Two Dogs and an Awning

Category: Travel

  • 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.

  • Four Trigs on the South Downs

    Four Trigs on the South Downs

    Back in 2018 I spent six days walking the South Downs Way, it was a cracking walk with the bonus of bagging a number of Ordnance Survey trig pillars as I travelled from Winchester to Eastbourne.  Most the trigs were on the route, but occasionally I made a short diversion to bag one.  There were others which I had in mind but the diversion would have added too many miles to my walk.

    Today I plan to revisit two trigs on the South Downs way at Rackham Hill and Kithurst Hill and combine this with bagging two I have not previously visited at Barpham Hill and Blackpatch Hill.  The starting point for my walk is just off the A27 in the car park at the end of Dovers Lane (Grid Ref: TQ060063).

    From the car park I join the tarmac track and head north towards Wepham Wood. It is a bright sunny morning which makes a pleasant change from yesterday’s overcast grey sky.  

    At a junction of paths I keep heading north through the trees and pass a cottage and continue through Lower Oldfield Copse.

    I cross the route of the Monarch’s Way and continue on a path which soon leaves the woods and passes fields as I head towards Upper Barpham.  

    These days Barpham consists of farms at Upper Barpham and Lower Barpham, but in the past there was a medieval village here known as Bargham.  In 1952 an archeological survey discovered the remains of a small Anglo-Saxon church which is thought to have been demolished in the 16th century with the masonry used to build Upper Barpham Farm.  The demise of the village started around the time of the Black Death in 1348-49 and depopulation gradually followed to the extent that the village no longer exists.

    After passing a fine barn at Upper Barpham I continue along the track to a junction of routes.  Here I go through a metal gate to enter a field and head up Barpham Hill.

    Soon on my left I spot the Barpham Hill Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar and wander across the pasture to visit it.  This is the 417th trig I have bagged.

    From the trig I rejoin the footpath which follows a track across the field towards a gate.  

    Through the gate the track continues across another field and then starts to descend with fine views in front.

    After going through a gate I join a track and turn left to reach a junction of paths and soon turn right to head north on a track on Wepham Down.  

    Within a couple of hundred yards I keep straight on where the track divides and join a hedge lined path.

    Soon the path gradually ascends.  Ignoring paths to the left and right I keep going until I reach a track where I turn right and then almost immediately left to take a path which continues uphill to join the route of the South Downs Way.  Here there is a view over Amberley and the flooded fields beyond.

    I now turn right on the South Downs Way and keep going steadily uphill on a track.   Soon I see the Rackham Hill Ordnance Survey trig pillar and pop across to bag it.  I have visited this trig before, there are fine views from here.

    Back on the South Downs Way I keep heading west over Springhead Hill and then bump into a mountain biker who stops for a chat.  These random conversations with total strangers are always interesting.  Often I learn something interesting about the area, but on this occasion it is a chance for us to share stories about how recent bouts of Covid have impacted on our ability to exercise.  

    I head off again along the broad track enjoying the warmth of the sunshine.

    After passing a car park on the left I leave the South Downs Way and fork to the left to follow a path heading up Kithurst Hill.

    As the path levels I reach the Kithurst Hill Ordnance Survey trig pillar, this is another trig which I bagged whilst walking the South Downs Way.

    A few hundred years beyond the trig I reach a junction of paths and turn right to follow a path to return to the South Downs Way.  Turning left I follow the track past a Dew Pond.

    The track continues along to reach a car park where there are a selection of paths I choose one on the right which goes through a metal gate and heads diagonally across a field. At the far side of the field the map shows the path going diagonally across the next field, but it is clear that most people walk around the wide field margin so I turn left and then right around the edge of the field.

    Now heading south I pass a boundary stone with a clear ordnance survey benchmark upon it.

    I keep heading south passing further boundary stones with benchmarks on them and then reach a fork in the path, here I go to the left heading up Blackpatch Hill.  

    The route goes through a gate and continues along the fence line, I take a short diversion to the top of the hill to see the Blackpatch Hill Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  I didn’t bag this when walking the South Downs Way, so it becomes my 418th trig.

    From the trig I turn to the right and follow a fence line downhill to rejoin the footpath and then turn left through a gate and join a track  which heads steadily downhill to pass Longfurlong Farm.  The route continues along the concrete farm driveway towards a minor road.  

    At the end of the concrete driveway and the start of the minor road I turn right to join the Monarch’s Way.  This follows the tarmac driveway to Myrtle Grove Farm.

    After passing the farm buildings, which are occupied by various businesses I stay with the Monarch’s Way and head west along a bridlepath.  Repair work is being carried out but so far it appears to have resulted in a muddy mess.

    I pass an old barn and continue along the track to a tarmac lane.  Here I turn left, still on the route of the Monarch’s Way passing Michelgrove as I continue along the lane.

    At a footpath, with a Monarch’s Way way-marker, I turn right and take a track that soon ascends steadily onto Michelgrove Park.  The tranquility of the afternoon is disturbed by the constant sound of guns as game birds are slaughtered.  

    At a fork on the track I keep to the right and continue a short distance to a four way crossing of paths.  Here the Monarch’s Way goes to the right, but I go straight on following a broad path between the trees.

    At a junction of paths near the edge of the woods I turn left and then very quickly reach a point where the path divides.  Here I go to the right and head through Stonyland Copse.

    This is a pleasant path through an area of mixed woodland.

    At a junction of paths I go straight on and then turn to the right on a track heading west towards my starting point in Hammerpot Copse.

    Back at the car I have walked 13 miles.  It has been a cracking day to be out and there have been some splendid views.  It is days like today that remind me what a great area the South Downs are to walk.

    You can view this 13 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey OS Explorer OL10 – Arundel & Pulborough

    17th November 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.

  • Arundel Park to South Stoke

    Arundel Park to South Stoke

    A few days ago the weather forecast for today was persistent rain from dawn to dusk, but yesterday evening it improved to show the rain moving through by early afternoon, so I spend the morning catching up with a few things in the caravan and then head out after an early lunch.

    With a only a few hours of daylight I decide to head to Arundel Park and have a bit of a jamabout.  The starting point for my walk is the roadside car park in Mill Lane near to the Wildlife and Wetland Trust entrance.  From the car park I walk downhill and go through the gate to enter Arundel Park beside Swanbourne Lake.

    This lake is thought to have originated in the 11th century as a mill pond created by damming the steam created from chalk springs.  For centuries it served as the water supply to the mill and more recently has become a recreational area.  

    I follow the path beside the lake passing a few walkers who have braved the morning rain and are looking bedraggled.  I reach a gate and go through.

    I stay in bottom of the valley and at a junction of paths turn to the left and gradually ascend a track.

    Heading uphill I am treated to fine views back over the route I have walked so far.

    I go through a gate and then take some steps on the right onto open ground where I head across to the Hiorne Tower.  This was built in 1797 by Francis Hiorne who at the time was bidding to rebuild Arundel Castle for the Duke of Norfolk.

    In front of the tower is a relic found in a museum at Sevastopol after the siege of Sevastopol in 1855.  This siege was part of the Crimean War and Russian soldiers withdrew into the port which was the home of the Tsar’s Black Sea Fleet.  Here they became besieged by the French, Ottoman and British allied forces.  The battle that ensued lasted from October 1854 to September 1855.

    I now walk across to a tarmac drive and turn right to go through a gate and head north.

    After going through a gate I continue on the tarmac driveway and pass through an area of woodland.  

    I had hoped to leave the park at Duchess Lodge but when I get there the gates are locked so I decide to keep heading north towards Whiteways Lodge.  There are extensive views onto the South Downs and the flooded fields around Amberley.

    Nearing a junction of tracks I meet a fellow walker heading in the opposite direction.  I enquire if I will be able to exit the park at Whiteways Lodge and he thinks it unlikely, but then suggests a route I could follow that would take me back to Arundel via South Stoke.

    Always willing to heed the advice of locals I turn right at the junction of tracks and head beside Lonebeech Plantation.

    After going through a gate I head across a field towards a gate in the distance and midway turn left on a footpath which is the route of the Monarch’s Way and head towards a gate.  This was the path I followed yesterday towards the River Arun.  After going through a kissing gate I follow a track downhill with views towards Houghton and Amberley.

    The way-marked route descends through the edge of South Wood to reach a metal gate in the wall of Arundel Park, I turn right beside the river.  Yesterday my path alongside the river was low lying, today’s path quickly rises a few feet away from the water.

    After going through an area of woodland I pass through a gate to continue along the edge of a field.

    The footpath skirts around cattle barns and then passes a fine old barn apparently built in the late 1800’s and now used as a wedding and events venue.

    After the barn I turn left at a junction and follow a lane passing cottages to reach St Leonard’s church.  This old church was built in the 11th century and serves the small community around South Stoke Farm.

    From the church I continue on a track heading towards the River Arun and just before reaching the river go over a stile on the right to join a footpath by the river.

    The footpath follows the embankment with the river to my left and goes over several stiles heading towards Offham Farm.

    At a track leading to Offham Farm I pass a bridge and continue along the embankment and then go through a copse to emerge into the car park of the Black Rabbit pub.  Apparently the building dates to 1894 and was built by the Duke of Norfolk.  It is an unusual name for a pub and after walking by it yesterday I did an unsuccessful search on the internet to see why it was given this name.

    The pub has a beer garden with a fine views along the river.  It must be very popular in the summer.

    I have two options here I can either walk along the road to the car park or take the route alongside the river.  The light is fading but I should have enough time to take the longer route by the river.  I follow the footpath along the embankment to a junction of footpaths where I turn right back towards Arundel.

    The path goes besides the stream flowing from Swanbourne Lake.  Across the fields I get a good view of Arundel Castle.  This castle was originally built in the 11th century, it was damaged during the English Civil War and then restored in the 18th and 19th century.

    At a footbridge I turn right joining the road to walk back to my starting point.  The route was not what I planned when I set off but nevertheless has been a cracking walk covering 7.5 miles.

    You can view this 7.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey OS Explorer OL10 – Arundel & Pulborough

    16th November 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 Trig, Seal and Fleeing King

    A Trig, Seal and Fleeing King

    With the weather looking set fair for the day I have decided to head out for a bit of a jamabout from Arundel.  It is an area I have not previously walked, part of my route will be through Arundel Park where I gather there is permitted walking in some areas whilst others have no access, so I may have to adapt my walk as I go.

    I start from the roadside parking area in Mill Road close to the entrance to Arundel Park and the Wildlife and Wetland Trust nature reserve.  I head north up Mill Road and soon go by the entrance to the nature reserve and then pass the Black Rabbit Pub.  Apparently this building dates to 1894 and was built by the Duke of Norfolk.  It is an unusual name for a pub.  Searching later I can’t find anything about the origins of the name.

    The road passes through a cut in the chalk to reach a junction.  Here I turn left towards South Stoke and continue up to the grand gates to Arundel Park.

    Going through the gates I join a footpath following a track steadily uphill.  It is a cracking day and after yesterday’s inclement weather it is refreshing to see clear blue sky.

    As I head uphill there are fine views out to my right over the River Arun with some flooding in the fields.  It is an ominous sign, I intend to follow a path close to the river later and hope it won’t be submerged.

    Nearing the top of the hill I fork to the left and wander over the open access land to bag the Drylodge Plantation Ordnance Survey trig pillar, my number 416 bagged.

    Near the trig I meet a local couple out for a walk in Arundel Park, they share their ideas for some local walks and also helpfully advise me where I can walk in the Park.  Following their advice I continue across the access land and go through a gate onto more access land with Drylodge Plantation to my left.

    The path goes along the top of the hill with views across the South Downs to flooded fields around Houghton and Amberley.

    After going through another gate I continue on the track towards Lonebeech Plantation and mid-way across the field turn right to join a footpath on the route of the Monarch’s Way.  This leads to a gate.

    The way-marked route goes downhill through the edge of South Wood to a metal gate in the wall of Arundel Park.

    On the path besides the River Arun I turn left and head towards Houghton.

    To my surprise I spot a seal in the river.  Apparently they are a common sight in this river, but it was not what I was expecting.

    Initially the path is dry, but as I near a disused chalk quarry it becomes flooded in parts and it takes careful navigation to avoid getting wet feet.  To make matters worse there are a couple of fallen trees across the path which have not been cleared. 

    It is with some relief that I reach the edge of Houghton and go through a gate ascending from the river into Houghton.  At a junction with the B2139 I turn left, still on the route of the Monarch’s Way and walk beside the busy road to pass the George and Dragon pub.

    A notice above the pub door states Charles II stopped for refreshments on Tuesday 14th October 1651 whilst fleeing from his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. 

    Just after the pub the Monarch’s Way follows a bridleway that initially runs parallel to the road and then goes up onto downland with fine views.  During the course of this year I have walked a number of sections of the 625-mile Monarch’s Way which roughly follows the route that Charles II took to get a boat at Shoreham after his defeat by Oliver Cromwell at Worcester.  

    The route goes along the edge of fields and then through a sunken track before heading across another field to reach the A29.  After crossing the road I keep following the Monarch’s Way way-markers into Houghton Forest.

    This is a pleasant area of woodland.  The only  thing disturbing the tranquility is the distant sound of game birds being slaughtered.

    Towards the western edge of the woods I reach a junction of paths and turn left heading south through the trees.

    The path leads to a minor road which I cross and pass through a small parking area to enter another area of woodland.  Staying with the clear path I head towards the A 29.  Approaching the road the path forks, I go left soon emerging beside the main road.  I cross with caution and on the far side ignore a footpath on my left instead taking a path going uphill through the open access woodland heading towards Yewtree Gate.

    On reaching Yewtree Gate I turn left and enter Rewell Wood.

    The track heads in a southeasterly direction passing areas of recently cleared and replanted trees and then goes alongside fields heading towards the A284.

    At a junction of paths just before reaching the main road I turn right and follow a path downhill into woodland.

    At Park Bottom Barn there is a junction of paths.  I follow the one along a track leading to Cricket Hill Farm.  There are no obvious signs of farming as I pass converted barns which are being used as offices and workshops.

    The route is now straightforward, I pass a trout fishery and follow the farm driveway back towards Arundel.  On reaching the A27 I turn left and then cross the A284 and walk into Arundel along Maltravers Street.  At the junction with Parson’s Hill I turn left and walk up towards Arundel Cathedral. 

    At a junction with London Road I turn left and pass the catholic cathedral which was commissioned by the 15th Duke of Norfolk in 1868 and completed in 1873.  

    Walking besides the wall of Arundel Park I reach a driveway into the park on my right and follow it.  

    I keep with the tarmac driveway through the park and then before reaching a gate I take a footpath on the right which leads me to Hiorne Tower.  This was built in 1797 by Francis Hiorne who at the time was bidding to rebuild Arundel Castle for the Duke of Norfolk.

    In front of the tower is a relic found in a museum at Sevastopol after the siege of Sevastopol in 1855.  This siege was part of the Crimean War and Russian soldiers withdrew into the port which was the home of the Tsar’s Black Sea Fleet and were then besieged by the French, Ottoman and British allied forces.  The battle that ensued lasted from October 1854 to September 1855.

    I am now back on the Monarch’s Way and follow this as it goes downhill with fine views across the park.

    At the bottom of the hill I leave the Monarch’s Way at a junction of footpaths and turn right and walk through the valley towards Swanbourne Lake.

    The path goes through a gate and continues on with the lake on my right hand side.  This lake is thought to have originated in the 11th century as a mill pond created by damming the stream created from chalk springs.  For centuries it served as the water supply to the mill and more recently has become a recreational area.   

    My wander about has covered twelve miles and it has been a cracking day.  The forecast does not look great for tomorrow so I will have to hope for a break in the rain to head out for some fresh air.

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

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey OS Explorer OL10 – Arundel & Pulborough

    15th November 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

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

  • Bow Hill and Devil’s Humps

    Bow Hill and Devil’s Humps

    After yesterday’s blustery walk along the coast and navigating my way around flooded fields I am heading inland to walk on the South Downs.  I am meeting up with my regular walking buddy Nigel from New Forest Navigation who is scoping out routes for his new guided walking venture; Wessex Adventures.

    The starting point for our walk is a roadside parking area just south of Walderton (Grid Ref: SU 787104).  From the car park we turn right to walk on the pavement besides the B2146 towards West Marden and Petersfield.

    We soon reach a junction where we turn left into Woodlands Lane and follow this quiet country lane as it heads steadily uphill.

    The lane levels out and turns to the west.  This road is a dead end for vehicles and it is clear there is very little traffic using it.  After passing Woodlands Cottage the lane becomes a track and reaches a gate which we walk beside to reach a junction of public rights of way.  Here we take the path on the right following a track heading north along the edge of woodland.

    At a junction of tracks we turn right and follow the driveway to Broadreed Farm and then near the farm at a fork in the track go left to walk on a footpath through the farm buildings.

    Leaving the farm we go along a grassy track beside fields.  After passing a copse on our right I spot the Broadreed Ordnance Survey trig pillar in the field on the right.  Fortunately the way the tractor tracks run mean I can walk to the trig without causing any damage to crops.  This is the 414th trig I have bagged.

    Rejoining Nigel on the footpath we continue between fields to reach an area of woodland, Wythy Piece.

    After a couple of hundred yards at a junction of paths we turn right to go along a grassy track between fields.  The rain that has been with us since we set off has become more persistent.  I am not a fan of walking in full waterproofs, but on days like this it is essential.

    The track leads us to Lodge Farm.  We pass the farmhouse with its array of old barns including a granary that has been converted into a chicken coop.

    Continuing in a northerly direction we go through a gate and follow a track towards another gate.  After going through we turn right on Oldhouse Lane and follow this to a junction with the B2146.  

    We cross the B road and head steadily uphill to a copse and find a suitable fallen tree to perch on for our elevenses.  Refreshed we follow the footpath to a minor road where we turn right and then within a hundred yards go left on a track towards Lyecommon.  At a junction of tracks we turn left, soon passing a cottage before entering woodland.

    At a junction of tracks in Grevitts Copse we go right and soon turn right onto a minor road and within a couple of hundred yards just after a cottage we turn left onto a bridleway.  We stay on this track to pass a large cottage and then keep going towards Inholmes Wood.

    At the edge of Inholmes Wood we turn left to follow a path along the edge of a field with the woodland to our right and then in the woods take a track on the right which heads downhill towards a minor road.

    We cross the road and enter Wildhams Wood and immediately turn right on a track in the woods.  On reaching a junction of tracks on the edge of the woodland we turn left and follow a path around  the edge of a field.  We ignore a path in front of us to stay beside the field and then re-enter trees and turn left along a forestry track.

    We soon reach a fork in the track and go left.  The track passes properties and then becomes more of a path and goes alongside a row of fine beech trees.

    The beech trees then give way to an avenue of yew trees.  At a crossing of tracks we turn right and head south on a path leading towards Bow Hill.  When we reach a clearing with a dew pond we stop to take in the extensive views across the South Downs.

    Still heading south up Bow Hill we soon reach the Bow Hill Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  Nigel has been here on a number of occasions, but it is my first visit so I bag my 415th trig pillar.

    From the trig we keep on the track as it sweeps to the right and then go through a gate to carry on besides the Devil’s Humps.  These are four Bronze Age barrows creating an impressive sight on top of the hill.

    Re-entering woodland we head in a south westerly direction along a road path.

    At a junction of tracks by a clearing we turn left and follow a track with the trees to our left for a couple of hundred yards before turning right at the next junction of paths.  This takes us along the edge of woodland.

    Leaving the trees the path starts to descend between fields.  The rain has now cleared and there are fine views as we head downhill.

    At a junction of paths by a derelict barn we turn right, the path leads into woodland where we continue downhill towards Walderton.

    On reaching a road we walk through the village passing the Barley Mow pub and continue on to reach our starting point.

    Despite the wet weather it has been another cracking walk with Nigel.  Hopefully it won’t be too long before we are out together again.

    You can view this 13 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey OS Explorer 120 – Chichester, South Harting & Selsey

    14th November 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 from Atherington to Flansham

    A Circuit from Atherington to Flansham

    When this blog was first conceived I needed to give it a name.  For a number of days various options were considered and discarded.  At the time we were sorting out the letting of our house in preparation for our travels and I was contacting CL owners to book our stays.  As part of these conversations I described our requirement as “Two adults, a caravan with two dogs and an awning”.  The name for the blog suddenly became obvious.

    I am away for a week staying at the Caravan and Motorhome Club site in Littlehampton.  It is ideally situated for walking on the South Downs.  Crosby is now eleven and whilst still very active he is not up to consecutive days of long walks so he is staying at home with Lynnie.  I was unable to get a pitch with space for an awning.  So for the first time I am one adult, no dogs, no awning!

    In plotting my walks for the week I have identified a few ordnance survey trig pillars that I haven’t bagged in this part of West Sussex.  Some of these trigs are on the downs and others like the ones I am aiming for today are nearer the coast.  My starting point is a parking area near the sea at Atherington.  There is restricted parking here during the summer, but during winter months these do not apply.  

    There is usually more parking here, but a lot of work has been done to create a shingle bank as a sea defence, I am unclear if the reduction in parking is a temporary measure or permanent.  News reports suggest the car park and cafe might be moved further inland.

    As I lace up my boots the spray from waves is crashing over the shingle bank and a local dog walker returning to his car comments on how wild the weather is and unnecessarily warns me to keep away from the waves.  I intend to head west along the coastal path towards Bognor Regis and start by walking up on to the shingle bank that protects the parking and picnic area and local housing.  

    The footpath leaves the far end of the car park along the sea defences, but a combination of erosion and the high tide make this route too dangerous.  A local tells me to take a footpath behind the cafe building that goes through a section of woodland before returning me to the coast path.

    Emerging onto farm land I follow the path with the waves crashing away to my left.

    I last walked along this stretch of coastline in 2017 and the extent of erosion is striking.  Apparently nine acres of farm land have been lost to the sea over the last year and I later see some amazing footage of the changes to the landscape.

    As I near housing at Elmer the sea defences become far more substantial and for the first time I am able to walk on the path I followed six years ago.

    It is a cracking day but I am walking into a strong headwind which makes it challenging to build up any pace.

    The path briefly leaves the sea front and joins a road and then I take the second footpath on the left back to the seafront.

    It is not too long before the path heads inland again because the high tide makes it impossible to stay beside the sea.  I walk through a residential area and then turn left along Elmer Road and soon join the B2132 which goes through Middleton-on-Sea.  After passing shops on the opposite side of the road I turn left into Sea Lane.  On my right is Middleton-on-Sea village pond.

    I continue along Sea Lane, ignoring all roads to left and right, this eventually brings me to the shingle beach where I turn right and I’m soon on a wide grassy area with numerous benches.  To the right I pass a collection of well-maintained wooden beach huts.

    This spot is relatively sheltered from the wind so I decide to avail myself  of one of the benches and stop for elevenses.

    Around the corner I continue along a path and it is not too long before this becomes a tarmac promenade with Bognor Regis in the distance.

    The last time I walked along this seafront was with Lynnie and we went all the way into Bognor Regis and then turned around and retraced our steps back to the car.  Today I am going to do a loop inland so with a view of Butlins in front of me I turn right to leave the promenade and join First Avenue.

    At a junction with Limmer Road I turn left and then very quickly turn right into Summerley Lane.  After passing a Post Office I follow the path into a waterlogged playing field and follow the path around the edge to reach the B2132.

    I cross the B2132 and turn to the right and then immediately at a junction go left into Flansham Lane and follow this to the A259 which I cross and then join Hoe Lane and walk into Flansham.

    In the village at a fork in the road I go to the left and continue along the road which soon becomes a track.  

    The track passes Hoe Farm then the footpath goes beside a gate and continues along to reach a junction of three tracks.  Directly in front of me is Westfield Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar.  This is the 413th trig I have bagged.

    I now turn to the right to follow the track to a junction of tracks, here I go right again.  This path along the field edge is very soggy and flooded in places but fortunately I manage to get through without getting wet feet.  I cross a footbridge into another waterlogged field.

    I dare to hope that I have passed the worst of the flooding and then reach a junction of tracks.  Here it was my intention to turn left and follow paths to Bilsham and on to bag another trig, however, there is no way I can get through this flood without getting wet feet.  There is not much that deters me from bagging a trig, but there is no joy in walking with soaking wet feet.  So I check the map and decide to re-route and turn right to walk back into Flansham.

    Back in the village I retrace my steps along Hoe Lane to the A259.  I cross and take a path that heads east towards Worms Wood.

    I follow the track until it almost reaches the A259 and then go through a gate into Worms Wood.  This is an open access area leased from the local council by the Woodland Trust around 2000 and they have created some cracking woodland.

    I head through the trees with soggy ground beneath my feet.  At the edge of the woodland I go through a gate and after crossing a ditch turn left along the north edge of a recreation area.

    The footpath leaves the recreation area through a kissing gate and then follows a path to reach the B2132.  After crossing the road I follow Ancton Lane to reach Ancton and then continue through a residential area to Elmer where I rejoin the coast path and turn left.  The tide has now gone out and there is a different perspective to the coastline.

    When we walked this bit of coastline six years ago the groynes came all the way up to the shingle bank.  The erosion means they are now separated and presumably no longer serve as a useful defence.  

    With the tide out I am able to walk on the coast path and do not need to go through the woodland to reach the newly created shingle bank and my car.

    You can view this 10.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey OS Explorer 121 – Arundel & Pulborough

    13th November 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.

  • On Horton Moor

    On Horton Moor

    The hot weather has settled in so we have planned another shortish walk today to ensure Crosby is fine.  Yesterday afternoon we tried again to walk to Winskill but after a couple of miles he started limping so we abandoned our walk.  However, earlier today on his morning walk he was absolutely fine.

    The starting point for today’s walk is Horton in Ribblesdale.  Being a Monday it is relatively quiet in the village and we start our walk by heading through the village to pass the now closed Pen-y-Ghent cafe.  At a finger post for the Pennine Way we cross the road and follow a lane passing properties.

    At a junction of tracks we turn to the left and follow the track as it gradually goes uphill.

    It is a stunning day and this is a cracking path to be walking along.  Away to our right Pen-y-Ghent dominates the view.

    The track leads us towards the limestone outcrop at Stot Rakes.

    Over the wall is Tarn Bar.  In the past we have been here during a wet spell and have seen a waterfall flowing here.

    After going through a gate at a junction of tracks we go straight on along a grassy footpath toward Foxup.

    We have visited Hull Pot on numerous occasions but I never ceased to be amazed by how this huge pot hole suddenly appears. One minute it looks like you are walking along a grassy path leading into the distance and then only a few metres away there is a large chasm in front of you.

    There is a trickle of water running into the pot hole, not from the dry river bed above but half way down.  We decide to follow the route of Hull Pot Beck to find a spot for lunch.  

    Initially the river bed is dry and after a couple of hundred metres we reach a point where there is water flowing before it disappears underground.

    This is a very pleasant spot to sit for lunch.  It gives Crosby a chance to stand in the beck and cool off a bit while we admire the view.

    Resuming our walk we continue heading alongside the beck and at a junction of paths turn to the left to head steadily uphill onto Todber Moss.

    The path now heads across moor land.  A number of years ago we headed up onto this moor after a prolonged wet spell and it was extremely boggy.  In those days my navigation skills were not as good as they are now and visibility was not great so we made the sensible decision to turn around and head back to the beck.  

    The ground conditions are good today, and there is a clear path across the moor.  However, I still use the map and compass to check we are heading in the right direction.

    We go through a gate across a stream before continuing over Red Moss.

    The path leads us to a junction of paths with the Pennine Way and Yorkshire Three Peaks route.  Here we turn left along the track which forms the Pennine Way and the Three Peaks route.  

    Usually on this section of path you would expect to meet walkers heading in the opposite direction walking the Three Peaks but today with he have it to ourselves.

    We reach the point where the Three Peaks path goes to the left.  Here we go through a gate still on the route of the Pennine Way and follow the track towards another gate at Sell Gill.

    The dry conditions mean there is only a small amount of water in Sell Gill Beck.

    The route is now very straightforward we are staying on this track back to Horton in Ribblesdale.  We are in no rush so take time to admire the views.

    Soon we see the village in front of us as we descend the final section of the track.  

    After passing the Crown Inn we cross the River Ribble and return to our starting point.

    You can view this 6 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer – OL2 Yorkshire Dales Southern and Western Areas

    4th  September 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.