11.5 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 December 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

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

  • A Circuit to Long Combe

    A Circuit to Long Combe

    It is the time of year when I always like to get away for a few days walking on Exmoor.  There is something exhilarating about being out in the sort of weather that keeps most people tucked up inside.  So when the opportunity arises to hitch up the caravan and head to Minehead for a week I jump at it.  

    Lynnie is not so keen on winter walking and has opted to stay at home.  Unfortunately Crosby is getting old and the walking I have planned is beyond his old joints so he is staying at home too.

    I am a frequent visitor to Minehead CAMC site so it doesn’t take long to set up and then I am lacing my boots up and heading out for a walk before it gets too dark.  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 track to the left of the information board and continue uphill to what is usually a parking area but it is currently closed because of forestry work going on in the woods.

    I keep with this track as it turns left and starts to descend into Long Combe.  When I last walked here the track was surrounded by trees but now there are far reaching views.

    Ignoring a footpath to the right I continue heading downhill on this steep track and I’m soon in an area where the trees have not been cleared.

    At a five way junction of tracks and paths I take the first footpath on the right and head downhill to the bottom of the combe and then turn left and pass a metal gate.

    I now cross the stream running through the combe and follow a track heading towards Alcombe.

    From here the route is very straightforward.  The track soon becomes Manor Road and enters the outskirts of Alcombe.  On reaching the Britannia Inn I turn left into Church Street.

    Church Street leads to the A39 where I turn left and walk the short distance back to the caravan site.   This little circuit has covered just over three 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 3 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 December 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.

  • Hills and Forts around Shillingstone

    Hills and Forts around Shillingstone

    I haven’t been out for a day’s walking since returning from my trek between Taunton and Gloucester a couple of weeks ago.  A combination of wet weather and struggling with the aftermath of my last bout of Covid has meant I have lacked the desire to go walking for hours.  However, today the forecast is marginally better and I have arranged to meet up with my walking buddy Nigel from New Forest Navigation.

    The start point for our walk is the trailway car park on the junction of the A357 and Bere Marsh on the northern outskirts of Shillingstone (Grid Ref ST822119).  This is a large free car parking area with a height restriction barrier.

    From the car park we head under the disused railway bridge and turn right to walk up a slight incline to join the North Dorset Trailway and soon reach Shillingstone Station which has an array of locomotives and a cafe.

    Apparently the canopy of the station was erected in 1899 especially for the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII, who was visiting Lord Wolverton’s nearby estate for a shooting party. There was concern that without the canopy some precipitation might fall on his regal head.  There is no report about how he was protected from the elements whilst out shooting.

    To our left is the River Stour, which has burst its banks and flooded the surrounding fields.  Later  we will be crossing the river between Child Okeford and Bere Marsh, hopefully it won’t be flooded there.

    Passing the station we continue along the North Dorset Trailway old, this is a 14 mile route from Sturminster Newton to Spetsbury. It predominately follows the old track bed of the disused Somerset and Bristol Railway.  This line once linked Bath to Bournemouth and opened in 1863 to connect the English Channel to the Bristol Channel, it operated until falling victim of the Beeching Cuts in 1966.

    We ignore a couple of footpaths off to the right and stay on the disused railway line until we reach a point where the Wessex Ridgeway passes under the Trailway.  Here we take a path down to the Wessex Ridgeway and then turn right along a lane and soon cross the A357, Blandford Road, joining a footpath on the far side which goes through a gate into a field.

    We quickly pass through the field keeping a watchful eye on a bull on the far side.  He is totally disinterested in us, this is a well-worn path and he must see lots of walkers and presumably has decided they present no threat to him.  Through a gate we turn right along a lane and then quickly reach a junction where we turn left and follow the lane which soon becomes a track.  At a fingerpost we stay with the main track following the route towards Shillingstone Hill.

    It is now a long steady ascent through woodland towards the top of Shillingstone Hill.

    At a junction of paths on the edge of the woodland we turn left and follow along the field boundary until we reach another junction of tracks, here we turn right along the northern edge of the field.  There are fine views from here.

    Now walking through Blandford Forest we take a track heading in a southerly direction which soon re-enters woodland.

    This is a pleasant area of woodland to walk through.  At a junction of tracks we turn left towards Folly Barn and Durweston.  After passing Folly Barn we leave the tarmac lane and go through a gate to take a footpath which descends steadily to Sutcombe Wood.

    We pass through a couple of gates and fields to reach the edge of Durweston.  In the village we turn right and then at a junction take another right before quickly turning left into Church Road.  From previous walks we know there is a bench in the churchyard of St Nicholas’ Church which is an ideal spot to sit in the sunshine and have our elevenses.

    Refreshed we resume our walk by heading back along Church Road and turning right to walk downhill to cross the A357 at Durweston Cross to join Water Lane.

    We continue along Water Lane and then just before the houses end we go left on a path leading to Mill Lane where we turn right to pass the mill and reach the River Stour and the mill pond.  The water in the river is high and there is a lot of foam on the surface.  It would be nice to think this is a result of the water pressure rather than effluent from the sewage works nearby.  Ten years ago I would not have thought this but now it is a sad indictment of the state of our water system that Government Ministers feel it is acceptable for water companies to pump sewage into our rivers.

    We have now joined the route of the Stour Valley Way, a long distance 62 mile path along the River Stour from its source at Stourhead to the sea at Hengistbury Head near Christchurch.  After crossing a disused railway line we leave the Stour Valley Way and continue straight on along a track.

    At a stile beside a gate we enter a field on the left and walk towards the edge of a housing development besides the A350.  Joining the pavement we walk towards the White Horse Inn which also houses the village shop.

    We will return to this point, but first we are going to bag a trig pillar at Downend Farm.   To do this we cross the road and continue along for fifty metres and then turn right into Bottom Road.  Initially this is a tarmac lane but becomes a hedge-lined path as it gradually heads uphill.  At the end of the track we turn to the right and walk across to the trig pillar.

    This trig has been moved from its original location which was in a field on the other side of the farm buildings.  Whilst I prefer to visit trigs in their original location, I am happier that it is moved  than be inaccessible or even worse destroyed.  This is the 412th trig I have bagged.

    From the trig we turn around and head back down Bottom Lane towards Stourpaine.

    Back in the village outside the White Horse Inn we take the lane to the right of the pub, South Holme and follow this into the centre of the village.  It looks like there is rain heading our way so we turn left at the end of the lane a sit on the stone bench inside the lych gate of the church to have our lunch.

    By the time we have finished lunch the rain has eased to steady drizzle.  Our route is now through the village along Manor Road heading north.

    We are back on the route of the Stour Valley Way and follow the lane to pass cottages and then it becomes a track beside the River Irene.

    At a junction of tracks we turn left, still on the Stour Valley Way heading steadily up towards Hod Hill.

    After going through a gate we go through the ramparts of the Iron Age Hill Fort on Hod Hill.

    There are a network of paths on the access land covering Hod Hill, but we stay with the route of the Stour Valley Way across the plateau and through the location of the Roman Fort which was built around AD350. We then descend towards a minor road and Keeper’s Lodge.

    After crossing the road we take a path to the right of Keeper’s Lodge, still on the Stour Valley Way, it is a long steep ascent towards Hambledon Hill. As the path levels we go through a gate on our left and enter a field of cows, fortunately they are not at all bothered by us and we pass through to reach another gate without incident.  Keeping the fence line to our right we head through this field to reach another gate.

    The path now leads us to the Ordnance Survey trig pillar on Hambledon Hill.  I have bagged this trig before but is still worth stopping to look at the views.

    Soon we are on the edge of the impressive hillfort on Hambledon Hill.

    There are a range of options of routes to take, we decide to head to the southern side of the fort for a good view of the ramparts.

    The outlook from this hill across the Stour Valley is stunning.

    On the far side of the fort we descend steadily to a gate leading to a hedge-lined path going into Child Okeford.  At a minor road we turn left and head into the village passing the Baker Arms.

    Just before the village shop we turn right into Haywards Lane and stay with this until we reach a footpath on the right which is opposite the entrance to a close called Jacobs Ladder.  We go right and head through a kissing gate on the route of the Stour Valley Way and the St Edward’s Way.

    The St Edward’s Way is a 30 mile long distance path which goes between the west door of St Mary’s Church in Wareham to Abbey Museum in Shaftesbury.  This is the route that the body of the boy King, St Edward was taken in AD979 when it was moved from Wareham to Shaftesbury.  The section we are now following is a fence lined path by an avenue of trees.

    After going through a gate we continue across a field and then go through another gate to enter access land close to the river.  

    Our route across the field is blocked by flood water but we work a way around it to reach a footbridge over the River Stour.

    The route is now a fence lined track which has flood water across parts of it, but once again we are able to negotiate a way around without getting wet feet.  The path now reaches an interesting bridge made out of old railway lines filled with concrete which span a stream.

    From here we cross a field at Bere Marsh Farm and return to our starting point.  We have covered an interesting 12.5 miles and apart from one heavy shower have managed to avoid the rain.  As always, walking in Nigel’s company has been an enjoyable experience.  Before departing we make plans for our next walk in a few weeks’ time.

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

    To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey OS Explorer – 129 – Yeovil & Sherborne; OS Explorer – 117 – Cerne Abbas & Bere Regis; and OS Explorer – 118 – Shaftesbury & Cranborne

    27th October 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.

  • Exploring Around Avening

    Exploring Around Avening

    Last year whilst staying at Burnt Ash Farm CL I headed out on a circular walk which took me through Avening.  When I later looked at the map I realised a short diversion from the route would have bagged an Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  So today we are going to do a variation of the walk but this time seeking out the trig.

    We leave the caravan site by the footpath which runs beside the ménage and then heads across paddocks to a stile which we go over and then cross the road to another stile into a field.

    We soon reach another stile which is built into a gate.  This is a strange feature, I can’t recall encountering any stiles like this elsewhere in the country and we have gone over two in the last two days.

    The path now follows the edge of the field heading towards Peaches Farm.  At the farm we turn right and follow a track past a stable and into a field.

    We reach Lower Peaches Farm and then turn left along a track heading east.

    It is a cracking day and as we walk along the track the sky is full of small planes launching gliders into the sky from the nearby Cotswold Gliding Club on Aston Down Airfield.  This airfield originally opened as RAF Minchinhampton during the first World War and was used by the Australian Air Corps.  After the war it closed but reopened in 1938 with the new name of Aston Down RAF apparently after lobbying from the residents of Minchinhampton who feared if the town was connected to the airfield it would reduce house prices.

    In 1967 the Cotswold Glider Club took over the airfield and in 2002 sections of land and the hangers were sold by the MOD for developers to create industrial units.

    At a junction of tracks we turn right and head south along a broad grassy track.  Overhead the planes and gliders continue to take to the sky.  I’m not keen on flying and there is no way I could be persuaded to get into a glider!

    Ignoring a footpath on the right we stay on the track to reach a minor road and follow this downhill through a valley.

    At a road junction on the edge of Cherington we turn right and head towards Nag’s Head.  We are now going to follow the Macmillan Way for a few miles.

    Initially the route follows the lane and then at the bottom of the hill we turn left onto a footpath into trees which soon has us walking besides Cherington Pond.

    This pond was dug in 1740 as an addition to the Cherington Park deer park which was created in 1730.  It is a tranquil spot and we enjoy a few minutes watching the wildlife around the pond.

    Continuing our walk we reach a minor road and turn right and follow this lane to reach Nag’s Head.  This is one of those villages which is named after the village pub.  Unfortunately the Nag’s Head pub closed in the early 1970’s but the pub building is easily identified as we head into the village.

    We go through the village and continue along the lane towards Avening and as we go along I think how lucky we are that villages are no longer named after pubs, who would want to live in Slug & Lettuce for example.  

    However, modern developments do have a tendency to be misleading, why name a housing development which has gobbled up acres of farmland after the farm it has replaced, or name a street on a new development Orchard View, when all you can see is houses that once stood on an orchard!

    At a road junction we turn left and follow the pavement into Avening.  Opposite the Queen Matilda Pub, which still has its old name the Cross Inn painted on the side, is the William Fowles Memorial.  It carries the inscription “William Fowles 1835-1896. This to his memory by those amongst whom he lived and who knew his worth”

    Later I set about researching what William had done to deserve this lasting legacy.  An edition of the local parish council newsletter in 2015 contains a detailed account of his life.  He was the second in a family of nine children.  The 1851 census shows him as a 15 year old working for his father as a baker.  Ten years later the census shows him as a master baker and Poor Rate collector.  In 1863 he became the Parish Clerk, a position he held until his death at the age of 61.  

    It is reported he died of blood poisoning as a result of wearing coloured socks on feet that had sores.  At the time of his death he owned twenty-three cottages locally, so he was obviously a successful business man.

    We continue into the village along the High Street and then fork left by the telephone box into Point Road which goes into Farm Hill where we soon turn left onto a footpath which is still part of the Macmillan Way.

    After an initial uphill section the path levels out and crosses fields heading towards the B4014.

    At the road we turn right and follow it for a short while and then take a footpath on the right which takes us back into fields.  At this point we realise that although the footpath does follow the road, the field margin has been left and used by walkers so there was no need for us to have walked along the section of busy road.  

    Now our route, which is still following the Macmillan Way, heads diagonally across fields towards a minor road which we cross and continue across further fields to reach another minor road close to the entrance to Chavenage House.

    We now leave the Macmillan Way and turn right along the road and walk through a fine avenue of trees.

    At a fork in the road we go right and then just before reaching Ledgemoor Road Cottages we fork right again onto a track.  Besides this track is a notice warning people about shooting across the land.  It infers that people proceeding along a public right of way do so at their own risk of being shot.  

    Perhaps the landowner or person who erected the sign should read the British Associations of Shooting and Conservations guidance on shoots over public rights of way. This states “If a member of public is using a public right of way that crosses or is in the vicinity of your shoot or drive, the member of public has the right to pass and re-pass along the right of way without hindrance. Therefore any shooting should be refrained from until they are at a distance where your activity should not cause any concern. This is particularly important if a bridleway is in use as a horse rider could be endangered by a startled horse. If a member of public approaches a path/bridleway a method for ceasing to shoot should be in place.”

    We head along the broad track without fear of being shot, but if we were not confident about walking in the countryside we might have been slightly cautious even though the dates on the notice have long passed.

    It is pleasant walking along this track and we soon pass Orange Grove Barn away to our right.  Although we cannot see it from here there is apparently a private airstrip located beside this barn.

    The track now descends into Ledgemore Bottom and then quickly rises again through Ledgemore Wood before proceeding between fields.  After passing a couple of fields I make a slight diversion from the path to wander along the field margin to bag the Ordnance Survey trig pillar at Barton End, this is the 389th trig I have bagged.

    Back on the track we continue to head north and soon reach a junction of tracks here. We turn right onto Shiptons Grave Lane.  Apparently the lane is named after a local man whose grave lies at the crossroads of Tetbury Lane. It is reported he was executed for stealing sheep to provide for a starving family.

    There is no obvious sign of where such a grave might be located and a quick search on the Internet provides no clues, so we head along the lane wondering if it is a rural myth or is there a sheep rustler buried hereabouts.

    At the next crossing of paths we continue straight on with woodland to our right and then quickly reach another crossing of paths.  Once again we go straight ahead, this time on a fenced path leading to Hazel Wood.

    At a junction of paths on the edge of Hazel Wood we pass an information board and take the path in front of us leading downhill through the trees.

    I walked through this area of woodland last year and noticed the number of trees suffering from Ash dieback.  Since my last visit there has been a lot of forestry work to fell the diseased trees.

    Following the path downhill we reach the B4014 road where we turn left to pass the Weighbridge Inn.  Apparently parts of this pub date back to the 17th century, at that time the path we have just taken was a packhorse trail between Bristol and London. Then in the 1820’s the road we are on became a turnpike and the innkeeper ran both the pub and the weighbridge for the local woollen mills.

    The Weighbridge Inn’s website also boasts about it being the home of ‘the famous 2 in 1 pies’, one half containing a filling of your choice and topped with pastry, the other half home-made cauliflower cheese.  It sounds the sort of pie Lynnie and I would both enjoy.

    Turning right at a road junction by the pub we cross a bridge and then go uphill. Soon we go through a gate besides a cattle grid and keep heading up towards Ball’s Green.  Just before reaching the sign for the village we turn left up a driveway with a fingerpost for a public footpath to Box.

    The path follows the driveway and then goes besides a property to emerge as a walled path.

    After going through a kissing gate the path becomes a track again and leads us to Box Lane.  Here we turn right and follow this quiet lane into Minchinhampton.  At a junction we turn right onto Common Road and then head into the centre of town.

    After passing the Fish and Chip Shop and the Butchers we turn left into the High Street and wander past the recently refurbished Crown Inn and the fine old Market House.  Like many Cotswold towns Minchinhampton was built up around the wool market and the Market House with cattle barriers in the lower part would have been at the hub of the community.

    From the Market House we join Butt Street and head uphill away from the centre of town.  At a cattle grid with white gates beside it we turn right into Summerfield Road and walk through houses to reach another cattle grid where we turn right to rejoin the lane heading to the old common.

    We go over the stile built into the metal gate and cross the field to go over a stone stile into a field and then head back to the caravan site.  It has been an interesting walk full of local history

    You can view this 12.5 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

    21st June 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.

  • Ice Cream on the Common

    Ice Cream on the Common

    It is another warm day with bright sunshine, so as far as Lynnie is concerned it is definitely a day for an ice cream.  Then again with Winstone’s Ice Cream parlour nearby Lynnie would describe most days as an ice cream day.

    Last summer we did a walk around a section of Rodborough Common, today’s walk is a slightly shorter version of that walk.  In this very warm weather we are avoiding walking up too many hills.

    We leave the caravan site by the footpath alongside the ménage and then head 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.  

    We cross a stone stile and continue into another field keeping the wall to our left hand side.  

    After crossing another stone stile the footpath forks.  We take the right fork to head through a meadow towards a gate.  Going over a stile on the gate we join a track and turn left.  

    The track soon opens out onto a small common and leads to a residential lane.  We stay with the lane to reach the Cirencester Road where we turn left and then quickly reach a crossroads and Minchinhampton Common.  We cross the road and head onto the Common.

    There are a patchwork of paths on the common, we keep to one running parallel to the main road and then cross a minor road leading into Minchinhampton and continue along the Bulwarks, this is an Iron Age earthworks sweeping around part of the common.

    After a couple of hundred yards we reach the main road and cross.  On the far side there is a minor road, we fork left away from this on a grassy path across the common heading towards the edge of Burleigh and soon pass a green on the Minchinhampton Golf Course.

    The path reaches a minor road and we cross and continue in the same direction over another area of the common.  As we near a cottage on the common we take a path on the right leading to a track which we follow to a minor road.

    At the road we turn left and follow this lane as it passes properties in Bownham.  To our right there are fine views across the Golden Valley.

    We stay with this lane until we reach Winstone’s Ice Cream Parlour.  Lynnie is a bit of connoisseur when it comes to ice creams and I know from our visit to this area last year she rates Winstone’s highly.

    According to their website this is a family business started in 1925 by Albert Winstone after he had been made redundant from his job in Stroud as a French polisher.  Initially selling ice creams the business grew and nearly 100 years later the 4th generation of the family continue the business.

    This is a popular spot and there are a constant stream of cars pulling up and folk descending on the parlour from all directions.  I have learnt over the years that Lynnie has to savour an ice cream, so we sit on the grass and enjoy the sunshine.

    Resuming our walk we head uphill to cross a road and then continue on the clear path heading in a northerly direction to reach a milestone beside the main Stroud to Cirencester road.

    We cross the road here and  follow a path which goes close to the wall of properties in a private housing estate on Rodborough Common.

    As we follow the wall around the estate we are treated to some far reaching views.

    On our trip to this area last year we walked up the hill from Rodborough Manor, it was a short steep ascent which still lives in the memory.  Today looking down towards Woodchester the gradient on the hill makes us realise why we struggled so much. 

    There are paths leading downhill but we stick with the one close to the wall.  It is a well-worn route popular with dog walkers and folk wandering out to take in the view.

    As we near the road we head towards the Bear of Rodborough Hotel.  Apparently this was built in the 17th century as a coaching inn and has been a popular watering hole for travellers ever since.

    We pass the hotel and follow the pavement for a short section until we reach the common once again where we veer to the right and follow a grassy path towards Amberley.

     After passing the War Memorial we cross the road and continue on another section of the common through part of Minchinhampton Golf Club.  The route now heads towards the golf course clubhouse.

    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 although we have seen a few golfers about it is clearly not the most popular of the club’s courses.

    After passing the clubhouse we continue heading south beside more golf holes heading to the Halfway Cafe.  This cafe is a former pub which, despite a campaign by locals was closed in 2013 and allowed to re-open as a cafe. 

    We cross the road and then turn left to follow the Bulwarks earthworks heading north parallel to a road.

    After crossing a minor road we continue on to the point on the Bulwarks where we had turned towards Burleigh earlier in our walk.  From here it is a case of retracing our steps across the common.  Along the way we pass a large herd of cows who have settled to chew the cud.

    After crossing the road and following the lane to the small common we choose not to cross the gate with the stile, but instead stay with the track until we reach the Cirencester Road where we turn right and follow the wide verge to Burnt Ash Farm.

    You can view this 8 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

    20th June 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.

  • Returning to Burnt Ash Farm CL

    Returning to Burnt Ash Farm CL

    Last year we spent an enjoyable week at Burnt Ash Farm CL on the outskirts of Minchinhampton exploring areas of the Cotswolds we had not previously visited.  There was plenty of good walking and an added bonus for Lynnie was the opportunity to visit Winston’s Ice Cream Parlour on the edge of Rodborough Common.  So when looking for a convenient spot for a week away at short notice it ticked all the boxes.

    We are dogless this trip, Crosby is staying at home with our son who is back for a couple of months.  It feels very odd to be packing the car and not including Crosby, this will be our first trip away without a dog since we started caravanning.

    On arrival we quickly get pitched up and are soon out for a short walk to stretch our legs after the journey.  We leave the caravan site by the footpath running beside the ménage and then heading 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 a 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 right fork to head through a meadow towards a gate.  Crossing a stile on the gate we join a track and turn left.  The track soon opens out onto a small common which leads to a residential lane.  We stay with the lane to reach the Cirencester Road where we turn left and then quickly reach a crossroads and Minchinhampton Common.

    We cross the road and head onto Minchinhampton Common.

    This is only a small part of the common which covers 580 acres of open access land which is grazed by cattle and has a couple of golf courses crossing it.  Our route heads west with old earthworks and the road running parallel on our right.

    On reaching a minor road, Dr Brown’s Road, we turn left to leave the common and walk into Minchinhampton.  At a T-junction in the town we turn left to walk along West End leading into the old part of the town.

    After passing the Fish and Chip Shop and the Butchers we turn left into the High Street and wander past the recently refurbished Crown Inn and the fine old Market House.  Like many Cotswold towns Minchinhampton was built up around the wool market and the Market House with cattle barriers in the lower part would have been at the hub of the community.

    From the Market House we join Butt Street and head uphill away from the centre of town.  At a cattle grid with white gates beside it we turn right into Summerfield Road and walk through houses to reach another cattle grid where we turn right to rejoin the lane heading back to the common.

    From the common we retrace our steps over the gate and through the meadows back to the caravan. 

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

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

    19th June 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.

  • Haresfield to Gloucester (Day 1)

    Haresfield to Gloucester (Day 1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    26th May 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

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

  • A Chance Encounter on Brendon Common 

    A Chance Encounter on Brendon Common 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The path now follows the river through Badgworthy Wood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The final section is a steep descent into Shilstone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    9th February 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

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