Compton Dando
Tuesday 18th July – Compton Dando
Walk Co-ordinators: Patsy and Lucy
The walk is just over 5 miles, heading out along the river Chew from Compton Dando north towards Keynsham. At Chewton Keynsham we head west up a tarmac lane to a byway along a ridge, heading south to Charlton Field, and with views out to Bristol and the Severn bridge. There is a little road walking which will need care and single file for about 300 yards before we turn down Slate Lane. Through Wooscombe Wood and across fields till we pick up the bridle way and make our way up to a lane and back to Compton Dando, via a foot bridge and the Church.
Report
Compton Dando - a lovely ancient stone Somerset village, dating back to Saxon England.
So we turned up ….and unlike normal times, overfilling a car park ….there was masses of space as only two cars turned up ! Patsy, Lucy and Stan in one and Mair and David in the other. But this ‘HAPPY FEW’ had a delightful morning.
Opposite the Compton Inn, where we later enjoyed a very nice lunch – crossed the road and walked past some stunning medieval houses and church. and then up some steep stoney steps – some of which were composed of old gravestones, with names and dates intact ….somewhat contemptuously facing us.
Then through the village and along the path following the winding river around through thickly wooded terrain before starting to ascend to the open fields above. And there some lovely views of delightful well-tended fields with clear footpaths and narrow roads.
With the stone walled Somerset lanes and well kept fields around us we carried on, but having to stop at one in particular with …with perhaps 10 beautiful white and brown /black patched horses and foals-some of which came up close against the wall and nuzzled before us …one taking a fancy to Patsy.
As we reached the higher level there emerged the great view of Bristol and Keynsham with the occasional aircraft heading for the airport . For some of us being escapees from near Heathrow it was a reminder but pleasant now to just have one overhead …!!
Then the descent…again more pleasant wide open fields….passing one with a dedicated area to growing ‘English blooms ‘ presumably for the ‘Pig’ hotel /restaurant ‘s dining room nearby.
And on through fairly heavily wooded paths that concealed some mysterious very large modern houses iron railed, and seriously gated . Then walking through onto a footbridge and over the river back to Compton Dando.
Thank you Patsy and Lucy …’we happy few’ had a lovely morning .
Report by Mair