I'd fell out with Whiltshire yesterday afternoon as my walk was a bit uninspiring, with overgrown paths and in one case a field almost impossible to pass. But today it redeemed itself. Some very scenic walking, lovely towns and villages.
The walk today was from Littleton Drew to Box, crossing the M4. After a lovely evening in the
Neeld Arms at Grittleton and a good full English breakfast, I was well set to face the day. Grittleton, was a couple of miles off my route and the landlord, Charlie, not only offered to drop me back in Littleton Drew but also knocked £20 off the bill to donate to
Macmillan Cancer Support - thank you so much!
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| Edward VII post box |
In answer to my quiz the post box in Slaughterford, is dated from Edward VII, its not easy to spot as the ER stands out, but under the Crown you'll see VII. According to my guidebook it's one of only 7 left in the whole of the country.
Todays walk took me through Castle Combe, what a beautiful little place, very picturesque. I didn't know but apparently scenes from War Horse were filmed there. I'm not particularly into films, but I have seen War Horse and I do recognise the setting around the Market Cross. Also for those film buffs amongst you, apparently a harbour was built at the side of By Brook for the filming of Dr Doolittle in 1966. I'd like to say its before my time, but I'd be lying, but I certainly have no recollection of that film.
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| Mind Your Head |
As I had a bit of time today I had a look around the Church in Castle Comb. I took this selfie at one of the original doors, they were very little in the 1400's! The original clock mechanism has been removed from the tower and is now in the Church. It is believed to be one of the oldest working clocks in England, pre 1500. The clock didn't originally have a face as the men in the fields just needed to know the hours, which were struck on a large bell - fascinating!
Talking of bells, I had to cross a golf course and as you enter from the path, there is a bell to ring, to alert golfers and hopefully prevent any stray balls coming your way. I had a moment of self doubt, how loud do I ring the bell, how long do I ring it for, what if they don't hear it? In the end i decided it was a touch of the health and safety's and probably made no difference what so ever, so just gave it a loud clonk!
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Neolithic Burial
Chamber |
Thinking of health and safety, I passed the remains of a Neolithic Long Barrow today - yes I had to check that out as well (3400 - 2400 BC). its a burial ground and the remains of a limestone burial chamber are still visible. The pillars are 2m x 1m and the capstone is 3m x 2m. How on earth did they bloody move them about back then, no risk assessments in those days!
Well I made it to Box in good time today, the rain threatened but never materialised. Now, there are three pubs in Box one in the centre of the village and the other two on the opposite ends, about 30 mins apart. I'd done a bit of research and I'd decided, my pecking order. The phrase "never made a reyt decision in my life" comes into play again at this point.
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| Free Roaming Goats |
The walk to the Quarrymans Arms, was 20 minutes all up a very steep hill. I did think, as I was walking up the hill, this is bloody madness you've been walking all day, but I was 'visualising' that pint and sitting in the beer garden on a lovely summers evening, looking over the valley towards Bath - it was quite motivational! So you can imagine my frustration (bit of an understatement) when I got there and the pub was shut until Wednesday for building work, - yes I had checked the website before I set off and no there was no mention of a closure. I have sent em an email, it would be a nice touch if Butcombe Brewery Co who own the pub made a contribution to my
Macmillan Cancer Support page, for the inconvenience. I'll keep you updated!
At least the walk back was downhill, and the two remaining pubs were open, as advertised. A night in Box then off to Beckington and train home from Frome tomorrow.
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