Today I had the company of a neighbour that I have just met. Miriam is fairly new to Shepton, so was keen to explore! I decided to take her on a circular walk on the outskirts of the town, taking in some public footpaths and bridle ways...
It was dark when we started off but by the time we were on footpaths with the Charlton Viaduct as a drop back, this gave way to a beautiful sunrise.
On the circular tour we walked by Kilver Court, which was looking very festive with its Christmas lights and trees. We then worked our way, via some footpaths through to Barren Down, which was a surprise to Miriam. It is such a hidden, unspoilt piece of countryside which overlooks the town - see the top photographs above.
I also showed her the Bath Road Viaduct - we are spoilt for viaducts in Shepton! There are actually three - the last one being the Ham Wood Viaduct, which is a ruin in the woods and much harder to find. I did find it in May and the post about it can be located by pressing on the label below...
We finally made our way home up the High Street, past the allotments, through Collett Park and back to Tadley Acres. Miriam said she felt good, getting out and walking in the fresh early morning air, and would like to go again!
According to the excellent book I am currently reading - 'Making Art a Practice' by Cat Bennett, walking outside in nature is an excellent practice, for cultivating peace and awareness. Surely much needed, especially this time of year...
With Jenny away visiting family, I had the pleasure of Belinda Ollis Blackwell's company, as we tried to find the Ham Wood Viaduct, which is lost in the woods, North of Shepton! We are lucky to have some wonderful woodland right on our doorstep. Belinda is a very talented lady in the world of style, marketing, design, blogging etc. and she is also a budding author - see The Mirror of Eden...
We first walked to Windsor Hill Wood and through the old railway tunnel and then found our way to Ham Wood. It was an overcast day that continually threatened rain, but was warmer than it has been lately. I find woods magical, whatever the weather or season. There is a stillness and calmness that descends when you look up to see the magnificant trees, that make you feel so small...
This time of year there are some fabulous wildflowers, in particular, bluebells. In Ham Wood we saw a fantastic blue/purple haze of bluebells, that was breathtaking. But there are also pale lemon primroses, white wood anemones, enchanting violets and wild garlic. With lots of ground, rocks and branches, all covered in soft green moss, it was no wonder that Belinda and I both took loads of photos!
We found the viaduct - we walked over the top and looked down to a deep ravine and took a path down to the bottom to get a better view. I imagine when the woodland canopy is fully out it would be harder to see it! It was built in 1874 as part of the Somerset and Dorset Railway's extension to Bath, originally as a single track. However, it was widened when the line was doubled between Shepton Mallet and Binegar in 1892.
Our walk in the woods also landed us in an old quarry. We also saw the remains of an old kiln, other derelict structures, and signs of human activity - pity they don't take their rubbish away with them! The wood is well managed with paths and steps taking you through and back to the fields above Shepton...
