Big Cat Territory

Saturday 20th July ‘24. TO, RW, PCL, DL, CH, JB, Scrumpy, Albus & Maisie

Having established the limiting definitions with Chris it was once again the Deputy Mayor’s duty to administer the walk. So with a great deal of optimism I decided a re-run of the walk that almost saw the demise of a few of our group last time. So Big Field was combined with the Tin Tabernacle to create the challenge of 5 miles of Somerset’s finest.

We managed to meet rather successfully in the Ansford’s School Carpark, unfortunately it was then I was reminded that Phil had offered to drive so immediately thought we have arrived 15 minutes early. How wrong I was he was only 10 minutes late which is something of a personal best, with the Olympics coming I am sure no one will be able to challenge Phil’s consistent ability to be late for everything.

So off we went across the school playing fields, and adjacent fields to enter the area known as Ansford Park (which was news to me), the top of the hill affords a wonderful view of the landscape from King Alfred’s tower in the east, to the Tor in the west, there was even one field with livestock in. With the dogs as usual playing chase in their harmonious manor we came to our first obstacle of the BR line crossing, this is in excellent order which is testament to how potential liability can produce quality access.

Having emerged onto Big Field the next 20 minutes was a steady stroll towards the recently finished Newt railway station formerly known as Castle Cary, Gateway to Pilton Pop Festival. As our new masters slowly but surely buy everything within 10 miles of the Newt let it be said that the quality and finish is second to none. If you have the opportunity to visit a go in the glass lift, and the view down to the creamery works is something to witness. As an ex-builder to see so much glass as an integral part of a building is very interesting.

So it was off, only to be stopped by Mr Watts, the president of Castle Cary RFC to be asked of the welfare of an old colleague and Life Member of the club. We were out on the busy A371, not so if I put my house back on the market! And across the Brue to enter the adjacent fields, cutting the corner towards Sutton. This stretch follows the river but it runs low from the bank, with the hedge obscuring any real enjoyment it could have given visually.

Due to a drainage issue in the lower field we had to go off Piste and joined the Sutton road by athletically hurdling the locked 5 bar gate although Albus was showing a certain amount of reluctance to limbo, and there were no offers to lift him. Sutton isn’t high on the top ten attractions in Somerset, but has recently become the proud owner of the Higher Farm Bar and Shop, on a nice evening worth a visit for some cider and views of the Tor.

We were soon on the familiar route to Alhampton, on the Parishioners footpath allegedly to church, which strangely emerges 50 yards from the Alhampton Inn? This is also the site of the famous Tin Tabernacle, which is an interesting building luckily with a QR code where donations to its upkeep can be made. To the side was the entrance to Haddon’s wood a nice little wooded area with pond which has blossomed over the wet, then hot growing period we call summer.

We re-joined the road near the Castle Cary Rugby ground, with a short walk to a field which Mr Barber allows the club to use as an overflow car park on busy days. This grass field had been recently mowed which made progress easy. Having had a vote, the decision of breakfast venue was The George,the new cut of time of 11.30am caught me off guard, so with only 40 minutes to get there we needed to up the pace.

The issue is that although the majority of walkers this is not a problem those who used to enjoy the more health conscious lifestyles began to suffer a little, with the rise in elevation and new speed criteria. The walk was a chore but eventually the George was in sight and we managed to arrive with 10 minutes to spare, so Phil wasn’t late whatsoever!!

As we tucked into a lovely breakfast we reflected on a good walk some lovely views and workout last seen in the late 70’s for some.

Oh! Big Cat Country- While socialising on Saturday evening a Friend, used to walking his dog in the area suggested that he and his partner had seen a large feline walking across big field several times, and he said he wasn’t lying, so it must be true!!

By guest blogger - Trevor