THE forecast was for clear blue skies and sunshine up to 27°C as 12 members of the Westbury Walkers set off for their monthly walk from Mere on 13th June, led by David Barker.
This was to be a fairly flat walk of a little over 8 miles from Mere to Milton on Stour and Silton. Leaving Mere at the rear of the church they set off across lovely flat buttercup yellow meadowlands heading for Mapperton Hill, West Swainsford Farm, Huntingford and Benjafield Farm, stopping for a drink by the water driven Archimedes Screw electricity generator. Then on to Purns Mill and along Purns Mill Lane to cross the B3092 to go through an old swing gate and then on to Milton on Stour.
From here they followed the Pierston Fields Rd (passing Pierston Farm) to get to Silton. Turning right just before Silton they found their way to Judge Wyndhams Oak tree then to the welcome shade offered by the church grounds for a well-earned lunch stop two-thirds of the way through the walk.
After lunch they trekked over to Bagmore Woods, then to Wolverton to turn right onto the Monarchs Way and follow it all the way back to the church at Mere. A number of rest/drink stops were made in shaded areas to give relief to the summer heat. Inquisitive cows, buzzards and kites were just some of the faunae to be seen along the way.
For further information about The Westbury Walkers, please email Paddy at westbury.walkers.uk@gmail.com
Report by David Barker
