The cavalry arrives! (Actually the cavalry wasn’t available so had to make do with the foot soldiers)
Concerns about a red warning light delayed our start but this was quickly resolved
with the addition of water to the coolant system. We took a couple of unscheduled diversions on the way culminating in a tour of Bruton’s one way system in search of the car park. Poor Di (following our lead) looked increasingly confused as we prepared to go round the town for a third time.
We arrived in Nunney about an hour later than planned but it had stopped raining by then so we set off in good walking weather at a brisk(ish) pace. Unfortunately in her eagerness to get going Sally left the chocolate bars in the car. Our route took us through the very pleasant, pretty village of Nunney (however no chocolate shops).
As we turned off the road into fields Rick thought he heard a possible whitethroat but were unable to see the source of the song so this cannot be confirmed. We crossed the railway line on foot taking care to stop look and listen as instructed and followed the path through lush rolling countryside - accompanied all the while by the sound of chiff chaffs but frustratingly we didn’t catch sight of one.
Shortly before we made our way up towards the woods we came across a couple of conveniently placed portaloos just outside the grounds of very attractive farmhouse (Walk Farm we think). They have been nominated for the (only) loos of the walk award. While Di availed herself of one of them the rest of us went to talk to a pony and her rather shy foal in a nearby paddock and to admire the farm buildings
On reaching the woods we took a last look back over some lovely views.We stopped to have our sandwiches (and bemoan the lack of chocolate) having completed about 7 miles. Continuing on Di and Sally were about to follow a Way marker to turn right when the men (with map and book) correctly decided the path was straight on – the signpost must have been tampered with. The woodland contained a rich variety of trees from which to choose the tree of the walk. The nomination went to a magnificent laburnum though a sweet chestnut was a strong contender. Appropriately, the last area of woodland that we came through bore the name of Beaumont’s Wood.
Coming out of the woods we followed an old coach road, a very pleasant straight track back in open country again. Going through an orchard just before Redlynch Sally thought she disturbed a tawny owl glimpsing a largish tan back taking off through the trees. It was also here that we took our final rest/refreshments before heading back into Bruton and a chocolate shop. We got back to the car at around 5.30 six hours or so
after setting off. We hope that Di got back in time for her evening engagement.
Bird of the walk - Chiff chaff
Tree of the walk - Laburnum
Loos of the walk - Walk Farm
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