Date: Location: Walk Leader: Participants: Distance: Parking: Lunch: | 9th October 2013 Milton Abbas Rob Rob, Peter, Ray 6 miles In Milton Abbas village near The Hambro Arms The Botany Bay Winterbourne Zelston ★ |
From The Hambro Arms we walked through the village and then around the school, not really a public right of way, and out onto the road.
After following the road for a short distance we turned into Thomas's Hill Plantation. There is a pretty steep climb up to the top of the ridge but it is pleasant through the woods. After a good stretch along the ridge we dropped down towards Hilton with some very black clouds to the west. The church at Hilton provided some good seating where we stopped and had coffee in the porch.
The walk was then relatively easy until we reached Melmoth's Hill where the paths became rather wet and muddy but still passable without getting wet feet. There is an interesting old ruin in the woods.
We did a short detour to have a look inside the Abbey via the back door to prevent extra work for the lady who was busy cleaning the floor.
We arrived back at the car a little too late for a meal at The Hambro so went back to The Botany Bay for lunch where we were just in time for the last of the carvery. It was OK but would not win any prizes.