Pepperbox Hill & Downton 19 Oct 2014

Great planning ensured unseasonably warm and dry weather for those gathering at the top of Pepperbox Hill, overlooking Salisbury on the western fringe of the Solent Group region, in readiness for a 9 mile walk led by Gary. The promise of different terrain and views attracted a large contingent of 11 walkers who created a very jovial atmosphere with much fun and laughter along the way.
The group headed downhill, but Modern GPS technology brought along to keep them on the right track proved to only be as effective as the eyesight using it and a couple of minor adjustments were required to stay on route.  Arrival at the Downton halfway point heralded some disappointment with no sight of an Abbey (not really surprising given this was in fact a real location) or camels (known to be the pet of a local resident), but the surroundings were conducive to a great lunch break. Half the group enjoyed the hospitality of the Woodenspoon, timing arrival to perfection before it was swamped by the local cross country “Hash” runners. Others made the most of the sunshine to enjoy their picnics on the banks of the river Avon.
The walk restarted with a stroll through the water meadows, which were less overgrown but somewhat boggier than during the summer pre-walk. A group photo was taken on one of the many bridges over the Trafalger Weirs, but was (un)fortunately too late to capture the early full moon. The route passed the chapel built in 1677 and Trafalgar Park, an estate given to the heirs of Admiral Nelson in 1813 to commemorate the battle from which its name is taken. Turning up hill through woodland and open fields, the group returned to Pepperbox Hill where they had some of Alan’s lemon drizzle cake before heading their separate ways.

Words & picture by Alan Collyer.
 

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