South Somerset Group

SOUTH SOMERSET GROUP www.somersetramblers.co.uk

A local group of the Ramblers’ Association. Registered. Charity No.1093577. Promoting rambling, protecting rights of way, campaigning for access to open country and defending the beauty of the countryside.

APR - JUL 2013 WALKS

Our walks are open to anyone interested. If you want to know more about the Ramblers’ Association, or this programme, please ask any committee member. New walks leaders are always needed, so if you are able to lead a walk please contact the programme secretary. A copy of this programme is available free on our website or can be obtained on request to the publicity officer (price 3 second class stamps, free to South Somerset Group members). Please send a stamped addressed envelope if it is to be posted. Walks are graded according to the following classification of pace:- A = fast; B = brisk; C = moderate; D = easy. Starting times of walks vary and need to be noted carefully.

NOTICES. Group Committee Meeting. See Thurs Jun 6. Half-day weekend walks. See Apr 6, May 11, Jun 2 and Jul 13. Programme Distribution. See Jul 4 and Jul 11. Railway Walks. See Jun 22. Summer Supper. See Jul 18. Book between May 1 and Jul 1. Walks leaders. Would leaders of Sunday all-day walks please give Jean Verkroost final details of their walks on the next programme by Jun 1. Would leaders of other walks please give details to Jim Fewkes by Jun 7.

PROGRAMME OF WALKS

General note on pub car parking. It is common courtesy to use the pub for food or drinks if parking on their property. If not able to, park on roads or public car parks wherever possible. Thu Apr 4. 10.00. Fox & Hound, Charlton Adam. GR 541289. 5 miles. C. To Green Down nature reserve overlooking Cary Valley. Phil B. 01458 850834. Thu Apr 4. 10.30. Wharf Lane car park, Ilminster. GR 359143. 4.3 miles. D. Via historic road, railway line and canal. Richard & Monica 01935 472826. Sat Apr 6. 10.30. West Coker Church car park. 5½ miles. C. Registered Assistance Dogs Only. Marian & Derek 01460 73695.

1 Sun Apr 7. 10.30. Meet at Maiden Castle Car Park near Dorchester. GR SY668888. 10 miles. C. Picnic. Registered assistance dogs only. Derek L. 01935 426842 Thu Apr 11. 10.00. Perry Street Club and Institute car park, Waterlake Road, Perry Street. GR 335057. 6 miles. C. Via Chard Junction and Hewood. Please use the gravel CP across the road from the club.. Martin and Jean 01460 76366. Thu Apr 11. 10.30. The Coach & Horses, South Perrott, DT8 3HS, GR 472082. 4 miles, D. Towards North Perrott and return using the Parrott Trail. Only patrons in Pub car park, please. Roger & Eileen 01460 241608. Sun Apr 14. 10.30. Meet at Montacute The Borough Car Park (opposite Phelips Arms). GR ST498169. 12 miles. B. Picnic. Via The Chinnocks, Chiselborough and Ham Hill Country Park. Sue Fox 01935 476540. Thu Apr 18. 10.00. Osmington, park in overspill car park of ‘The Sunray’. GR 726832. If not eating in the pub park in village. 6.5 miles via Redcliff point, Osmington Mills, Perry Ledge, Combe Bottom. Gerry E 01935 881317. Thu Apr 18. 10.30. Royal Oak, Hardington Moor. GR 521123. 4 miles. D. Up through conservation fields, and toward East Coker. Hills will be taken slowly. Registered Assistance Dogs Only. Valerie 01935 862721 Sun Apr 21. 10.30. National Trust CP above Ringstead Bay. GR SY759823. 11.5 miles. B. Picnic. Via Coastal Path to Lulworth Cove, return on Bridleway. This is a strenuous section of the Coastal Path. Sandra S. 07970 490653 Thu Apr 25. 10.00. Bell Inn PH, Evercreech. GR 649387. 6.2 miles. C. To Spargrove, Milton Clevedon and Lamyatt. Far-reaching views, weather permitting. Meal deal agreed at pub. Parking at pub for patrons only. Otherwise please park in the street near the church. Roger & Janet 01963 34965.. Thu Apr 25. At the time of going to print no walk had been offered.. Sun Apr 28. 10.30. Mangerton Mill. Park on grass at end of CP. GR SY490957. 12 miles. B. Picnic. Via Netherbury, Parnham Park, Mapperton, Loscombe, West Milton. Optional tea at the Mill afterwards. Peter B. 01935 862229. Wed May 1. Book for Summer Supper between May 1 And Jul 1. Thu May 2. 10.00. The Green Man, King’s Stag. OS 129E ST 725107. 6 miles. C. Flat walk. To Holbrook Green Farm via Lydlinch, finishing along the River Lydden. If wet will be extremely muddy. Dogs on lead. Mervyn K 01747 840896. Thu May 2. 10.30. Yarn Barton car park, off Fleet Street, Beaminster. GR 482014. 4 miles. D. Towards Netherbury. Jim & Sheila 01935850227.

2 Sun May 5. 10.30. Ibberton Hill CP. GR ST792071. 13 miles. B. Picnic. Via Turnworth, Durweston, Bryanston, Winterborne Stickland. Mike P. 01963 363077. Thu May 9. 10.00. Wellington Monument Car Park. GR 143168. 6.5 miles. C. Via Culm Davey, Culmstock Beacon, Black Down Common. Easy walking, long-reaching views over Taunton Vale. Stephen H. 01823 664227 Thu. May 9. 1015. The Portman Arms, East Chinnock. GR 498132. 4.3 miles. D. A circular walk towards Hardington Mandeville. Registered Assistance Dogs Only. David B 01935 476647... Sat May 11. 10.30. Cocklemoor Car Park, Langport. GR ST418266. 4 miles. D. Get Walking Week. Registered Assistance Dogs Only. Derek L 01935 426842. Sun May 12. 10.00. Cerne Abbas Kettle Bridge Car Park. GR ST663014. 11 miles. A. Picnic. Via Alton Pancras, Plush, Piddletrenthide. Tony W. 01935 477273. Thu May 16. 10.00. Crewkerne. Crossroads at junction of Kithill and Lang Road. GR 441086. 5.5 miles. C. There is plenty of parking space in the roads nearby. Registered assistance dogs only. David & Christine 014660 271496. Thu May 16. 10:30 Foresters Arms Pub car park Holywell near East Coker. D 4.5 miles. Easy walk through the lanes & byways of The Cokers. Wendy & Richard 01935 862340, Sun May 19. 10.30. Meet Beaminster, Yarn Barton Car Park. GR ST481014. 12 miles. B. Picnic. Via Netherbury, Oxbridge, Mangerton, W. Milton & Mapperton. Assistance dogs only. Carl E. 01460 30163. Thu May 23. 10.00. The Howley Tavern, Howley, TA20 3DX, GR 266097. 6.5 miles, C. Whitestaunton, Scrapton and Weston Farmhouse. Good views this time! Only patrons in Pub car park, please. Roger & Eileen 01460 241608. Thu May 23. 10.30. Blackberry Lane, Sherborne, The meeting point is off the A3145 Bristol Road near the Mermaid Inn. 4.5 miles. D. David K 01935 420545. . Sun May 26. 10.00. Musbury Village Hall ( East Devon) Small contribution. GR SY276948. 11.5 miles. B. Picnic. East Devon Way, Musbury Castle, Bulmoor Cross, Newcastle, Hoyton Hill, Trinity Hill Nature Reserve, return by Woodhouse Hill and East Devon Way. Gerry E. 01935 881317. Thu May 30. 10.00. Mosterton Village Hall (meet, not park). Parking in road near village shop or at Admiral Hood PH for patrons. Registered Assistance Dogs Only. Marian & Derek. 01460 73695. Thu May 30. 10.30. Meet in Wells Market Square, near the Cathedral. 4 miles. D. To Dinder, King’s Castle and Tor Hill Woods. Richard C. 01935 473951.

3 Sat Jun 1. Would walks leaders of full-day Sunday walks for the August – November programme please let Jean Verkroost have full details by today Sun Jun 2. 2.00 pm. Wharf Lane Car Park, Ilminster off Canal Way, behind Tesco Garage).. 5 miles. C. Circular walk using local paths. Keith R. 01935 822381. Sun Jun 2. 10.30. Glastonbury. Bottom of Bretenoux Road. GR ST505381. 12 miles. C. Picnic. Via the Tor, West Pennard, Pennard Hill, Havyatt. Peter M. 01935 429477. Thu Jun 6. 7.30 pm. Meeting of the Group Committee at 18 Sandhurst Road, Yeovil Thu Jun 6.10.00. Lamb & Lion, Hambridge. GR 395217. 6 miles. C. Towards Isle Brewers. Phil 01458 850834. Thu Jun 6.10.30. Sherborne Terrace Playing fields car park. GR 642157. 4.2 miles. D. Towards Longburton. Ed & Sue W 01935 851818. Fri Jun 7.. Would walks leaders of Thursday walks and half-day weekend walks for the August-November programme please let Jim Fewkes have full details by today. Sun Jun 9. 10.30. Matts Lane, Stoke-sub-Hamdon (by doctors, dentist & vets). GR ST472171. 13 miles (hilly). B. Picnic. Via Pit Pond, St Michaels’ Tower, Montacute Park, 5 Ashes, Chiselborough, Norton. Lorna & Richard B. 01935 824167. Thu Jun 13. 10.00. The Lion at Pennard PH, West Pennard. GR 547386.6.5 miles. C. To Glastonbury tor via Norwood Park. Good views; climb will be taken slowly; may be muddy. . Pete & Maggie 01935 826821. Thu Jun 13. 10.30. Rose & Crown, Huish Episcopi. GR 430268. 4.5 miles. D. Jim and Sheila 01935 850227 Sun Jun 16. 10.30. Kingston Deverill. Layby, next to telephone box in Kingston Lane. GR ST846373. 13 miles. B. Picnic. Via Crockerton, Heaven's Gate, Horningsham, Brimsdown Hill. Peter & Sara. 01458 830160. Thu Jun 20. 10.00. Winyards Gap Inn, on A356 near Chedington. GR 492061. 5½ miles. C. Don 01935 477088. Thu Jun 20. 10.30. The Half Moon, Stoke St Mary, TA3 5BY, GR 263223. 4 miles. D. Around Thurlbear Wood Nature Reserve. Only patrons in Pub car park, please. Roger & Eileen 01460 241608. Sat Jun 22. Rail walk from Yeovil Pen Mill Station starting at 10.06. 9 miles. C. Circular walk to Sutton Bingham Reservoir via Barwick & East Coker. Richard C. 01935 473951.

4 Sun Jun 23. 10.30. Otterford Lakes Car park. GR ST224141. 11 miles. B. Picnic. Via Staple Hill, Perry Hall, Castle Neroche, Whatley. Assistance dogs only. Carl E. 01460 30163. Thu Jun 27. 10.00. Powerstock. Start from the church. GR 518962. 6.5 miles. C. Towards Eggardon Hill, past Spyway Inn. Parking in village. John O. 01935 414745. Thu Jun 27. 10.15. The Cotley Inn, Wambrook. GR 296077. 4½ miles. D. Pat C. 01460 67745.. Sun Jun 30. 10.00. Abbotsbury Car Park. GR SY578852. 11 miles. A. Picnic. Via Tenants Hill, Little Cheney, Abbotsbury Castle. Tony W. 01935 477273. Mon Jul 1. Closing date for booking Summer Supper. See Jul 18. Thu Jul 4. PROGRAMME DISTRIBUTION WALK. 10.00. Wharf Lane car park, Ilminster. GR359143 6 miles. C. Towards Eames Mill, Donyatt, Herne Hill. Ronny & Ruth W 01935 425100 Thu Jul 4. 10.15. Halsey Arms, Pulham (park at back of pub please). OS 117 GR ST 709085. 4.75 miles. D. Via Gog and Magog, Furze Hill, and Pulham Church.. Dogs on lead.. Mervyn 01747 840896. Sun Jul 7. 10.30. Littlebredy Walled Garden CP. At wooden shelter in centre of Littlebredy turn down ‘Private No Through Road’, turn right at junction, then fork right after 100 yards into gravel drive leading to CP. GR SY584890. 10 miles. C. Picnic. Via Hardy Monument, Tenants Hill Stone Circle, Kingston Russell. Optional visit to Walled Garden and tea afterwards. Peter B. 01935 862229. Thu Jul 11. 10.00. Poachers Pocket, Chelynch. GR 649439. 6.4 miles. Level walk towards Stoke St Michael returning via Fosse Way. Park in pub car park. Geoff S 01275 475002. Thu Jul 11. .10.15. PROGRAMME DISTRIBUTION WALK.. Martock Recreation Ground CP, Stoke Lane, Martock. GR 461189. 4.2 miles. D. Via Bower Hinton and Carey’s Mill Bridge. Jim & Sheila 01935 850227. Sat Jul13. 10.00. 11 Manor View, Crewkerne TA18 8JT. GR 440085. Parking for 10-12 cars. 5 miles. C. Passing Henley Manor towards Mosterton, back to Crewkerne via Misterton. Some road walking. David & Linda 01460 929350. Sun Jul 14. 10.30. Sherborne. New Road (B3145), in road nr South Street or towards Castle Gardens. GR ST642161. 12 miles. B. Picnic. Via Longburton, Lillington and Thornford. Frieda A. 01747 821960 or 07929064456.

5 Thu Jul 18. C Walk Summer Supper at Old Forge Inn, Curry Rivel. . GR 391252. Start 4.00 pm at Public Car park, rear of Sandpits Heating Centre, Curry Rivel, GR 391252. 5-6 miles, C. Down to West Sedgemoor and return via Burton Pynsent monument. Led by Roger & Eileen 01460 241608. At 7 pm there will be a 2 course buffet supper. Cost £9.50 and advance booking is necessary. Bookings and payment should be made after May 1 and before July 1 to Ruth Goodland. Cheques should be made payable to R Goodland and may be posted to her at 25 Rivers Road, Yeovil BA21 5RJ. Thu Jul 18. D Group Summer Lunch. 10.30. Prince of Wales, Ham Hill. GR 479169 Figure of eight walk. 2 or 4 miles. Fairly level –superb views. Dogs on leads. J’Ann & Gordon 01935 823249. Sun Jul 21. 10.30. Castle Cary. Catherines Close CP. GR ST642326. 12 miles. C. Picnic. Via Ditcheat, Lamyatt, Wyke Champflower. Peter M. 01935 429477. Thu Jul 25. 10.00. Kettlebridge Car Park, Cerne Abbas. GR 664015. 5.5 miles. C. Via Giant Hill, Dogbury, Minterne Magna & Upcerne. Pub meals in village. . Peter B 01460 78182. Thu Jul 25. 10.30. The Royal Oak, Over Stratton, South Petherton. GR 435155. 4.5 miles. D. Level walk, via Lopen, outskirts of Merriott, River Parrett trail and Lower Stratton. Dogs on leads. Lunch in the Royal oak (2-course special). Plenty of parking – alternative parking on road for non-patrons. Ted & Jenny. 01460 242253. Sun Jul 28. 10.00. Colyton. Meet at junction of Rosemary Lane and Dolphin St/Station Rd. GR SY248942. Some street parking or use Dolphin St CP. 13 miles. B. Picnic. Towards Musbury, Shute Hill, Lexhayne Farm. Jean V. 01935 826089.

NOTES FOR WALKERS We walk together and the leader sets a suitable pace for the party - please do not force a faster pace. Strong footwear and waterproof clothing are recommended - we cannot stop the rain or always dodge the mud. Hazardous conditions –whenever there is a possibility of snow, ice or significant fog it is likely the walk will be cancelled so please check with the leader before setting out. This also applies if there has been an incident such as an outbreak of Foot & Mouth disease. Note that, in fairness, people using a public house car park should patronise the pub even if only for a drink. Dogs. Dogs are welcome on most walks, though the leader may specify “registered assistance dogs only” in the programme. Dogs must be under total control and the leader can insist that they be kept on leads. Note. All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and rambling is no exception. In spite of the safety of members always being the paramount concern, accidents will occasionally happen. It is important, therefore, that when entering into the activity, each member appreciates that they have a responsibility

6 to identify the hazards associated with the activity and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise.

WALKS LEADERS GUIDELINES Our walks frequently attract large numbers. To avoid accidents, mishaps such as lost walkers, inconveniencing farmers or damaging the countryside, leaders’ guidelines are put forward. The code is in line with the booklet issued by National Office though simplified, as we do not walk mountains or remote moors. Accidents. If there is an accident requiring help the leader should stay with the casualty until help arrives, unless he can appoint a carer of whose competence he is sure. If the leader stays behind, the backmarker or a volunteer leader should continue with the party. The leader must notify the secretary or chairman of any accident other than the trivial. Backmarkers. The leader should always appoint a backmarker and count those walking. Footpath Maintenance Problems. Contact Somerset County Council Rights of Way 0845 3459155 or use the SCC website. The easiest access route is to Google “footpath problems in Somerset” and then click on the relevant SCC web site. This page then has a button to report faults. This page should be added to your favourites. Jim Fewkes has printed notes if further help is needed. . Gates should be left as we find them. The most appropriate signalling arrangement should be chosen. E.g. [1] Arm signalling: one arm raised, shut the gate; both arms raised, shut and tie the gate; both arms flapped, leave the gate open. [2]. Ribbon signalling. When the leader reaches a gate that is to be left open a ribbon is tied to the gate. The ribbon is removed by the backmarker and returned to the leader at the end of the walk. If there is no ribbon then the gate is closed and tied if a tie is present. Also it is recommended that leaders carry some binding twine to replace a short tie that has been cut. Handbook. The Group has a copy of the Ramblers’ Association very comprehensive handbook for walks’ leaders, which can be borrowed on request from the programme secretary. Indisposition. If a leader is unable to lead a walk the programme secretary (or failing that another member of the committee) must be contacted. Please do not simply leave message on an answer-phone. Insurance. Walks on the group programme are covered by The Ramblers Third Party Insurance Policy provided the leader is a Ramblers member at the time of the walk. Other informal walks are not covered. Pace. We walk together and the leader sets a suitable pace for the party: please do not let a minority force a faster pace.

OFFICERS Chairman: Jim Fewkes, The Gables, Middle Street, Rimpton, Yeovil BA22 8AQ. 01935 850227. [email protected] Secretary: Ian Rendall, 3a Tintern, Abbey Manor Park, Yeovil BA21 3SJ. 01935 421235 Treasurer: Derek Lucas, 18 Sandhurst Road, Yeovil BA20 2LG. 01935 426842. Dereklucas20@yahoo,com Programme Secretaries:

7 General: Jim Fewkes, The Gables, Middle Street, Rimpton, Yeovil BA22 8AQ. 01935 850227. [email protected] All-day weekend: Jean Verkroost., 7 Fairfield, Martock. 01935 826089. [email protected]. Publicity Officer: Wendy Yates. [email protected]. Phone is 01935 862340. Footpath Secretaries: East: Dick Male. Cobwebs, Chapel Road, South Cadbury, Yeovil BA22 7EX. 01963 440968. North:. Jean Verkroost., 7 Fairfield, Martock. 01935 826089. [email protected]. South: Paul Cullen-James, 26 Rye Gardens, Yeovil BA20 2TF. 01935 412327. [email protected]. West: Roger Cripps. 01460 241608. Address below. Footpath Working Party Organiser. Roger Cripps, The Paddock, Lambrook Road, Shepton Beauchamp, Ilminster TA19 0LY. 01460 241608. [email protected]. Minutes Secretary: Linda Fawthrop. 01460 929350.. Representative on Area Committee. Ruth Goodland 01935 474671. Mervyn King 01747 840896 Committee members. Roger Cripps, Linda Fawthrop, Jim Fewkes, Ruth Goodland, Mervyn King, Derek Lucas, John Oliver, Ian Rendall, Wendy Yates.

The Ramblers Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, Company Registration No. 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1093577. Registered Office: 2nd Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.