DH, RW, BS, AC, PCL, Sully, Scumpy - The forecast was not looking good. Deep depression coming off the Atlantic and heavy rain sweeping across the country at the time we would be walking, but that didn’t deter 5 of us this week as we met at the viewpoint over the Blackmore Vale by the old windmill of East Knoyle.
Unfortunately with the wind blowing in the low cloud and mist the view this morning was limited to around 500m, just enough to see the edge of the tree line.
The route this week was one of the combinations referred to in a previous East Knoyle blog, across the top of the hill to the cross roads with the Clouds House rehabilitation centre and then clockwise down the road and back via Upton & Martha’s lanes and the tiny hamlet of The Green.
The descent along the road is quite severe in places and 100m of altitude is soon lost within the first mile, which given the driving wind at the top of the hill, made for more pleasant walking conditions lower down. 1 mile in and we took the right turn into Upton Lane, a wide permitted bridleway which due to the overnight rain had become a bit slippery and muddy in places. The dogs were both happy to be off the leads at last and ran around together as if they had never met before, lovely to see young and old, little and large, getting on so well.
A very steady climb, almost unnoticeable (I’m sure Trevor would have said differently) under a canopy of broadleaf trees saw us making good time at over 2.5 miles an hour. There have been improvements to signage and gateways since we last walked this way, an invitation to try a different route another time maybe. Reaching the top of Upton Lane we turned right onto Martha’s Lane and we’re soon approaching the road.
Glancing into the field alongside, an unusual black sheep with a white mark on its face soon started a discussions about its type. Thankfully we had the help of our resident farming expert this week, Brian, who quickly informed us all that it was the rare breed Badger faced sheep. Richard decided that this rare sheep was worthy of his David Bailey photographic experience to try and gain a photo for the record, unfortunately the sheep he selected had other ideas In the main and there was much disgust at how they turned their heads from the camera at the most inopportune moments. WI think much huffing and a bit of under the breath talk, one of the lambs finally turned and Richard seized his moment and pressed the button just at the right time to grab that elusive shot.
Photograph secured, we headed back up the road and back into the wind still blowing off of the Blackmore Vale below. On reaching The Green we headed back into the woods to complete the loop back to the cars. There was a wonderful display of bluebells and an even more welcoming rope swing for Adrian to try out. A bit of a struggle to get on but the kid like smile on Adrian’s face as he swung back and forth was brilliant. The obligatory selfie by the Millennium stone with the vale behind us rounded off this weeks walk. At least we had stayed a lot drier than the original forecast would have suggested.
A shorter walk this week at 2.85 miles but thoroughly enjoyed by all. Maybe next time we head this way the view out from the car park will justify the foray into Wiltshire again. The only thing on our minds as we climbed back into the cars was breakfast to replace the 500 calories expended and the 15 minute drive to the Thorngrove garden centres secret cafe. Sat out in the windy marquee memories soon turned to our very wet previous visit, but this week it was warmer and drier as we placed our orders for Ful (sic) breakfasts and drinks. Great service and breakfast again, despite the burnt toast and so good to be back in somewhere again to round off the weeks walk.
Postscript
The badger faced sheep is a rare Dutch variety bred for its meat and milk, officially named a Zwartbles - meaning Black with a white blaze!
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