Two Dogs and an Awning

Tag: Selworthy

  • Winter Sun on North Hill

    Winter Sun on North Hill

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

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

    I ignore footpaths leading off from the road until I reach an information board for Dunster Woods.  Now I take the path to the right of the information board on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading uphill. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    6th February 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

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

  • A Loop to Bossington from Minehead

    A Loop to Bossington from Minehead

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

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

    Today’s walk is from the site and will be a variation of a walk I have done a few times.  On leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement besides the A39, Hopcott Road.  On reaching the Hopcott I turn left to follow the narrow tarmac lane as it heads steadily uphill passing Higher Hopcott and reaching woodland.

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

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

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

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

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

    At the next crossing of footpaths I continue straight on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The path soon starts to ascend into the woods.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    12th December 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

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

  • A Cracking Walk From Minehead

    A Cracking Walk From Minehead

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

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

    On leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement besides the A39, Hopcott Road.  On reaching the Hopcott I turn left to follow the narrow tarmac lane as it heads steadily uphill passing Higher Hopcott. The road then enters woodland with a steep final ascent to reach a small car park with an information board.

    I take the path to the right of the information board on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading uphill. I ignore a path on the right soon after leaving the car park and then where the Macmillan Way meets a crossing of tracks I continue straight on, staying on the route of the long distance path.

    The path now goes around the head of Long Combe, this is a cracking spot with stunning Beech trees lining the path.

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

    I am heading across the top of Hopcott Common and at a fork in the track I go left to keep with the Macmillan Way West and head west to reach another crossing of paths.  Here the Macmillan Way turns left towards Wootton Courtney, however, I keep going straight ahead soon reaching an Ordnance Survey trig point tucked to the left of the track on a high bank. This trig on Periton Hill is one which I have bagged a number of times.

    At the next crossing of footpaths I continue straight on.

    I soon reach the National Trust plaque and enter Holnicote.  

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

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

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

    Approaching East Lynch farm I take a footpath on the right, this runs behind a fine old barn.  I stay on the wide grassy track as it sweeps by farm cottages, ignoring a footpath on the left and continuing uphill to reach a minor road at Deans Cross.  Here I turn left and follow the road downhill into Selworthy where I stop on one of the many benches in the churchyard and admire the view whilst I have my lunch.

    Resuming my walk I continue through the village forking right on a track heading towards Allerford.  The track passes some cracking old barns and I stop to look back towards the church.

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

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

    After crossing the bridge I turn right to walk through this attractive village.  Soon after passing the old Post Office I take a footpath on the right which passes Stoates Farm and goes through a gate to reach a footbridge over the river.

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

    At a crossing of paths I take the route signposted towards Hurlstone Point, this path continues to steadily ascend through trees.

    The path leads to a wooden gate and a crossing of paths at Lynch Combe.  There is an information board explaining the work that has been done by the National Trust volunteers to restore the stone walls in the Selworthy and Cockerhill section of the Holnicote Estate. The walls are at least 200 years old and there are some fine examples in this Combe. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    There are multiple paths in the trees that zig zag down through the woods.  I take one that brings me down to the sea front by a park.  From here I walk along the road to pass the Lifeboat Station and the Old Ship Aground pub and reach the harbour and beach.

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

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

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

    10th February 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

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

  • Tea For Two at Periwinkle Cottage

    Tea For Two at Periwinkle Cottage

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

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

    We ignore footpaths leading off from the road until we reach an information board for Dunster Woods.  Now we take the uphill path to the right of the information board on the route of the Macmillan Way West. We ignore a path on the right soon after leaving the car park and then where the Macmillan Way meets a crossing of tracks we continue straight on, staying on the route of the long distance path.  The path now goes around the head of Long Combe, this is a cracking spot with stunning Beech trees lining the path.

    Leaving the trees the path continues through a section of open land with dead bracken and gorse.  On reaching a junction of tracks we turn right still on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading towards Tivington across the top of Hopcott Common.  

    At a fork in the track we go left to keep with the Macmillan Way West.  There are good views from here back along the coastline towards Blue Anchor.

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

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

    On reaching another  junction of paths we follow the way-marker towards Headon Cross and soon pass a National Trust plaque and enter Holnicote Estate. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The path continues close to the road to reach another gate, now we keep going east to reach another parking area and then keep going to another car park close to woodland.  Here we veer to the left and take a path going east through trees and passing concrete bases that housed Nissen huts during World War II.  Apparently the American Forces had a NAAFI in one of the huts on this hill.

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

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

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

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

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

    26th October 2021

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2021)

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

  • Meeting a Twitter Buddy

    Meeting a Twitter Buddy

    Social media gets a lot of bad press but there are some positive benefits from it.  I have accounts with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, but find that being active on all three is too time consuming so these days mainly confine my activities to Twitter.  Over the couple of years I have been tweeting I have met a few of the people I engage with through this medium and today I have arranged to meet Sarah and her cocker spaniel Jack for a cup of tea at the Periwinkle Cottage tea rooms in Selworthy.

    I have decided not to use the car today but walk directly from the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s site in Minehead. On leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement besides the A39, Hopcott Road. On reaching Hopcott I turn left to follow the narrow tarmacked lane as it heads steadily uphill passing Higher Hopcott and then entering woodland with a steep final ascent to reach a small car park.

    There are a network of paths leading from this car park, I take the route of the Macmillan Way West still heading uphill. I ignore a path on the right soon after leaving the car park and then where the Macmillan Way forks to the left I take the right fork to follow a footpath along a track.

    I am still heading steadily uphill; the path starts to level slightly on leaving the trees to enter an area covered in gorse offering fine views.

    On reaching a crossing of paths I turn right to follow the route towards Tivington.  I am now back on the Macmillan Way heading west to reach another crossing of paths.  Here the Macmillan Way turns left towards Wootton Courtney, however, I keep going straight ahead soon reaching an Ordnance Survey trig point tucked to the left of the track on a high bank. I have already bagged this trig on a previous walk.

    At the next crossing of footpaths I continue straight on to pass the National Trust plaque and enter Holnicote. Within a short distance the track forks and I take the left route towards Tivington.

    I leave the trees to join a hedge-lined track and get a cracking view over towards Dunkery Beacon.

    The track reaches Tivington near to the thatched 14th century Chapel of St Leonard. Apparently this chapel of ease closed during the dissolution of the monasteries it was restored in 1896 and re-consecrated in 1940. Sadly it is locked so I cannot take a peek inside.

    Back on the road I head north through the hamlet and at a fork in the road go left to soon pass Tivington Farm and then carry on to Venniford Cross where I go over the A39 and join a track, Eight Acre Lane, going steadily uphill.

    At a junction of tracks I turn left and follow the farm drive towards East Lynch Farm.  As I approach the farm I take a footpath on the right, which runs behind a fine old barn.  I stay on the wide grassy track as it sweeps by farm cottages, ignoring a footpath on the left and continuing uphill.

    On reaching a tarmac lane I turn left and follow this road steadily downhill to reach the attractive 15th century white washed All Saints Church at Selworthy.

    Soon after the church I go through the gate besides the War Memorial to meet up with Sarah at Periwinkle Tea room.  In the current circumstances meeting up with anyone is rather different than normal.  But the way things are set up at this attractive tea room means we can chat whilst social distancing.  Over a cup of tea Sarah shares with me some of her local knowledge of walking on Exmoor and I pass on details of some of my favourite local walks.

    After chatting with Sarah for an hour or so it is time for us to part ways.  I head back up through the gardens of the tea room to the War Memorial.  I now take the footpath on the left that soon heads into the attractive Selworthy Combe.  Where the track forks I go left to go over a bridge.

    The path now heads steadily uphill on an attractive path through the trees.

    On reaching a small dam in the stream I stop to search for an Ordnance Survey rivet.  Over the last few months rivets and cut benchmarks have been added to the list of things to “bag” whilst out walking. 

    It takes a bit of searching, but in the end I spot the small metal rivet that formed part of the OS mapping of this area.

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

    From the hut I walk uphill to a minor road and turn left and follow the road to reach a car park with a stunning viewpoint towards Porlock Weir.

    From the car park I turn around and follow a footpath besides the road heading back towards the Memorial Hut.  As I near the hut I cross the road and take a track north east to reach the trig point at Selworthy Beacon.

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

    Through a couple of gates the path sweeps to the left towards a car park.  There are a network of paths back to Minehead from here. I continue to the east heading towards trees in the distance.  On reaching the trees I turn to the right to cross the road and then take a footpath on the left running parallel to the road and heading downhill through gorse bushes.

    This track joins the road by a cattle grid and the route is then downhill along the road to enter Higher Town and reach the 15th century St Michael’s Church.   Apparently in the past a beacon was shone from the tower of this church to guide ships into the harbour below.

    I continue along the road for a short distance and then turn right onto a road called The Ball and follow this to a junction with Ballfield Road where I turn right and continue heading downhill into Minehead.  In the centre of the town I turn left into the Parade and then wander through the residential streets to return to the caravan site.

    It has been a good wander.  I have covered twelve and a half miles.  It was good to meet up with Sarah and her lovely dog Jack.  Hopefully on another visit to this area we can catch up again on a walk.

    You can view this 12.5 mile walk on OS Maps download the GPX File Here (Subscription to OS Maps Required)

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

    6th October 2020

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2020)

  • A Circular Wander from Minehead to Selworthy Beacon

    A Circular Wander from Minehead to Selworthy Beacon

    It is very unusual for me to be in the caravan on my own. When we got our first van Lynnie insisted I spend a night in it close to home to make sure I knew how it worked before she joined me. Occasionally whilst staying at Cholsey Grange CL I have been left for a night or two whilst Lynnie visited our daughter Lolly who lives nearby. But this is a first; a whole trip on my own!
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