You take the high road ….

Sat 30 Aug ‘25. D&DH, R&SW, P&CCl, A&RC, D&ML, J&AB, C&DH, J&JS, Scrumy & Albus

It only seems a few weeks ago that we walked with our good ladies on top of the Mendips and rounded it off with lunch in the community pub at Blagdon, and with the good summer we have had I was hoping for another good one at the end of August. The forecast through the preceding week had been variable but nothing prepared us for the windy squally weather that greeted us when we met up in the car park of the Lime Kiln pub near Long Sutton. Our long lost pals from Congresbury were just pulling in as we peered through the rain and it was not long before the other three cars joined us. Despite having received permission to leave our cars whilst we walked, the landlord was quick to appear to check who we were, as we donned our boots, waterproof trousers and coats, in anticipation of a very wet walk.

Once introduction were completed and it was good to welcome Jane for her first time and both dogs were on their leads ready, we set of at 10.31 up the pub garden and across to a gate onto Somerton Field Lane, a good wide gravel track. With a roughly four mile walk ahead of us I was hoping we could move along at a good pace and not have to stop to get all sixteen of us over too many stiles. We were soon spread out as we headed uphill and around the edge of a nice property and once into the countryside the dogs were off their leads for the first time today. The skies were now clearing and already outer garments were starting to come of and be stuffed into bag packs. Thankfully the first couple of gates were east to get everyone through and when we did come across our first stile, there was an open gate just 10 metres or so to the side to which most diverted. We regrouped again in the last field of this section as we turned right out onto the B3165 road heading north from Martock, just before a ninety degree bend. Keeping tight to the edge and with traffic slowing for the tight bend, we moved along the road in single file and as the outskirts of Somerstown came into view after 150 metres, we crossed to head west along Windyridge Lane, a section of the Macmillan Way (West).

On the north side of the lane the properties benefit from good views across Somerton Moor to Dundon Hill and beyond Walton Hill and the disused windmill, whilst those on the south side had views across the flat lands of the River Yeo towards Ham Hill and the surrounding high ground. Following on from last week, there were masses of good sized blackberries to be picked as we went along and every time I glanced back to JB acting as Tail Gun Charlie, I could see he was making the most of them. Towards the end of the track a couple of substantial properties stood on either side of the track as it passed through the garden of a bungalow and turned into a very narrow path, flanked by yet more luscious blackberries. The path turned left at the end of the bushes and we started heading south through a more wooded area.

Heading down the only named Monday’s Court Lane, the view to the south opened up as we dropped lower down the hill although with dark skies and a hazy horizon it was hard to distinguish any landmarks although it looked like the high ground in the distance could be the Windwhistle Hill area on the A30 to the east of Crewkerne. As we carried on loosing height the track became a mettled road as we passed through Mundayks Court Farm. ( Note - the farm and track are spelt differently on the OS map). This was a decidedly busy section of road with no less than three cars and a tractor and trailer all passing is as we squeezed into the side of the road. We then turned left, over a stile, through a field of sheep before entering another field and orchard, part of Manor House Farm, where the group got temporarily split as the farmer moved some cattle and sheep across our track. A gate and a couple of steps and we were marshalled across the A372 onto Shute Lane and heading along the pavement into Long Sutton. Phil paused for a photo by the Quakers House as he informed me that a lamp shade designed by his uncle hung in one of the hallways.

The pavement was just wide enough to walk along two abreast as we continued towards the tower of the parish church which rose above the rooftops. I did a quick up and down of the line to check everyone was in good spirits and used the opportunity with John to discuss possible route options coming up soon. We crossed the main road and passed the front of the Devonshire Arms, which if we’d had a bit more time could have been a good halfway watering point, but knowing we had a reservation back at the Lime Kiln for a 1.00pm lunch meant we had to push on. At the far side of the village the road narrowed and just around the top corner we called a halt to gather everyone in a gateway for the compulsory group photo. Dereyk very kindly dug his restocked bag of lollies out of his rucksack and circulated them around the group.

Taking the opportunity to talk whilst most were getting stuck into their sugary delights, I explained that at this point there was a decision to be made about the route back to the pub. I would take anyone who wanted to climb up Knoyle Hill, which could be seen as our photo backdrop, whilst John would lead those who opted for a slightly shorter and quicker route along the lanes. After a bit of spouse influencing from a couple John ended up with eight followers who set off along the Knole Cuseway, the low road, whilst I headed on down Ilchester Lane with my six, taking the high road.

We headed south down the track and came to a gateway to a Nature Reserve at which we paused for a while to debate if the path we could see would lead us towards the hill and more importantly allow us an exit from the field. In the end I decided we couldn’t risk it and so continued until we came across the track we needed on the left where we turned then carried straight on to the base of the hill. It was then just a steady climb to the top, a summit some 30 metres higher than the surrounding ground. For those interested in random facts it is apparently the 20,141st highest peak in the British Isles and the 4,384th tallest in England. The visibility was not great with great skies and the hint of falling rain in the air so we didn’t stay too long, but long enough to get photographic evidence of our ascent, before we headed along the top, through a gate and into a field with evidence of earthbanks and ditches around the hill, although I can find no further information online of its history. We dropped down the hill, eventually finding the exit path and came out into a most gorgeous little village, which literally had everyone’s jaw dropping. Another case of ‘I didn’t know this was here’. If anyone is interested and has the money, the Mill wheel cottage is currently on the market here, a bargain!

We stayed the village longer than we should have but made good time up the road to get back to the Lime Kiln about 12.45. Johns group had also been through the village, as the path skirting the edge didn’t look easily passable, and had arrived at the pub about ten minutes before us. Those who completed the extra bit had walked 4.67 miles, so the shorter one was around 4.5 miles. For those who don’t walk too often this was a great achievement and to top it all and despite our initial fears we had kept pretty dry throughout the morning.

With boots changed we all gathered in the main restaurant area spread across a couple of tables for a really wonderful lunch. By the time we had bought our drinks at the bar, it wasn’t long at all before our preordered meals came out of the kitchen. The food was well presented and everyone looked very happy with their choices. On our table the ribs looked amazing, the curry was just right and and the beef Bobotie was certainly a hit. The staff were very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. Preordered desserts were served quickly whilst those who ordered on the day only had a slight wait whilst they were prepared. (Apologies for singling out Denise, but it was the only photo I took at the table).

Thanks to everyone at the Lime Kiln and especially our wives for making it another good day. The next one, our Pre-Christmas walk and lunch will be courtesy of Adrian and Ruth and take us to the north of the county for a change. Let’s hope we can select a date that everyone can make.