Saturday 19th November DH, RW, TO, PC, PCL, AC, DL, Sully & Scrumpy
It was a chilly start today as we met in Castle Cary at 0900 for a short walk as many of us had another event to attend at lunchtime. There had been a heavy overnight frost, possibly the first in this area this Autumn, and many of the north facing rooftops were still white as we set off follow Trevor’s short cut through the old folks housing area of Millbrook Gardens and then around the perimeter of Cary Brook old folks home, makes you wonder why Trev knows his way around the area so we’ll? Had he done a previous recce for later in life?
Once out through the church yard of the 14th century grade 2 All Saints Parish church, it was only a short stretch up the main road before we turned right down South Cary Lane. Around 200 m down the lane we turned into gateway on the left to take the footpath into open fields so we could let the two dogs have a run together. And that’s where the fun started! The gate to the field was chained and padlocked so the obvious option was to climb the stile and fence to the side rather than risk our old bones vaulting the gate. Unfortunately for some unknown reason an extra cross member had been added to the top of what would have been a fence of reasonable height, turning it into a rather more vertical challenge that was anticipated. Even for those of us with just the usual aches and pains of bad hips and backs it was a challenge, but for Adrian it was one where the support of team was obviously required. With Trevor taking the lead from the far side and others lifting legs and feet Adrian was eventually manhandled over the obstacle and pleased to be back on his feet non the worse for wear. There were some rather spectacular straddles and dismounts from those that followed, but having taken a good 10 minutes to just gain entry to a field maybe we should have seen the signs that today would be more of an obstacle ridden walk that normal.
As we crested the ridge line the view westerly ahead of us was pretty impressive as the early morning mist lay hugging the lower ground, leaving the higher points of Coombe Hill woods on the ridge above Butleigh and Glastonbury Tor floating almost heavenly above it. Before we descended down the hill, and as paused to watch a train make its way along the Taunton line, it was an ideal opportunity for this weeks selfie which Pete volunteered to take. However with the low morning sun in his eyes as he framed the photo combined with six unmanageable old men to get into the frame, it took a bit of time before we finally hit the poses and got going again.
As we set of down the hill, avoiding the slippery cow pats that littered the field (apart from Scrumpy who has clearly learnt from Sully all about their nutritional value) the next stile came into view. It looked pretty well maintained and low, but unfortunately the cattle who had now moved on from this field, had previously used it as a meeting point and communal latrine as for a good 5 to 10 metres either side of the crossing, it was a sea of wet, deep and smelly mud and poop! Sully and Scrumpy led the way without worry, as the rest of us carefully picked our path. It didn’t matter what type of footwear we had on, everyone was guaranteed to be caked in it by the other side. Adrian took time to ensure his trousers were neatly tucked into his socks before attempting the first half, and with a bit of help and a big stretch he made the leap across to the firmer ground on the bottom side. It had taken another 10 minutes off as we all tiptoed slowly through but thankfully no one slipped in the slurry this time. With a good stretch of long damp grass, much of it covered by the morning frost under our feet, it didn’t take too long for boots to become a bit cleaner again as we continued down towards Cary‘s new sewage works. Aiming for a gate in the corner, Pete and Adrian, battle hardened by the obstacles already crossed, decided to take an easier route through an open gateway whilst Trevor started to untie the mass of bailer twine holding the metal gate in the corner of the field firmly closed. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately as it turned out, the pairs access onto the lane meant them going right down to the bottom of their field and through another gate to come back up the track, whilst the more stubborn of us took the shorter optionI and waited patiently for the gate to swing open. With the twine failing to give up it’s hold of the gate (where was farmer Brian when we needed him) the decision to climb over was unanimously approved. However with frost on the bars and a couple that had come loose and were springy, even the simplistic task that we all could have done with our eyes shut only 40 years earlier, became another challenge. As Richard said as we all finally made it over “this is exactly the fun and banter we enjoy so much on our Saturday morning walks”. Finally reunited as a group we headed along a narrow hidden tree lined pathway southwards towards Higher Cock Hill farm. My original plan this morning was to get round the Cock Hill loop within 30 mins and then complete our walk by climbing up Lodge Hill, but at this point we had only just covered 1 mile and it was already 9.45, so as we slowly climbed through the fields, passing without incident through some newly installed gates , it was just the final stile into Cockhill Elm Lane to negotiate. How Phil managed to smack his head on the wooden finger sign by the gate post is anyone’s guess, but as we paused to provide sympathy (not) Trevor took the opportunity to phone ahead to secure our table for breakfast.
A short road section took us to the row of terraced houses along South Bank and then it was a sharp turn back towards town, passing to the rear of the many old properties that have thepir wonderful garden views onto Lodge Hill. Not so sure the same view will be enjoyed by the residents of the new designer house under construction as it sits a bit lower off the track. It was then a short stroll past the ACF & scout huts, the primary school and the many wreaths on the war memorial at the Duck Pond, and up the high street to The George. A steady 2.35 miles completed in 80 minutes.
Having placed our orders and whilst we waited, Adrian amused us with his totally inappropriate questions and suggestions about the ladies he has met, or even some he hasn’t, but Pete was quick to defend him and verified the fact that all the ladies at work really love him. A good breakfast, despite the cold plates, was enjoyed by all, and especially the extra portions of fried bread that appeared later at the table. All rounded off with a nice bit of toast and marmalade, with the empty pots passed to Richard to take home and be refilled with some of this years finest Pitcombe honey. A real shame however, that yet another establishment when asked for a top up of the tea pots, only added a splash of fresh hot water without considering putting an extra tea bag in. Is it to do with the current cost of living crisis or had they heard how weak Dereyk likes his tea? And finally, a reminder that it’s only 2 weeks now to our Christmas walk and lunch with our ladies, so if you haven’t done so yet, please get your orders in to Pete pronto.
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