DH, BFS, TO, PCL, Sully, Bill
St Aldhelm's Well
A somewhat depleted group of 4 met at the Charlton trading estate on the Fosse Way for today’s walk. Unlike the Doulting walk a few weeks previously, we immediately turned right behind the barn and headed out over the fields in a clockwise loop, keeping low and running parallel to the river and road after a while. A quick note about the very well signed paths and maintained gateways and crossing, all thanks to the Mendip Ramblers.
Sully had a burst of energy when on entering one of the fields, 3 deer popped their heads up and took off up the hill. Sully, although way down at the bottom felt the desire to go after them so in a half hearted attempt at a chase took of in pursuit. There was only ever going to be 3 winners and it didn’t take too long before he gave up the chase and headed back, tongue hanging out and panting heavily.
Having crossed through a patch of lakes, we then came across the sight of St Aldhelm's Well, an ancient spring and source of the River Sheppey. The well was named after St Aldhelm after he died in Doulting village in 709, some accounts say on the day of his death he sat by the well singing psalms before being carried up to the church in the village where he died. Folklore has attributed healing powers to the spring water in which pilgrims were known to have bathed, the well is still visited by people who use the water and leave flowers and other offerings of reverence. The spring has never been known to fail, even in times of drought. Sully was quite happy to offer his self alongside the Teddy Bear, for the right to drink from the well.
Having given our offerings, more verbal than physical, we went up the hill to cross the main Frome road onto the farmland to the south. The path eventually came out by a small lay-bye where is was obvious social distancing had not been in evidence. So sad to see over a dozen empty beers cans and more rubbish littering the area. Shame on you!
Our route then took us high onto the ridge above Shepton Mallet, on a good day the view south would be terrific I’m sure but with the rain driving into our faces, speed and the pending breakfast was more in order. Dropping down through the lower fields, our resident mycologist saw his oppotunity for Sundays breakfast and bagged himself 3 good size ‘shrooms.
We made it in good time for another great value Dobbie‘s breakfast and Bill was pleased to be included and get some of the left overs. A good varied route, will be back in better weather for sure.
Comments