SIXTEEN members of the Westbury Walkers and one guest walker met at the Warminster Road car park in Westbury for a nine-mile walk led by Carol Harding, Jen Mayne and Sue Miluk.
The group said, “It was a fine and warm day as they set off eastwards on the Bratton Road out of the town and joined a track at Fairview Farm. They entered the village of Bratton near the fine half-timbered Old Court House and then crossed into Lower Road to reach the crossroads at the B3098, at which point they went straight over into Imber Road, passing the fine Luccombe Mill with its lovely grounds.
“The route took them down through trees to a chalk stream where they enjoyed a coffee break. A passing dog was very interested in a banana being eaten by one walker, so was pleased to be given a large piece of it!
“The group then re-traced their steps to Church Lane and up to Bratton Church. Here, some of the group went into the churchyard where they paused for a while by the grave of a former member who had recently died. From there it was down a long flight of stone steps and then up through a community apple orchard where trees had been planted in memory of local people who had died. It was assumed that all the apples had been picked ready for a communal juice-making session due to take place shortly.
“From there it was a sharp climb out of the village to Castle Road and onto a path skirting White Horse Hill. The walkers had lunch in a sheltered hollow and enjoyed watching an amazing aerial display by a large number of paragliders, some passing just a few feet above them.
“They then headed west above the White Horse and crossed fields to reach the road up from Westbury, which was very busy with cars in both directions. They turned off left at the riding stables along a stony track to the old waterworks and into Westbury, passing the Leisure Centre and then walked along The Butts back to the car park.
For more information please email westbury.walkers.uk @gmail.com
