13 WALKERS from the Westbury Walkers were truly blessed with a fine and sunny morning as they started the 9 mile walk from Wellow led by Pippa Clark.
After a short walk along the road the route then entered a track taking them across fields and through a wood and to the first climb of the day. The route then took the walkers near to Lower Twinhoe Farm and the 2-minute silence was observed prior to a short coffee break. Then, on to Middle Twinhoe Farm and following a track into fields with lovely views of the valley, walkers then encountered the first of several extremely muddy tracks, causing some consternation and amusement!
The route then took them in to Combe Hay where some house envy was experienced and the more observant noticed some peculiar 18th century brickwork, being evidence of the industrialisation of that time. The walkers then took the track to the right of Cam Brook following the lane toward White Ox Mead having encountered yet more deep mud!
Here the walkers took a track which descended into the Wellow Brook valley, then along the road and into what can only be described as a tractor graveyard. They were fortunate to find the farmer who had the key to the locked five barred gate and their route continued through more fields to a lane leading to a bridge over the Wellow brook and on toward Manor Farm. From the track leading away from the farm could be seen the Long Barrow. At this stage of the walk no one wished to extend it to enter the Long Barrow and so the walkers climbed up to the track which ultimately led to the lane back into Wellow, having struggled through yet more deep mud and puddles. The sun certainly helped to highlight the beautiful colours of the trees and offset the discomfort of very muddy boots and trousers.
Report by Pippa Clark
