Friday 10 February 2017

164.Westbury Beacon + Nyland Hill

 8/10

Parking @ Draycott BS27 3SE



Not sure if i mentioned it but this year mission is to get a few Trig points under our belts, not literally as the probably quite heavy but having conquered only 76 as of 2016 time to rack up a few more done a couple already this year so start of this walk on 79.

Our walk this week starts at Draycott the other side of the Mendip hills, a beautiful morning greeted us, blue skies and sunshine. This first view looking at Nyland Hill and the first Trigpoint.


Looking back to where we are parked and started with mendips behind.


The short but very steep uphill to top of Nyland hill,
 the hill is  Height: 76m / 249ft.


With some excellent views , 
its almost a island with nothing in way giving a 360 vista.


Crook Peak, Brean Down and even Steep holm in the Bristol Channel


After we descend hill the Trig point can just be seen.


After a few Drove's and muddy fields and Little Egrets ,Grey herons feeding in flooded fields we come to a farm called Pump house Farm , with thousands of Starling chattering away and feeding and fields.


After contemplating the history and also the water levels of the somerset levels which are about 20 feet (6 m) above mean sea level . a nice view of Glastonbury and a bit more cloud now over head.


St Leonards church Rodney Stoke with the mendips as backdrop.


After the flatness of the previous few miles the uphill  bit was a bit of a struggle but views as we climb up are worth it.


B+w version


After passing quarry take next left in to Westbury Beacon Butterfly reserve, 
where summertime Chalk Hill Blue, Grizzled Skipper, Dark Green Fritillary and Wall butterflies amongst others can be found !
and the second Trigpoint is found taking us to Trig number 81.


As we leave the reserve views towards Cheddar and well beyond .


A great row of Beach tree's in Draycott Sleights.


Then looking to left Nyland hill which some 3 hours before we were stood on top.


All downhill from here and back to Van, a great walk worth the effort .


Thats all for this week, join me again next week  :)