Pitney
Thursday 11th May – Pitney
Walk Markers: Patsy & Nicky
We will set off at 10.00 from the Pitney Farm Shop car park – Please park considerately. Initially we walk along a quiet lane and up Stowey Road to the woods, in front of which we walk along a track, then onto the path down through the woods. Continue along beside cider apple orchards, crossing fields to Low Ham. We may be able to go into the unusual Church, then we head up beside the Church to Sheep Sleight, over a ladder stile, and back, crossing Low Ham Rhyne, and following a track through to the village, finally heading north to the farm.
Report
This walk of just under 5 miles had gentle inclines and flat levels amidst rural Somerset. 19 walker set off with warnings that because of the recent heavy rains, the route would probably be altered and we were grateful it was! In places the mud had to be dodged and the descents were scary with wet paths through woods. A few folk ended up on the ground but no damage done. We are always so glad that people in the group are eager to help when the way gets difficult and to lift us up when fallen.
We began on a quiet lane and then ascended through verges covered in cowslips and Queen Anne’s lace. We skirted around and through a wood, across the apple orchard to a quiet lane for a while before crossing a corn field and pasture land to Low Ham. The meadow flowers of buttercups, clover, dandelions and many more scattered along our way and the sun shone warmly. We crossed many little dykes over small bridges and managed about 6 stiles.
In Low Ham we were able to visit the church in a field - a seventeenth century church built by a Royalist Lord of the manor, Sir Edward Hext. Luckily we found the key and observed the unspoilt pews, pulpit and wonderful tomb effigies of Edward and his wife who had died in 1630 and 1627 respectively. The fascinating ‘Zulu’ style spear on the wall may have been used in village pageants.
We then ascended the field going past the huge the old wall of the garden of the long-gone manor house, keeping a wary eye on some lovely cows protecting their calves.
Once back in Pitney, after passing a wonderful Georgian manor house we climbed up to our final lane. Unluckily the heavens opened and we were soaked as we hurried for lunch at the welcome Pitney Farm Café.
Over lunch we read more about the abandoned church site. Perhaps 2 earlier structures had been there and in Roman times a villa!
This was a lovely walk with good food awaiting us. Thanks to Patsy’s leadership and Nicky as backmarker.
Report by Audrey