DH, PC, PCL, TO, Sully & Bill
A beautiful bright morning as this weeks Gang of Four met at Caryford, following the late withdrawal of Rich & Scrumpy, much to Sully’s disappointment. Shorts and summer hats for the majority, we headed off towards Wyke on a now familiar path, although somewhat more overgrown with summer weeds than on our previous passage. In fact the whole walk this week was a mix of previously trod paths but with some mixing of direction. It wasn’t long before a gap in the hedge opened up to reveal a wonderful view of the Somerset countryside right out to the Mendip mast and round to Creech Hill. We walked across the ridge above the orchards with views out to Alfreds tower before dropping down into the orchards and around the perimeter before final entering onto the lane by Mr Hobhouse’s “how did he get that through planning” estate. Unfortunately most of the apple trees throughout the orchards had progressed from the blossom stage although a few rows still hand some flowers on them. Turning right a short stretch into Hadspen and then up Lime Kiln Lane to Higher Hadspen before the steep climb up to the Castle Cary millennium stone on the A371.
A quick dash across the busy road and we were soon on the top of Lodge Hill with stunning views on the far left right down to Pilsdon Pen, in the centre Glastonbury Tor, Brent Knoll and the Bristol Chanel area and on the right the Mendips, whilst in the immediate foreground the earthworks of Cary Castle were clearly visible in the morning sunshine. We traversed the ridge line before dropping down into South Cary and then back up through town ( with a short stop for Sully to take a refreshing dip in the Horse pond) and straight into the courtyard of The George ready for this weeks breakfast. 4.5 miles so far,
And what a good breakfast it was! A good variety and the first appearance of fried bread in a long time (perfect as all four of us have had coronary incidents). All washed down with a couple of pots of tea and we were refreshed for the short half mile trek across the Cary sports fields and back to the start point. 5 miles completed in good time with some simple stunning views on a hot morning and hardly a bead of sweat in sight. We must be getting fitter?
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