Thursday 27 April 2017

170.Clevedon 1 Trig & A Pier (10 miles)

 8.5/10

Parking @ Clevedon BS21 7YT

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Felt like a bit of a coastal theme today and made this walk starting at Clevedon. A really nice walk around 10 miles starting at a small housing estate, soon along side the Blind Yeo a man made channel constructed in 1949 to help with flooding issues, taken from the Kenn River and runs for around 2.5 miles.


Soon passing the BBC's Radio Five Live transmitters.
Built 1939 and are 110 meters tall.



Would be very peaceful if it wasn't for the constant noise from the M5.


The first crossing over the M5.


Carrying on across Clevedon Moor and some frisky Friesians. Managed to escape unscathed.


Lamas always a delight to see these ADHA characters !


After crossing the busy Clevedon road and walking through the now vacant Golden Acres Nursery, which shut in 2016 for development, 6 houses. We climb out of the field and the first view of the coast. Sand Point and Weston super Mare Wood can be seen.


Second M5 crossing and about 2 miles further along the M5.


Just over the Bridge carry on and stop before mast on steep rock face, it makes a nice sandwich stop with views across to Crook Peak.


Further on a very nice stone seat with commanding views towards Newport across the Channel.


Also Avonmouth docks with all its workings.


After following the many tracks through Norton's Wood and eventually exiting wood we come to All Saints Church looking cool with the backdrop of the woods.


Follow across road and up Strawberry hill and this time of year full of Bluebells and looking great.


 Bit more Urban and soon we come to Dial Hill standing at 90m or 295 ft, a very easy climb but some good views over Clevedon and beyond and my 85 Trigpoint.


After following a bit of the Gordano round of which we did 2012 so long ago
we come to Clevedon Sea Front, complete with Pier.


 Built in the 1860s to attract tourists the pier is 312 m (1,024 ft). 
The pier opened in 1869 and served as an embarkation point for paddle steamer excursions for almost 100 years. 


In busier times i bet Clevedon was packed but today i think there were around 20 people here!


Looks so good, South wales behind.


The walk almost gained a extra point from Andy, the rule is a Mr Whippy 1 point, but a droopy Mr Whippy, was not so good (i've hidden his face as he's shy !)


 More views of the Pier from the Lookout, further along coast.


Another church, this one is St Andrews Church.


A few more benches and some great views towards Weston Super Mare and the Mud flats, under a blue sky look great. Another half a mile and that was the end, a super day was had and walk 170 completed.


That's all for this week, join me again next week  :)

Friday 21 April 2017

169.More forgotten Close to home Bits (Bath, Priston, Inglesbatch, Englishcombe)

7/10

Parking @ Ba2 2pp




A walk this week starting from our doorsteps, but taking in some stunning landscapes nonetheless. Walking from Odd Down and out towards Combe Hay and down a Byway where we spent many a muddy day on our Motorbikes ! We come to part of Hallatrow - Limpley Stoke,Camerton branch / GWR Railway line of old, just the Bridge left now.


Soon the views start and fields of Rapeseed looking splendid.


Combe Hay Manor started being built in 1728 The manorial lands occupied by the present building were given by William the Conqueror to one of his kinsmen, Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, who was later to become Earl of Kent.


Rainbow Wood with the Rapeseed Below.


Blue skies green fields and a patchwork of rapeseed , stunning. While we sat there checking it all out it occurred to us that every field we could see was bare of animals not one Cow, Sheep or horse could be seen ! sign of the times ?


Then we spotted 3 Hares chasing each other ! Small lens sorry !


Lots more fields and into the Peasedown area crossing main road another nice looking landscape, just a plough seeded.


Old hut... Sewage works.


Then straight through the middle of Rapeseed field, Follow the yellow brick or path !


So pretty and a lovely smell too.


Farmbrough Common in distance, remember this hill from previous walk, one we didn't manage to go up. I mention cause i know it annoys someone !


Spring Lambs with Mum.


Into Priston and the Church of St Luke and St Andrew.


On through the little village of Priston and then Inglesbatch to another byway and memories of motorbikes again!


Temperature warming up, almost like summer !


Lots of traffic free paths and only saw one person on hole walk, always amazing not to see anyone, they don't know what they're missing !!
Last view back towards Bath, solsbury hill in background. 

Then home, a worthy walk and 12 miles covered.


That's all for this week, join me again next week  :)