Saturday 5th March. DH, RW, TO, PCL, BFS, AC, sully, Scumpy & Bill
The sun was out and the sky blue as we met on Dancing Lane to the north side of Wincanton, to repeat a walk last done in August 2020, when the ground was dry and sweet corn was 8 feet high in the fields. Judging by the first few hundred metres, todays walk was certainly not going to be as dry. The route into the field has been adjusted since last time, to take account of a new housing development just started across the rear of the mainly single storey properties on Dancing Lane. Having passed the ’change buckets here’ sign we followed the line of Harras fencing around the site , and passed by what looks like being a new pond be constructed at the head of the tight but small valle, a balancing pond is I believe the correct terminology.
Eagle eyed Richard spotting something far more interest at the far hedge row and shot across with record speed to a large group of bee hives in an enclosure. (He gets a buzz out of bees apparently) Boom Boom! Scrumpy and Sully followed him in hot pursout, whilst the rest of us headed through the first gate.
As predicted the fields were getting wetter and the mud thicker as we split Into 2 groups heading towards Suddon Grange. Instead of heading onto the road we turned right and started heading away from town in a NNW direction. The views across to the racecourse and further over to Pen Selwood ridge opened up to our right and the standing water and mud got slowly worse, as did the biting wind now coming into our faces, as we made our way through the young shoots of this years crop, which were also struggling in the wet conditions.
Open gateways allowed up to cross from field to field fairly unhindered and we were soon dropping down and over the Westleaze farm track and up towards a very strange looking folly, with a white flag with blue cross atop fluttering in the wind. As we approached it the sound of hoofs quickly got louder as four horses came round the corner at a gallop. Memories of Scrumpy’s last encounter with a horse quickly sprang to mind, but thankfully a good solid fence stood between them all this time. I suspect they were not used to seeing passing walkers or dogs as they charged around the field in excitement, one of the darker ones certainly leading the way. They eventually settled down and came quite close before losing interest and we continued on our own ways. Reaching the far side of the folly, remains of a small enclosure wall were visible and a small window or door on the side. Still non the wiser as to its purpose, despite much agreement that it might come in useful as an observation tower at some point in the not too distant future. The lone tall post a few metres on, apart from being a home for woodpeckers also left us in wonder as to its purpose. Did the arrow actual point to anything?
Arriving at the end of the ridge line the views across as far as the Mendips was simple stunning. Wide green fields scattered with occasional properties as far as the eye could see. Unfortunately this weeks selfie doesn’t do the background views full justice, but probably better than the other option of us all leaning against a tree. Normally an opportunity for “lolly time”, this week we had to push on unnourished.
The drop down to the road was initially rather steep and the sight of Adrian being helped and supported on both sides looked more reminiscent of the scene outside a nightclub as they escorted away another drunken reveller. Oh if only we were all still that young!
Once down to the road it was a quicker return back into Wincanton via the small hamlet below Verrington hospital, and then a short climb back through the fields to the cars. 3.5 miles completed in 1 hr 45minutes. With the table booked for 11.00, a quick 5 minute drive up to Kimbers Farm Shop cafe and after Trevor had bought his supplies for the weekend, we were all seated at our table ready to order. Maybe the novelty of a cooked breakfast is wearing off, or are we all (most of us) thinking more about our health? Whatever the answer it was 5 small breakfasts and only 1 large one this week. A good pot of tea, (in need of a good stir with a knife handle) and with service considerably quicker than on some previous visits, it wasn’t long before some good fresh eggs and proper butchers sausages, accompanied by black pudding and mushrooms were delivered. Baked beans, always a subject of much debated were perhaps better than they looked.
All in all, despite the mud and cold wind, a most enjoyable morning out and with primroses starting to blossom in large clumps along the verges, maybe, hopefully spring is just around the corner at last.
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