Date: Location: Walk Leader: Participants: Distance: Parking: Lunch: | 23 February 2017 Broadmayne Peter Peter, Clive, Ray 6.8 miles Black Dog Black Dog ★★★☆☆ |
When we turned west near Glebe `Farm we found ourselves heading straight into a really strong wind along a very exposed path. We were pleased when we reached the church at Whitcomb. This lovely church was built in the 12th Century and has some magical medieval wallpaintings that include an image of St Christopher and a mermaid combing her hair. (I couldn't make out the mermaid). But the church still holds on to its final secret - its name: the church dedication is lost in time. It was the ideal place for drinks and biscuits.
We walked a short distance on the verge along the A352 before crossing and going through a rather easily missed gate onto the footpath. This took us to the minor road that runs past the rather magnificent Monymusk House Stud. I couldn't resist taking a picture of the topiary jokey on a horse although it was pointed out to me that I was being watched by a video camera! After a short distance along the road we took the first path that leads up the hill and across the gallops. Everything here is beautifully maintained and the horse look terrific. Re-crossing the A352 we made a large loop around to West Knighton and then back to Broadmayne.
Lunch at the Black Dog was very good although it was a pity we did not spot the specials board until well after we had ordered - next time maybe. The Black Dog is owned by the same people as the New Inn at West Knighton. The big difference is that the Black Dog serves very reasonably priced lunches ideal for hungry walkers. The New Inn is more of a gourmet eating out experience.