Out of the Blackdowns, 2009
Stage 16, Monday 5 October 2009: from Culmstock (Devon) to Taunton, 17 miles
Apart from the brief diversion to the Wellington monument, I entered Somerset from Devon below Ringdown Common,
before swinging round on a very fine path which led to the little hamlet of Burnworthy.
From here, there was one more descent, this time to the Culm itself, a couple of miles from its source (pictured left).
It's such a varied and interesting river, this; I will regard it differently the next time I rush through its floodplain by road or rail.
It's not quite all downhill from here, and after having spent so long on diverse (and not always easily-traceable) paths,
it was a bit of a drag to have a long mile on roads to meet up with the northern escarpment at Blagdon Hill.
A steep little path runs northwards through a wood beside a stream, and suddenly you leave the hills behind.
Visibility was good now, and for the first time I could see the Wellington monument properly!
The highest part of the Blackdowns, Staple Hill, not on my route, rises in woods behind.
Ahead lies the county town's hinterland, known as Taunton Deane.
I picked up the East Deane Way at Pitminster.
This path leads straight to Taunton, breasting the little outlier of Cotlake Hill with just a couple of miles to go.
On the summit is a little belt of trees; you enter it with the essence of the hills behind you,
and leave it with the town spread before you (top picture in sidebar).
I plan to return in autumn 2010 to cross the Somerset Levels to Glastonbury and then the Mendips to Bath.
When and weather
5 October 2009: cloud lifting but always overcast.
Accommodation
None yet.
|
