Ham Hill Walk
Friday 13th May – Ham Hill
Walk Leader: Nick & Bleddyn
This is a shortish walk, about 4.5 miles but it is not an easy walk. We start from the pub in Norton-sub-Hamdon, up Rectory Lane then track/footpath heading towards Stoke-sub-Hamdon.
Straight up the side of Ham Hill, we climb to the top in two stages with a flat bit in the middle to recover our breath. We take footpaths all along the south west edge of Ham Hill, beautiful views. We join the Heritage Path to go down again, narrow path and short steep stretches. At the bottom we start climbing again, gently this time, up another hill to High Wood. We go through the wood, fallen trees to climb over, duck under or just go round. A brief diversion to see a carpet of bluebells (but they could be over). A short stretch on a lane then a footpath back towards the pub with a final short walk along a road.
Report
Friday the 13th wasn't unlucky for the 6 walkers who joined Nick Nichols for his walk from Norton sub Hamdon. We were blessed with ideal walking weather: warm with a gentle breeze and clear skies.
We set off through the very pretty village and quickly reached the first of the climbs that we'd be tackling on this fairly challenging walk up Ham Hill. As there had been so little rain recently, the paths were easy but if it had been wet, the slopes could have been tricky going both up and down. The climbs rewarded us with great views over the Somerset countryside. We also enjoyed a large number of different wildflowers and lots of birdsong. Our route took us past several houses that many of us admired, and some interesting stone way-markers. We returned to the start for lunch at The Lord Nelson pub. Everyone chose a different meal and everyone was very happy with their food. As there was only 7 of us, we were able to sit around one circular table to eat together so it was a very sociable end to a very pleasant walk.
Report by Michelle