177.Burrington Ham + Beacon Batch (Miles 7.5)

7/10

Parking at Blagdon  BS40 7RS

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Seen a picture in the week and this week decided to go there, Burrington Combe area. Starting at the village of Blagdon. Beautiful sunshine and blue skies but a bit nippy!
 Blagdon Lake below.

Centranthus ruber, also called Red valerian, Looking fantastic against the blue sky.

After a bit of uphill and a couple of fields i came to the picture, Burrington Ham overlooking Blagdon with views out towards Bristol Airport and the Bristol channel.

Far distance is Wales.

Closer view.

After leaving the Ham behind i came to Burrington combe a very steep and slippery descent but great views from top.

Aveline's Hole is a cave at Burrington Combe in the limestone of the Mendip Hills,
the earliest scientifically dated cemetery in Britain, 10,200 and 10,400 years old, wow didn't know that, it's right next to the road and worth having a look in.

A steep climb now up on to Blackdown Hill and Beacon Batch, this looking back to Burrington Ham.

The views even better this side.

There was a fairly large herd of Ponies and cows on top, didn't even look at me.

Then after a bit of panting Beacon Batch trigpoint comes into view, the highest Point on the the Mendips. It stands at 325m / 1066ft

 Almost african savanna, except it was bloody freezing !

While walking to aerials in next shot heard then saw a group of 200 golden Plover circling in the skies above, a great sight.

No better place to be i only saw 6 people on whole walk!

Here's 4 of them.

Finally i came back to the view i started with Blagdon lake, a great walk and even better with blue skies, worth the effort for sure.

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

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168.Woodchester Park

7.5/10

Parking @ Nympsfield GL10 3UA

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This weeks walk start in Nympsfield in Gloucestershire.

Bluebells in full bloom.

Green Glades and hardly anyone seen on walk.

Path up to Uley Bury old fort.

First view of the day.

Few more views through the trees and a few of those hilly bits. 
Old mile marker post.

 
Then Coaley Peak or Frocester Hill a great place to stop.

Looking towards Seven estuary

Most of the peaks and high points on this board we've done  !

Rodborough Common & Minchampton Butterflying heaven, i'll be back there for sure in search of the Duke of Burgundy and Adonis Blues.

Typical stone walls in the cotswolds

Then we enter Woodchester Park and lakes.

A mutilated deer carcass was found in the gardens, which prompted experts to believe a big cat is prowling the grounds in January 2012. 

Unfortunately we didn't see, just lots of dogs !

The mansion was abandoned by its builders in the middle of construction, leaving behind a building that appears complete from the outside, but with floors, plaster and whole rooms missing inside. It has remained in this state since the mid-1870s.

The mansion's creator William Leigh bought the Woodchester Park estate for £100,000 in 1854.
wiki

Some beautiful grounds and gardens.

Another couple of hills and we are back at Nympfield which The name 'Nympsfield' is a mix of Celtic and Old English, meaning 'Open land by the holy place.

A very hilly walk with plenty of up and downs but some good views to compensate.
A lovely sunny day was had with spring flowers adding to the walk .

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

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