DUE to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions from 17th May, the Westbury Walkers May walk was put back by a couple of weeks.
A relatively small group of 12 members and one new walker set out from Blagdon on an 8 mile walk led by Mike & Liz Self with an initial steep ascent of about 600 feet onto the higher ground of the Mendips above the village.
Following Ubley Drove, then crossing a road and a further couple of fields, the route led into the beginning of the lead mining area that continues down through Velvet Bottom. This was mined back as far as Roman times. What remains are large amounts of glassy black spoil, horizontal flues and washing pools – an interesting example of industrial archaeology.
Proceeding uphill the radio masts were passed as the weather worsened prior to reaching the trig point at Beacon Batch at over 1,000 feet – the highest point on the Mendips. The walkers stopped briefly as the wind and rain strengthened before dropping back down towards Blagdon.
A successful but quite lengthy struggle to free a sheep with its head stuck through stock netting was a reminder to carry a pair of pliers in the future.
The walk was challenging with rocky and slippery paths in places not helped by the blustery conditions but happily everyone completed it without mishap.
Next month the walk will start nearer to home at Mere. For more information please email westbury.walkers.uk@gmail.com
Mike Self
