31 December 2022, DH, BFS, DL, TH, AH, Sully & Albus
New Years Eve and as there were just four of us up for walking I opted for a local one, with a bite in a local cafe to round off the year. Having taken my gorgeous granddaughters on walks separately this year they jumped at the chance to come together for the first time. Trevor did an early morning ’duck-out’ of the forecasted wet walk opting for a couple more hours in bed, so it was just Brian & myself that headed of slightly early from home, picking up the girls near the top of Common Road. Once they were booted up we then met Dereyk climbing out of his daughters car at the bottom of Ireson Lane, with for the first time on our walks, her 8 month old puppy, Albus.
Fearing the worst weather he had his best waterproof jacket on, and so did Albus, with a very posh Barbour styled body wrap hoping to keep the rain off of his back, and the mud from splashing him all over.
As we climbed Wincanton steepest hill we discussed route and cafe options and instead of the Windmill hill route I had planned, opted for the Verrington route to the park cafe, which had been doing good service over the holiday season. So along the footpath and into the area we know as Cash’s Park, where the views across the Wincanton roof tops and the racecourse we a first time for some for quite some time. Sully was happy to be off the lead but Albus was kept on as he’s still in training and Dereyk would not have wanted to head home later without him. Tilly was happy to walk him until it came to the slippery bank at the bottom of the field, where the wooden steps cut into the bank are certainly in need of some refurbishment , when she handed him over considering it better for her if he was to pull anyone over, better of it wasn’t her.
Taking the steep but stepped pathway down to the road we could hear the waterfall getting louder the closer we got. Amy said it sounded like a big lorry approaching. We stopped for a photo of the river in good flow before heading past Shatterwell Shoot/shutes and into Verrington Lane, where a new source of water flowing out of stone can be seen in a few places on the right wall of the old railway bridge.
Heading up Verrington Lane we gave the track up to the hospital a miss and turned left by Starling Castle to climb up to Dancing Lane, coming out by the construction site of King Alfred’s Drive, which has progressed a fair bit since we last came this way. the girls enjoyed splashing in puddles on their way along Dancing Lane before we turned down Atkins Hill and down the steps to arrive ready for a drink and bite at the Cale cafe.
Unfortunately for us the cafe was not open and with disappointed looks on faces we posed for a quick selfie whilst Dereyk provide lollies for the walkers and a bowl of food for Albus, just in case he was hungry after a 2 mile walk. We quickly decided our best option was to head up town to the Hooga cafe, so we slowly made our way out of the park, through the church yard and up Church Street. Poor Sully was starting to feel his age at this point, or had he had too many long walks over the holidays, and was certainly not in any rush. The signs were good as we approached Carrington Way, but with no space inside to accommodate 5 walkers and 2 dogs, we were almost at the point of giving in when The Dolphin was suggested as a possible place for food and beverages. So up the High Street and finally we found somewhere to rest our weary leafs. 2.8 miles walked to this point as we ordered Bacon sandwiches all round and drinks. The 2 girls kept us amused with their tales on dancing - contemporary of course for Tilly and horse riding later in the day for Amy, when she would be trying out her new crop on pony ‘Dan the man’.
Not the best of sandwiches (cold streaky bacon) but a good pot of tea and orange juices and chance for Albus to get Sully down to his height for a change. Hopefully he will be allowed to join us again next year.
Coincidentally the first walk of 2022 was around Wincanton and so was the final one for the year, We have completed around 48 this year and had some great moments and many laughs on route. Wishing you all the very best for 2023, when we can do it all again, stretch our legs as we find new locations, enjoy great views of the countryside and dine on some great breakfasts, all part of the healthy diet of course! If anyone knows of anyone who would like to join us, please spread the word, there is always room for more.
Happy New Year!
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