LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

I left Sylvia reading and writing postcards in the car which was parked in Malmsmead village opposite Lorna Doone farm shop. It was an undulating walk up the valley on the west bank of Badgworthy Water. There were a surprising number of walkers and horse riders using the well-worn track. Camping at Cloud Farm was popular. There was a steady ascent up the valley to a clearing at the bottom of Lank Combe. At '4' take the path to the right of the footbridge, do not be tempted to use the footbridge unless time allows as an additional 'loop' is required. The path was narrow and awkward between '4' and '5' due to old fallen trees, but not too difficult. It was easy to find the good track at '5' back down the valley. Return to '3' or '7' and cross the footbridge. There were good views of rapids from the bridge. After the bridge I took the track through the camp site, up the slope to the road and red telephone box, then turned left and took the track up and through the end of barn to gate. I continued up the track to the top of Oare Common. There were tasty blackberries in the hedge near the top at '8'. I followed good tracks which had good views and signposts. It was easy walking around the plantation and down to the church. My camera lens was not 'wide' enough to capture all of the church. The shot was taken from within the hedge, but it was still not far enough back. From the church it was a good ramble beside the river back to Malmsmead. I noticed a path down from 'County Gate' near the footbridge at '14'. I enjoyed a welcome ice cream from The Buttery in Malmsmead village. .

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk
Malmsmead

Care is required on the narrow single track road between '15' and Malmsmead. Every walk has something unique: the biggest, smallest, tallest, fattest etc. This walk has piles of horse/donkey droppings along the river track. One newly deposited pile was completely covered with black horse flies. As I approached the swarm of flies ascended towards me. I instinctively held my hand up to my face.