Wells

Wookey Hole walk

Monday 20th June – Wookey Hole

Walk Leader: Patsy & Nicky

Description
This is a walk we last did in June 2016 when we had 21 walkers. We are going in the reverse direction and coming down a slightly different way on the “Monarch’s Way“ new path, which is much steeper, but fallen trees and new fencing forced our diversion.

We start out along the Wells - Wookey Hole road towards Wells and turn East towards Lower Milton. Then we take a farm track up through woods and across meadows. Having climbed up to the views we head East towards Rookham, round the farmstead and up the lane to the trig point. We then head north west along Dursdon Drove, south west through Higher Pitts farm and down, picking up the Monarch’s Way back to Wookey Hole

Report
What a lovely way to spend a warm, sunny morning walking with the group in the beautiful Somerset hills. There were 16 of us including a new member, Margaret, who Patsy welcomed into the group. From the car park in Wookey Hole we walked along the road before turning left and gradually started the climb up onto the Mendip Hills. It was hard climbing but so worth it - the views were spectacular. We were lucky to have such a clear day and could see for miles; The Tor. which we never seemed to lose, the Quantocks, Hinckley Point in the distance as well as other landmarks (if only I knew what they were?). I am fairly new to Somerset and still learning. Time for a stop under some trees to catch our breath, and take water, which is a must on a hot day, before heading through fields of cows who were, thankfully, not interested in us! The worst of the climbing was over and there was a chance for everyone to spread out and catch up on the gossip.

After our coffee break we continued walking along lanes with pretty houses/gardens tucked away, quite envious of their fantastic views. However, two people were missing!! someone had forgotten their walking sticks and Nicky (who was our back marker) went back with him to retrieve them. It didn't take them long to catch up with the rest of the group and the sticks were to come in very useful for the next part of the walk which was downhill. It was quite slippery in places after some rain the previous night and uneven under foot but the end was in sight and much needed refreshment was waiting for us at the Wookey Hole Inn.

The food was good, plenty of it, one person even having an extra portion of chips - not mentioning who, he knows! The staff were very friendly and helpful and it was lovely being able to find shade in the garden area.

This is my first attempt at writing for the group so I apologise for any mistakes. I enjoy walking with the group and can think of no better way to spend a morning than walking and chatting - unfortunately, as this article will show, I am not good at taking note of where I am walking. To Patsy and Nicky my thanks for such an enjoyable walk with which I am sure everyone on the walk, would agree.
Report by Hazel