On Sunday 19th May 16 members and 1 guest enjoyed a 6ΒΌ mile walk from Castle Combe. From the carpark we took the road and a path around the edge of the golf course to enter the "Prettiest Village in England" on the Macmillan Way. We walked through the village and passing the 14th century market cross and village pump.
We continued on the Macmillan Way along the By Brook valley through woods filled with wild garlic to Long Dean. On the way we stopped for a brief coffee break and restocked with cake from an enterprising path side stall. On reaching Ford we started to make our way back on paths in Danks Down Wood and Danks Down Cottage Wood. On reaching the top of a steep hill we stopped for a brief lunch break where some of us enjoyed the cake purchased earlier.
After lunch the walk continued on a lane alongside The Pinetum until we reached a bridleway. We took the bridleway, which leads down to a clapper bridge over Broadmead Brook. Crossing the brook we continued alongside it past Nettleton Mill House until we reached the golf course where it joins By Brook. We continued through the golf course and back to the carpark.
Castle Combe, the "Prettiest Village in England"
Local "zebra" and horned sheep
The Market Cross and Clapper Bridge
On the Macmillan Way in Castle Combe
Wild garlic and cake
Walking by Broadmead Brook and the golf course