There were good walking conditions today - some blue sky and the promise of a sunny day, but it was still cold. So far this year the Spring has been unseasonably chilly, so the soil hasn't had a chance to warm up and the cold wind has been inhibiting growth. The green-keepers up at the Mendip Golf Club have been complaining that nothing, especially the grass, is growing! We have noticed although some trees have a green tinge, their new leaves seem reluctant to develop and unfurl!
For those who want to start walking in this area, but have no-one to go with, the Mendip Ramblers could be the answer. They had their first walk, starting at Wells, 40 years ago on March 21st! They are part of the nationwide Ramblers Association and do mainly circular walks in the Mendip area. On Thursdays they offer walks of 6 - 7 miles and on Sundays some longer ones (10 -12 miles). On the first Monday of the month they meet for shorter 3 - 4 mile walks which finishes in an afternoon tea get together!
Anyone can join with details of walks published in the local press, on their website or programmes are available in local libraries. In this week's Shepton Journal, there is an interesting interview with Jane Dyson, who is social secretary for the Mendip Ramblers. Who knows, you could meet a like-minded person who could become your walking 'buddy'...
Our walk and talk today didn't take us too far from home! We had a good look around our estate, Tadley Acres, with the last few houses shooting up. The pictures above show a welcome green area, amongst all the houses. The carpet of yellow is celandines, which I remember photographing nearly a month ago! They still look much the same, which shows that the weather is not promoting much growth!
Today's walk was a wash-out as far as photographs went. It was cold, drizzling and we both weren't feeling up to being photographed! It was a stroll around our estate discussing such things, as how successful Jenny's group 'wellbeing' session had been! However, it was good to get out into the fresh air. Now it has turned colder, too much time is spent indoors in heated atmospheres with little or no ventilation...
Luckily for me, I was sent some fantastic images of stiles by fellow One Craft Gallery member, woodturner Phillip Davis. Thank you, Phil - these have all been taken recently around Shepton and I recognise them from our walks. So much has been done in the countryside around the town to make sure it is accessible to walkers. As you can see, in the variety and number of different stiles, a lot of effort has been made to keep public footpaths and bridleways clear and useable.
Some of the stiles look really ancient and are made from old local quarried stone. They are a delight to come across - the stories they could tell...
In this area it is the Mendip Ramblers who do the great job of checking and maintaining the footpaths. They work closely with the District Council and install stiles, fingerposts, bridges and do some clearance work...
Above is an iconic image of Somerset - Glastonbury Tor, as seen through one of the stiles. Another image from Phil, taken on one of his dog walks!
