Saturday 1st July '23 DH, RW, TO, PCL, DL, Scrumpy
What a difference a week makes. From the hot sticky conditions last week, the first weekend in July was grey and wet as we met in the car park at the western side of Duncliffe woods at our earlier time of 0830hrs. When the car doors opened Scrumpy was not too impressed that she couldn’t find her pal Sully, but after last weeks episode it was safer to leave him at home this week, despite the much cooler temperatures. The drizzle was only light but we all opted to put coats and hats on on as we set off up the track towards the woods. Passing through the gate the slow steady climb started and with just one short pause mid way to catch our breaths, and take this weeks selfie, we were soon on top and pushing along quite well. There were only a few other cars in the car park so we didn't expect to meet many other walkers but one who we did come across certainly caught our attention. A small tan coloured cairn terrier was running along and attracted the attention of Scrumpy and as we briefly stopped to talk to the owner, she revealed that he was not her only dog, as in fact she was carrying an older grumpier one in a custom made dog rucksack on her back. There were, as expected, a few comments made about having an old grumpy one in our group, but there certainly won't be any offers forthcoming to carry our one for sure!
We have walked through these woods a few times and each time when we have reached the eastern end we have headed uphill to the summit, so it made a change this time to push on through the gate and into the adjoining field. As we followed the pathway through the long grass the views quickly opened up from the edge of Shaftsbury on top of the hill to our front, sweeping round past a mist covered hilltop on the Melbury ridge right down the vale to the ridgeline behind Sturminster Newton. As we stopped to take photos there was much discussion about the recently announced opportunity to be an extra in the forthcoming filming at the Newt on the subject of the Roman Villa. Clearly we could all pass for old peasants, but though it best to volunteer Brian in his absence for any of the Roman speaking parts.
Throughout our crossing of the field we could hear many dogs barking and although we are dog lovers, I’m sure the non stop noise is not a pleasant experience if you happen to live near by. At the end of the field we joined a small track past a couple of farm outbuildings and turned left onto Dover Street, the road out of Stour Row heading towards Shaftesbury. Although not over busy there were a few cars and cyclists passed us, but non so courteous as the lady who slowed to an almost snails pace to pass us, maybe she confused us with a slow going horse!
Just a bit further up the road is Blynfield Farm, the original site of Virginia Haywards Ltd who have been supplying luxury wine and food hampers for almost 40 years, although they moved to purpose built 440,00 square foot premises in Shaftesbury in 2015. Before we reached the farm buildings I spotted an open gateway which lead into the field we needed to be in to continue our route southwards. In the grounds of the farm a large yurt occupied a great spot with views over the open fields but thankfully no one in residence to see us make our way across the wet grass to a crossing point in the far corner. In the next field along the paths edge, we spotted that a series of young oak trees had large plastic bags around the bottom of the trunks, something we have never come across on previous walks. It was not obviously clear what their purpose was but on closer inspection it appears to be a slow release water container to keep the young plants well hydrated in the hotter weather. It looks like the footpaths around this area have not been walked much recently as the gateways were quite overgrown, the stiles a bit rickety and fallen trees were blocking the way across some of the bridges. We continued around the edge of the next field and with the grass getting longer around the fringes, the going got steadily slower. Passing a derelict farm we spotted through the high nettles our next crossing point over the stream, and Dereyk lead the way swinging his trusty stick as we beat a route through to the bridge. Trevor being the only one this week wearing shorts very sensibly stayed at the rear although with the amount of nettles to get through I’m sure he didn’t get through unstung. At the far end of the very rotten and precarious bridge another fallen tree was blocking our route, so whilst we all waited on the written planks a few feet above the stream Dereyk limboed and bent him self almost double as he sought the best root through the many branches. Unwilling, or unable to follow the agile contortionist before us, the later ones worked together to push the tree to one side opening up a much more accessible gap to squeeze through at full height. At some point having battled through one of these troublesome crossings we were justly rewarded with this weeks sweeties from Dereyk’s dwindling supply.
At the next farm a walkers path had been laid separately around the field edge although again the stiles were not the easiest to cross, and after a couple awkward crossing and as we headed to the corner of a field for our next challenge, we were met by a very unfriendly sign spelling it out quite clearly that there was no right of way down the track by the farm bungalow. Thankfully our path was a bit to the left, although having seen the very aggressive sign we were a bit surprised to find that our route took us through the corner of an enclosure in which 3 horses were resident. If ever there was a case for a clear segregated walkers path through the area, this was it. Safely across we were met by two very calm farm dogs as we made our way around the edge of the farm, following the way makers and with some assistance from the farmer, who I think was a bit shocked to see walkers out on a Saturday morning. Crossing another field we made it onto onto Dover Lane again, right opposite the aforementioned dog kennels.
After a short stretch along the road we turned right into an area of small livestock pens and a table full of some healthy looking plants for sale for charity (might be worth popping back there some time). The pathway lead through the pens of which only a couple were occupied with small ponies, two had just been let out to graze for the day whilst two further up were still in their overnight pen, although not too keen on having us for company. Through the next stile we were kept to the edge of a large horse/pony exercise field and the track through the long grass started again, only this time with an element of uphill as well to make it more leg sapping. Dereyk continued to lead the way as we made our way along the southern edge of Duncliffe woods before reaching an entry point back into them at the hairpin bend we have walked past before. Opting to take the path back through the woods as opposed to potentially more long grass and stiles had we stayed outside of the trees, we were soon striding along ready for that hearty breakfast at the Uddder farm cafe.
All previous walks in Duncliffe have been at different times of year so it was quite a surprise to find growing along the path edge, well laden bushes of looked like wild raspberries. Using all our survival skills we picked a few and with no thought as to them being safe or not proceeded to try them out. Not too bad actually and a nice mouth watering treat to pick us up on the last mile of the walk. It was then just a quick drop back down the steep hill and along the track to the cars for the short drive to the cafe. A fraction over 4 miles walked in 2hrs 20 minutes, due mainly to the many obstacles faced on route.
Finding a suitable dry table in the dog section, breakfast were swiftly ordered and paid for and it was not too long before our hot drinks arrived. As seems to be the case most weeks, these were well consumed before there was any sign of our breakfasts, however a few minutes later a couple of staff arrived with arms full of loaded plates. The wind had picked up a bit and it was a bit chilly compared to previous weeks, but all in all some good tasty breakfasts all round. Next week, weather permitting, Dereyk has offered his services ( and Maureen’s) so it will be another walk around the Wincanton area. See you there!
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