The Penultimate part of the Coleridge Way

Aside

# 1 son thought we should run the last two stretches together but it was meant to be the most difficult part and I felt 6.3 miles was probably enough in one go for me. Wise decision. It was a beautiful day and we left in two cars and drove to Webber’s Post which would be the end of today’s walk. Then MTL drove us to Wheddon Cross the start of the walk and left us - to meet up at lunch time. We were going to keep in touch by mobiles and #1 son ran through the motions to make sure MTL could work the phone. Unfortunately he somehow managed to make it silent so there was no communication.

En route we had stopped the car to admire a wonderful mist in the valley which always makes me want to sing-

And when the mist is in the valley,

And when the clouds are holding still,

If you’re not there I won’t go roaming

In the heather on the hill.

And I get a warm feeling when I know that MTL is there. Soppy date!

Initially the walk is downhill through woods with a ‘tricky steep descent into Mansley Combe. Then a steep climb onto open moor land’ Going down hill is my nemesis as my toe nails come into close contact with my boots in spite of thick socks. We seemed to be endlessly stumbling down narrow rocky gunnels. I probably would have coped quite well but we had lots of streams to ford and on one of them I overbalanced on a loose rock and voila my feet were wet which did nothing to ease the friction.

When we got onto the open moor by Dunkery Beacon all discomfort was forgotten for there was the sight that everybody who lives in this area longs to see: a herd of our beautiful red deer – so shy you can live here for years and never see them. Mind you it was the rutting season and I had been demonstrating a stag’s rutting roar.

Then there were more narrow gullies and my toes were in acute discomfort. I looked across valley and could see the white church of Selworthy and sent up a silent prayer that my ordeal would soon be over. Soon I could see cars in the distance and declared that if that wasn’t our car park I was going to sit down and wait for them to finish the walk and pick me up. Happily it was our car park and MTL was there.

We drove over to Exford and had lunch at the White Horse feeling quite pleased with ourselves. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world in spite of the problem. Now we just have the final three miles which alas is down hill. I’ll have to think of some way to do it without further damage.