Saturday 26 February’22. DH, RW, TO, AC, BFS, DL, IP, Sully, Scumpy, Bill & Newton
What a contrast to last week as we drove to this weeks RV with the skies clearing and the late February sun starting to generate a bit of warmth. Having successfully negotiated the very sharp turn into school lane we parked up outside of Dundon Primary school. Only a couple of months late, Adrian finally handed over last year’s Christmas card to Deryck and the pair couldn’t resist posing for a photo with the latest issue of the training manual. There was a mix of choices of outer garments this week, perhaps feeling confident that we wouldn’t encounter weather like atop of White Sheet, some without even a coat whilst others still donned the full winter attire. An early frost had cleared and the grass was damp as we set off just a few minutes late on an anti-clockwise loop. With good visibility up to the monument and ridge, the top end of our route was visible in front of us. We skirted low around the base of Dundon Beacon and crossing wide open fields the conversation soon turned to the atrocious and disturbing events unfolding only a 1,000 miles away. Sully oblivious to any such worries was soon completing his early morning habit of rolling in the wet grass, whilst Scrumpy looked on unimpressed.
Once across the busy road and around the edge of another field, we turned left up a track and then onto the road leading across the rear of the village of Compton Dundon. As with most villages we saw some lovely traditional village properties but still under construction and standing out like a sore thumb was a large ‘designer’ property totally out of sync with the surrounding homes. It will be interesting to see if it blends in once completed, I somehow doubt it. At the northern end of the village we turned up into a farm yard and the climb to the monument was soon under way.
The going was pretty good to begin with, a nice grassy field, not too muddy or slippery and well enough contained that Iain let Newton off for a run around. He was delighted to be able to play with Sully & Scrumpy, but I think his brother must have warned him to stay clear of the little grumpy one; Bill. Iain was so pleased and confident that Newton would repay his master by return on the first shout to sit by his side. Newton had other ideas! Grasping his freedom with four paws he steadfastly refused to return to the call, even when Iain bid him a few ‘Good-byes’, as if he were abandoning him for good. With only a bag full of poop in his hands and no biscuits to rattle, Iain couldn’t even resort to that normal number one bride of Labrador’s- food! Thankfully the exit from the field was not a easy one for the large dogs to pass through, so Newton sensing his freedom was coming to a rapid end and that literally there was nowhere else for him to go, reluctantly but magnanimously returned to the boss. Back on the lead again, we were safe to start the first of many awkward crossings between this point and the summit. Adrian of course was in his element and keen to show off his nimble dexterity as he used a different technique at each crossing. Trevor lead the way as the path steepened, Dercyk kindly donated his stick to Adrian and with a bit of assistance, and a lot of huffing and puffing we all finally made it to the top.
Whilst some immediately set about reading the inscriptions and observing the views, others, well me at least, took 2 minutes to sit down on the base of the plinth to get their breath back, and remove those overheating winter coats. What a perfect spot for ‘lolly time’.
The 110 feet high monument was constructed from Doulting stone in the early 1830s and as a tribute to former Butleigh naval officer, Vice Admiral Sir Samuel Hood. Despite the trees the hilltop offers some glorious views southwards back over the Dondon hills whilst through a gap in the trees to the north, Glastonbury Tor looked magnificent against the backdrop of the Mendip hills.
Suitably refreshed and having had this weeks selfie taken we headed downhill and westward along the 6 mile long Polden Way. Despite the chill wind coming up the hill, the walk across the ridge and with stunning views around, was probably one of the best bits of any walk we have completed for a long time. We dropped down through the National Trust maintained area of Collard Hill and down to what must be one of the worst cross roads within our area. With the utmost of caution, we made our way across and headed down the minor road towards the levels.
Making the steady descent, beautiful drifts of blue crocus we’re fully open in the banks in the morning sun. Glancing over the hedge into a very well kept garden, pink azalea bushes we’re starting to bloom, a sure sign spring is just around the corner. On the other side of the track, sheep and their newborn lambs were gathered around a gateway bleating as of their next meal was on its way soon. Round the next corner a large gateway indicated the garden was part of a substantial property. Looking up the drive we got our first sight of Ivythorn manor. A Monastic dwelling of medieval origin and later a country house. It was rebuilt in 1488 for Abbot Selwood of Glastonbury Abbey, subsequently passing to the Marshall and Sydenham families after the dissolution. By the end of the 19th century the house was rescued from ruin and rebuilt again. Since 1949 it has been granted grade 2* listed status.
We continued southbound and came across 2 shepherds on their way out of the fields in their Gator 4x4. In the back of the truck was a young lamb that had been attacked, as they told us, most likely by foxes over night. It’s head and tail looked perfect but the blood red stained backbone and ribs were totally devoid of any flesh. Whatever took it certainly picked it clean.
With another field of sheep and lambs ahead of us, we crossed the stile to be met by an electric fence running the perimeter of the field, The space between the wire and the surrounding ditch and hedge was very limited and despite keeping the dogs on very tight leads, both Bill and Newton let out loud yelps as they accidental brushed against the wire. We all decided that the safest route therefore was to cross into the field as the sheep and young ones were at the far side of the field, so with careful lifting of the smaller dogs and the careful passing under the lifted wire of the larger ones, we were able to carry on in a safe manner. With the church in Dundon getting closer all the time, another bit of ducking and diving of the wire again, a careful crossing of a plank bridge and we were skirting around the edge of the muddiest field yet. Out onto a farm track the last few hundred metres back up to the cars completed the 4 mile stroll, with over 300 feet of climb in just over 2 hours.
A short drive into Somerton and with free car parking we were soon on the lookout for this weeks pre-booked cafe M & Ms. A sign pointed us in the right direction and with dogs welcomed, we entered into the very small, bright yellow cafe. Cyclists in tight Lycra were seated nearest the door so we opted for tables near the kitchen. Sully settled under the small table and Newton took the opportunity to stretch out after his walk. Despite blocking the passageway the waitress carefully picked her way over him and in a few minutes orders were placed for breakfast with optional extras of black pudding chosen by a few. A good plateful and some tasty sausages from the local butchers made for a cracking breakfast, and combined with the bargain price, another one that’s on the list for a repeat visit at sometime.