The BUTCOMBE BREWERY TRAIL is a 47 mile circular pub-to-pub trail launched in April 2007, in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in West Mendip .The club walked the trail over 6 days in the summer of 2012 (1st leg in June and then 5 legs on successive days in August). Our thanks go to the Three D’s – Don Walter, David Hayes and Dick Dennett for initiating, planning and then leading the walks for us.
Below is a pictorial record of the walk with the photos being the work of Gordon Wise (the majority) and John Goulding .Many thanks to both of them.
LEG 1 The Ring O’Bells, Hinton Blewett to the Queen Victoria, Priddy, 8.9 miles
Sunday 3rd June 2012, 12 walkers. Leader: Don Walter
The group gather at the start of the walk at Hinton BlewettThe group at the end of the walk at The Queen Victoria, Priddy
LEG 2 The Queen Victoria, Priddy to The Lamb, Axbridge, 7.75 miles
Sunday 19th August 2012, 19 walkers. Leader: Dick Dennett
Group having lunch above Cheddar as cows and large bull show interest!‘Brave’ walkers take cover behind gate as cows and bull occupy lunch area !Group having drinks break at side of Cheddar LakeDestination for the day – The Lamb at Axbridge !
LEG 3 The Lamb, Axbridge to the Queen’s Arms, Bleadon, 8.4 miles
Monday 20th August 2012, 17 walkers. Leader: David Hayes
Welcome drinks stop on Wavering DownDrinks stop on Wavering Down above the Somerset LevelsLunch stop close to Crook PeakGroup enjoying a well earned drink at the end of the walk at the Queen’s Arms, Bleadon
LEG 4 The Queen’s Arms, Bleadon to The Swan, Rowberrow, 9.25 miles
Tuesday 21st August 2012, 17 walkers. Leader: Don Walter
Lunch stop on route to Rowberrow (notice it is dry weather!)Four Ladies what lunch!Walk Leader and Chairman looking confused!Weather turns very nasty near Winscombe!Drying out in the Swan at Rowberrow at end of the walk
LEG 5 The Swan, Rowberrow to The Ring O’ Bells, Compton Martin, 8.75 miles
Wednesday 22nd August, 2012, 13 walkers. Leader: David Hayes
Lunch stop near Dolebury WarrenGroup crossing the mud of Black Down very carefully!Group nearing the end of walk above Compton MartinView looking down on Compton Martin and across to Blagdon LakeGroup waiting for the ‘Car Shuffle’ drivers to arrive outside the CLOSED (!) Ring O’Bells at Compton Martin
Leg 6 The Ring O’Bells, Compton Martin to The Ring O’Bells, Hinton Blewett, 4.1 miles
Thursday 23rd August 2012, 18 walkers. Leaders: Dick and Jenny Dennett
Group (of 18 !) await their turn at a stile near West HarptreeView of Chew Valley Lake from Prospect StileChairman (on right) and Walks Organiser (centre) begin the presentations and Vote of Thanks at the Ring O’Bells, Hinton Blewett after the walk and the meal.Butcombe Trailers listening politely to the presentation .Group at end of walk presentations with ace ‘car shuffler’ John Andrews in the centreSLR legend and local hero David Hayes with his certificate!Final leg walk leaders Jenny and Dick Dennett (and others) at Ring O’BellsDon receiving his own well earned Walk Completion Certificate
Stoke Lodge Ramblers 