Saturday 12 February ‘22, DH, RW, TO, PC, BFS, PCL, DL, IP, Sully, Scumpy, Bill & Newton
A trip across the border into Wiltshire this week and a return to one of our earliest walking locations, the most picturesque lake amid Fonthill estate. Meeting at the Bird & Carter in Fonthill Bishop, where we would return to later for breakfast, we welcomed into the fold Dr Iain Phillips and one of his two fox red labradors, Nelson.
Normally we start this walk near the Beckford Arms and walk in an anti-clockwise direction, but to avoid the road early on, we opted for a clockwise loop this week. A very short stretch along the A3089, the most easterly part of the Monarchs way we have been on so far, and with a steady climb into the woods we were soon up high enough to have views north past the continuous flow of traffic on the A303 and over towards Great Ridge wood. A bit further on and the trees thinned out to reveal a beautiful grassy coombe leading all the way back down towards the lake. Wiltshire countryside at its best!
A gentle descent followed by a muddy climb and we were soon at the most easterly part of the walk and were rewarded with a short break and our weekly sugary sweets courtesy of Dereyk ; “lolly time”! Suitably rested and refreshed a short 200m walk through the hidden hamlet of Ridge and we were at the striking white gates that filled the full width of the estate drive entrance. Passing through the side gate we started the steady walk up towards Fonthill House, home of the 3rd Lord and Lady Margadale of Islay. (The southern most of the Inner Hebridean islands before you ask). You can read more about the parks history,the current use of the 9,000 acre estate and the story of Fonthill Abbey or ’Beckfords folly’ here.
A steady stroll through the grounds, or Deer Park and a stop for the weekly selfie, with the grand house in the background. With 8 in the photo this week, I’ll soon be needing a wide angle lens! Dropping down through the Deer Park, Trevor impressed us all with his knowledge of Parsons terriers, and the said terrier impressed the old walkers by performing some death defying stunts or were they just basic tricks? I hope Bill was paying close attention, as it will be his turn next week. Nelson took a brief interest and I’m sure he would certainly had joined in if it weren’t for the leash he was on, for fear of running off.
A short passage through a sunken lane and we emerged at the southern end of the mile long lake, Sully sensing their was a chance of a paddle ahead or maybe hearing the cascade of water by the turbine, decided he would like a closer look and started pulling on his leash, thankfully I got the brakes on in time as we both stopped within inches of the edge. We all stopped to watch as a group of 8 to 10 swans were busy chasing each other, making short flights and dramatic landings. Having posed for a couple more photos, I even managed to get a short video of one of them coming in to land Just before my phone died. Put the volume up and listen for the flapping of feet as it runs across the water to gracefully come to a halt!
The path now took us around the western side of the lake, through a small wooded area where a pile of rocks were spotted on a hill top, all fenced off. Of course the more intuitive climbed up to find out what it was, only to discover it all fenced off with no entry signs. The great “Keep the … out folly‘ was named! There were plenty of wild birds to see on the water as we headed up the road towards the large archway; plenty more swans and cygnet, heron, mallards, egret and loads of smaller ones further away that our aging eyes couldn’t positively identify. Sully finally got in for his paddle whilst Scrumpy just looked on, probably thinking how mad can he be?
I don’t know if it was the easier walking, less talking or that the time was creeping closer towards 11.00 but the last few hundred yards to the arch and then down to the cafe were done almost ‘at the double’. It’s surprising how fast we can walk when food is on offer.
A very picturesque 4 miles completed in 2 hours, boots changed and into the outside dining room where our table was waiting. The last time Richard and myself sat here, it was to enjoy a pint of beer as we sat in a lovely green bit of garden. I don’t know if it was Covid regulations or the chance to expand, but the small garden is now gravelled over and covered, but thankfully this time of year also heated.
After a short time breakfast orders were taken, and although we all opted for the full English, as you’d expect, there was no standard plate this time. The choices of brown bread, white bread, soda bread and black pudding were suitable acknowledged and we sat back to wait. Mugs of tea and coffees arrived and slowly the breakfasts arrived. Having been first to order the extra black pudding, Trevor was a trifle gutted when his plate arrived without any. A quick check back to the kitchen revealed it had run out, and the offer of an extra egg could not put a smile back on his face. Overall though a most enjoyable meal and once Deryck had negotiated ‘no charge’ for those who did receive a meagre portion of the pudding, we headed for home, and a well deserved afternoon of watching the 6 nations Rugby in front of the fire. What a way to spend a Saturday!