The boys are back in town! Following lockdown 3.0 restrictions being relaxed earlier this week,
it’s back to breakfast in gardens with the first weeks hosts preparing to feed the hungry hoard.
09.00 and this weeks bunch of six are assembled ready to start the healthy walks again, with only Trevor braving the cold in his shorts. Leaving Greenway Close we proceeded up Common Road and then into Ireson Lane, where we joined the Monarchs way, heading for Windmill Hill. Within the first 200 metres the 6 fragmented into a group of 4 followed somewhat back by the last two, too much talking or lack of fitness already showing?
Having completed most sections of this route with empty fields only a week ago, it was quickly evident that the good weather had allowed the sheep to be returned to the fields, many with their new born lambs alongside them but many still expecting their turn.
Entering the field through the very high style in the gate we headed North towards the large and still unidentified dying tree, and threaded our way carefully with the dogs by our sides through the livestock quickly and with no issues at all from them. Our local farmer Brian, spotted a birth happening with a ewe close to a far hedgerow bringing her young one into the world without too much problem.
Our walk continued down hill until we reached the bridge over the Cale, but as previous walks had turned left at this point, today we headed right and over towards the 13th Century church of Charlton Musgrove. We then headed north east along Rectory road until reaching a grand looking coach house and we left the Monarchs Way and headed south towards Bayford. A steady walk through fields before the final climb up to the top of the ridge, stopping for this weeks ”selfie“ at the signpost in the middle of nowhere. Obviously a former crossing point on a fence line, but now just a broken style and 3 home made way markers on a disoriented post.
A final walk through another field of new born lambs and we emerged into Bayford at the eastern end of Love Lane. Turning west for home, a steady walk up Bayford hill and through the Morepark estate and before we knew it the smell of bacon was in the air.
A cracking bacon, egg & mushroom roll and a mug of coffee found favour with all and provided much needed sustenance. Thanks Denise! A good 3.2 miles and great to be back together. Pitcombe next week!
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