Monkton Farleigh – a repeat of the 2016 Spring Walk here It’s interesting to note that the pub mentioned in the previous post has changed – read all about it here

This walk, starting from Monkton Farleigh, was a repeat of that done on 20 March 2016 so much of the detail remains the same. It was however good to see the autumn scenery rather than the spring version. Many of the trees still had their autumn leaves but those which didn’t revealed their structure against the clear blue sky. One bit of excitement was entering a field of cows and calves and then realising the bull was close to the path. Fortunately he seemed more interested in chewing the cud than attacking an innocent group of walkers.

A 5.8 mile circular walk starting and ending at Monkton Farleigh

A 4.5 mile walk starting and ending at Batheaston Carpark.

This walk started from Batheaston car park and after a brief stroll through the village, the countryside was soon reached. A steep uphill climb led to the top of Solsbury Hill which gave extensive views of Bath and the surrounding countryside. Back down the hill and a gentle walk down to Bathampton Meadows – noting the Tin Church (a listed building) at Bailbrook on the way – and along the River Avon back to Batheaston.

A 5.5 mile walk starting and ending in Doynton

This walk started from the car park of the sadly closed pub in Doynton and went through woods and fields before skirting Dyrham Park and heading back to Doynton. The steep hills were well worth the effort as, combined with glorious weather, the reward was far reaching views stretching as far as the Severn bridge.

Welcome to our third featured walk which is a 4.9 mile circular hike through Ebbor Gorge on the West Mendip Way.  Full instructions are below.

This walk starts from Ebbor Gorge car park and heads down into the reserve before diverting into Wookey Hole village. From there it goes across fields and through woods before returning to the nature reserve and back to the car park. A challenging walk with steep flights of steps and climbs up hills but well worth the effort for the far reaching views across the Somerset countryside. The limekilns and rock formations are an interesting addition.

This is now the offical route for the walk we will be leading on 30.7.17 It’s a 5 mile circular route with quite a bit of climbing (worth it for the spectacular views) and lots of woodland steps.  For more photos of this route see our previous post and if you want to join the walk  see here for details

Ebbor Gorge – 6 miles.  This was a test run of a walk we will be leading on 30th July – the route may differ slightly

The Mendips and Glastonbury Tor in the distance

Westbury White Horse – A 5.9 mile walk starting and ending at the White Horse car park.

The walk started from the Westbury White Horse car park and went past the old chalk quarry and skirted Imber Range – no firing today! The mostly level walk from high ground gave wonderful long distance views. Paragliders and kite flyers were taking advantage of the wind. Animal highlights included a Peregrine Falcon, skylarks, very woolly brown sheep and shaggy ponies – and, of course, the White Horse. An avenue of Beech trees provided the ideal setting for coffee and Easter Eggs!

map

undulating fields

On a gloriously sunny spring day it was well worth repeating this walk – see walk on 31/7/16 – as the differences were clear. The views were spectacular and the wood anemones and primroses were flourishing along the stream side paths although the wild garlic had yet to flower. The absence of leaves improved the views and gave a clear impression of how large the quarry was!

Wood Anemones

Box Re-visited

If you want to see this walk in a different light have a look at the pictures from last July when we walked it previously.

This walk was a repeat of last July’s except for the weather and there were no wild flowers in the meadow. That was more than compensated for by the displays of spring flowers – especially snowdrops which seemed to be everywhere. The rain kindly held off until the walk was finished although it was clearly on its way. This really is a delightful walk with good views and interesting buildings along the way.

An approximately 5 mile walk starting and ending at Selwyn Hall car park in Box

Swainswick

This walk started from Swainswick and involved some steep climbing through fields which would have given lovely views if it wasn’t for the drizzle and mist! It then went through the village of Woolley with its lovely church and onward around the redeveloped Ensleigh site and returning to Swainswick through the village of Charlcombe. A very attractive pheasant sitting atop a dead tree was a pleasing sight.

4.23 mile circular walk starting and ending at Swainswick

the hills were shrouded in mist