Sat 1 Mar ‘25. DH, PCL, AC, TO, DL, CH, JS, Albus & Maisie
St David’s Day and the first day of metrological spring brought a bright morning following a sharp overnight frost, which was a pleasant and massive contrast to all the grey monotonous days of February. Following last weeks muddy experience on the side of Shaftesbury I was looking for a cleaner option today along stone layers tracks and some former ground along the maintained forest rides. After a spot of deliberation I opted for another visit to Gare Hill on the Somerset/Wiltshire border for a 4 mile walk through Great Bradley woods, with a loop into Little Bradley wood for the first time. The RV was at 09.00 on the roadside dropping into Gare Hill hamlet and the four of us from Wincanton arrived shortly after the three from Bruton and beyond. It didn’t take long for most of us to get ready and just before 9.00 we were heading off into the sunshine. It was still a bit chilly so most opted for coats but a few of us, guessing the temperature would rise quickly opted to wear just a light top or gillet. As we dropped down towards the church and cottages there were woods as far as the eye could see, and somewhere in the mix the ones through which we would be walking.
Once past the cottages we entered the woods heading eastwards and looking back through a break in the trees over the large open field, the sky was a clear as a mid summers day. Unfortunately with the loss of the sun as we headed deeper into the woods and down a steep muddy slope, the temperature dropped back quite quickly. By the time we reached the bottom where a small bridge carried the track over a stream it felt at least five degrees colder than at the start. I have walked this way many times before as it’s always been a favourite with my children, and it’s remembered most fondly for being the site that all three of my dogs have enjoyed jumping in and out of the stream and even walking from side to side under the bridge. Not surprisingly both Albus and Maisie decided it was far too cold and wet to go anywhere near it today, and I can’t say I blame them.
It was remarkable quite with not even the sound of birds in the air as we started the inevitable climb up the far side of the valley. Amongst the conifers and firs there were many tall deciduous trees not yet in leaf, and with the sun slowly climbing in the sky it allowed bright rays of light to penetrate the upper branches. Previously we have headed round in a clockwise loop but today we were going anti-clockwise and so took the left fork as the track split left and right around a large triangular junction. The climb had taken its toll so we paused in an open area soaking up the warmth of the sun as we waited for the tail enders. It was tempting to start off again as soon as they rejoined us, but the look on Trevor’s face suggested we stay for a bit longer for everyone to get their breaths back.
Suitable rested we pushed on along a wide open level section which had obviously been cleared a few years ago as old moss covered log piles lay rotting on both sides of the track.
A few large trees that had escaped the fell towered above the surrounding ground. After only about 300 meters we reached the edge of the wood and proceeding along the track to the B3092, known to all as the Maiden Bradley to Frome road. It was a bit hazy to the north but the rooftops of the industrial and residential properties of Frome some 4 miles away were just about visible. We paused for traffic to pass before the first few crossed and then with a better view around the bends we could then beckon the others over the road. However as we waited for a couple of cars to pass, one kind sole slowed to a halt and allowed the last couple to cross in front of them. Maybe they stopped because the bright spring sun was in their eyes or was it’s Adrian brightly painted stick that indicated we might need help crossing. Or were they playing ultra safe and realised that their insurance company would never have believed them that a group of old men ran out in front of them in the middle of the countryside. Whatever the reason, a good deed done for the day and we continued down a minor road towards Priory Farm.
Somewhere in the grounds of the farm are the remains of a Maiden Bradley Priory, although the only information I can find from Wikipedia is that ‘It was founded as a leper colony in 1164, in 1189 was handed over to the Augustinian order and was dissolved in 1536. The last prior had six children, and claimed to have special permission from the pope to keep a "whore", according to the commissioners’. Who would have thought it in the quiet Wiltshire countryside? At the bottom of the track a small cottage like building stood next to the stream and best guesses are I that it housed some machinery, maybe a pumping house or a hydro generator. On the far side of the track was a large pond with some terrific reflections in the still water. We made our way through a gate and climbed again along a farm access track, which was obviously a route to the farm for the cattle as the mud was deep and difficult in places. Just before entering the woods again there was a great photo opportunity as the trees framed an iconic Wiltshire countryside view across the fields. Once back into woods we turned north and on reaching a large open area took another sunshine break, perfect timing for the weekly lolly issue and to take this weeks groupie.
We carried on through the woods working towards the road and as we approached the last turn managed to put up a young dear which ran across the track in front of us, much to the interest of Maisie. She took off after it as fast as her legs could carry her with Trevor shouting after her. With only one thing on her mind she turned the corner out of sight, but presumably having lost her quarry she was soon back in sight and ending back to her master. We must have missed the exit from the woods so with the track starting to bed away from the road we fought through a bit of undergrowth and jumped a ditch to finally make it out onto Forest Road, the road leading to the large gates at the top of the Longleat drive in the village of Horningsham. Turning left we started the decent back to the Frome road once more. It was quite disheartening to see big piles of rubbish dumped in the verges as progressed, not something we have come across on our walks too often thankfully. Having crossed the road and bridge, with traffic once more slowing to allow our safe passage, we turned right onto a large forest track for the last leg back to the cars.
A signpost indicated there was 1800 metres to go back to Gare Hill, what it didn’t say was that most of it would be uphill! Large sections of the hillside to the north of the track had been recently felled and cleared allowing the sun to shine through to the forest floor, but we were now firmly in the shade of the trees still standing on the opposite side. We needn’t have worried about the outside temperature as with the steady climb our own internal temperature gauge was . climbing rapidly. As the track narrowed and steepened again a group of cyclist took the opportunity to move past us at a decent speed considering the climb. Rather them than me although one cyclist was lucky enough to have a nice derrière to follow as he stuck close behind the lady rider in question.
Unfortunately this portion of the walk was also blighted with a large pile of fly tipping which obviously took the perpetrator quite some effort to drive to as it’s deep into the woods along the restricted byway. It was only when we reached the sign which we had passed almost two hours before that some actually realised where they were again. From here it was just a short walk back up the hill to the cars to complete 4.75 miles in just over two and a quarter hours. With all the ups and downs we actually climbed almost 700 feet, no wonder our pace was just slightly under 2 miles an hour today.
I had taken the opportunity on the last climb to phone Tom at The Red Lion to inform him that we were running slightly late, but once we arrived at the pub, we were no sooner settled at our table than pots of coffee and tea arrived followed very swiftly by the plates of breakfast. I think JS on his first visit was a little shocked at not even having to place an order, but as always the food was plentiful, hot and very tasty all round. With the toast and marmalade to finish it’s obvious why this is still our number one choice for breakfast, and one of the few locations we actually visit twice in a year.
Unfortunately and sadly this was probably Adrian’s last walk from his Ansford home although we are hoping that after he has moved closer to Bristol he will still be able to join us once a month if I organise the walks in the northern area of our ‘parish’. How are we going to manage without his crazy sense of humour especially when stuck resting on his nuts halfway across a stile? I’m sure and I hope it won’t be the last we see of one of our foremost members on the walks.
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