20 WESTBURY Walkers travelled to the cathedral city of Wells on 8th October for a circular 7.5 mile walk in the most glorious of Indian summer weather. Led by Liz Mead, the walk started from the Market Place, already a hive of activity in preparation for the Food Festival being held that day.
Leaving the city centre in the Bath/Bristol direction, the West Mendip Way is signposted along Lovers Walk, then goes through the grounds of the Blue School. At this point the uphill ascent began, continuing along Reservoir Lane. At the top of the rough track, the walkers crossed a field to a tarmac lane, then up a muddy, sunken bridleway at the end of which, a well-earned drinks stop was taken.
Soon afterwards there was a long, steep uphill road climb. Coincidently an organised walk & run was taking place and signs were in place warning drivers to expect walkers and runners on the road!
Then followed a flat walk along the tree-lined Durston Drove which continues as a wide, straight albeit muddy track across the Mendip plateau. Panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Glastonbury Tor were enjoyed in the autumn sunshine
After passing Higher Pitts Farm, the walkers reached Ebbor Gorge nature reserve where a picnic lunch was taken at a stunning viewpoint overlooking the gorge. Then the descent through woodland by a steeply stepped path led to very muddy meadows on the outskirts of Wookey Hole
After a stop for ice cream, the route climbed uphill again on the other side of the village. The less strenuous route was chosen back towards Wells rather than following the West Mendip Way up to a viewpoint overlooking Wookey and Wells. Passing Underwood Quarry, the walk descended back into Wells and finished at the cathedral, taking a route which showed off some of the fine buildings of the city, many part of Wells Cathedral School.
Report by Liz Mead.
