LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

I parked the car in lay-by just north of Dunkerton Village on A367 at 10.58am and walked down the hill, southwards passing the small number of house to Dunkerton Bridge over the Cam Brook to continue the 'Limestone Link' footpath. I turned left from the main road just before the bridge to walk on the north side of the Cam Brook. The brook meandered in an easterly direction for about 1.5 Km (I mile), passing several fields of cereal crops and livestock, before turning north to Combe Hay Lane/Bath Hill for about 0.5Km (0.5 mls). Combe Hay Village was to the north and Bath Hill to the south. At one field I encountered bullocks, very tricky not to look them in the eye. I crossed the lane using two pedestrian gates, ensuring I securely fastened them behind me, before walking alongside the Cam Brook again for a short distance, then turned slowly north east to Combe Hay Village. Good views of the Cam Brook valley as I slowly gained height. At the lane to the village I again secured the pedestrian gate and turned right on the footpath to the village. At the 'Y' junction I continued right on the upper of the two lanes towards the converted Tithe Barn and the Parish Church. A visit to the church is recommended, if time allows, but in my case I had to keep pressing on to towards Bath. After a short distance along a narrow overgrown lane with caution, I came to a junction and turned right on the wider lane, towards the east, again with no footpath. Just after the junction I spotted a large attractive house. I walked up to the large heavy gates and took a closer look at the house. Impressive! I continued passing the Old Rectory and a road to the Wheatsheaf Public House to another 'Y' junction. Unfortunately time didn't allow me to visit the 'watering hole', so at the 'Y' junction I took the 'No Through Road' to the left, up hill, passing the gated road to Rowley Farm on the right and several fields to a stream where I turned left and the 'Limestone Link' turned right to continue following the Cam Brook towards 'Monkton Combe' village. I climbed the hill passing Rowley Wood and a small tree planted in the memory of Lt David A. G. Boyce who was killed in action in Afganistan. Towards the top of the hill I passed through a squeeze stile, then shortly after a slight detour to Millenium Viewpoint, with great views of Cam Brook Valley and the hills beyond. I retraced my steps and walked into South Stoke Village. In the village I enjoyed discovering the cottages, large splendid houses and the Church of St James. At the centre of the village I took the right fork at the telephone box to the church. I retraced my steps to the telephone box and took the other fork up the slope of Pack House Lane to the left turn up Southstoke Lane towards Bath. I passed the 'Seventh Day Adventist Church' on the right and continued to Milford Road, B3110, where I crossed the road to continue up the Southstoke Road, between the houses. At the main Radford Road, A3062 I turned right into Combe Down District of Bath to miss as much traffic as possible. I passed the Post Office on my left and turned left at the next road 'Fox Hill'. I continued on the road to the end of Fox Hill Distrct where the road narrowed considerably and started to descend sharply, passing over the dismantled railway tunnel and Perrymead to the main road A3062. Here I turned left onto Prior Park Road. Notice the back of Widcombe Crescent high up between the houses. Difficult to spot but impressive. At the mini roundabout junction I turned left again onto the narrow single lane of Widcombe Parade. I soon reached the A36 road, turning left yet again onto Claverton Street. I took the far left turn facing the on-coming traffic to follow the River Avon downstream towards the city centre, passing the railway arches to the far end where the pavement turned right under the railway to the river again. Immediately I crossed the river bridge ahead to the Bus Station, to find the correct bus stop and timetable to Dunkerton, preparing for the start of the journey home, after finishing the walk at Bath Abbey. I walked to the back of the Bus Station, Dorchester Street and turned left to A367, where I turned right onto Southgate Street. I continued north towards Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. I paused for a short diversion along New Orchard Street/Henry Street for a photograph of St John the Evangelist Church. I retraced my steps and continued to Bath Abbey with the customary photos in Abbey Churchyard. The End of the Walk at 15:30pm. Time allowed a visit to Royal Crescent for more photos before returning to the bus station and catching the bus back to Dunkerton and my parked car. Another challenging and varied walk in the sunshine, where I was constantly checking my map. I hope the description above helps your walk and adds to the enjoyment.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: at Dunkerton