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17 ramblers from various groups in Northampton and Hampshire stayed at the Gascony Hotel, Minehead
between Christmas and New Year. Under the splendid leadership of Jane Aylward we enjoyed a varied
and interesting programme of walking which helped us shake off the after effects of Christmas.
Early on Monday morning we left the cold and windy wilds of Northampton for the damper but more
uplifting hills of Exmoor. Most of us met up en route at Holford for an enjoyable afternoon walk
of some 6 miles up, around and along the Quantocks. The weather proved to be a taste of what was
to come during the rest of the week - cold but dry with mixed visibility. The highlight of the
afternoon was a lovely cream tea at the end of the walk.
We settled into our very comfortable family run hotel which we had all to ourselves. All our meals
were of a very high standard with plenty of choice. Nothing was too much trouble for our hosts,
Derek and Angela (who formerly kept the Plough Hotel In Northampton), and we were well looked
after throughout our stay.
On Tuesday we were offered a choice of walks. Everyone opted for the more challenging 11 mile walk
taking in Dunkery Beacon which is the highest peak of the Exmoor National Park (with a trig point
for David!) The terrain was varied and included ancient beech woods, heather covered moor land and
tricky, wet stream crossings. We were lucky enough to see wild deer and Exmoor ponies.
On Wednesday we walked from the hotel to nearby Dunster. The route took us across a wooded ridge
with good views over Minehead. In summer Dunster is very popular with tourists who come to see the
castle and browse around the shops. At this time of year the castle was closed but we were able to
sample hot food in the local cafes for lunch. Some people took advantage of the local steam train
to return to Minehead whilst the rest of us walked along the beachside path.
Wednesday night, being New Years Eve, we had table decorations including super-dooper party
poppers, silly hats and masks. Later we had a carpet bowls competition and were joined by two
other Northampton group members who were staying locally. We also had an hilarious game involving
two ramblers (who shall remain anonymous) being tied together with two pieces of string. At
midnight we drank champagne, courtesy of our hosts, and sang Auld Lang Syne and danced the Conga
around the room.
On Thursday David Craddock led a walk along the Doone Valley starting with a steep descent to the
famous church at Oare where Lorna Doone is supposed to have been married. We saw the ruins of a
medieval village before being exposed to bitter winds as we crossed the moor. We descended rapidly
to "the Stag hunter's" pub for a refreshing beer or coffee before the steep ascent to the car park.
A total distance of approx 9 miles.
On Friday we had a leisurely start to the New Year. After packing and a late breakfast we walked
along the sea front, in beautiful sunshine, to the start of the South West coastal path and
followed it up North Hill where we met a friendly herd of cows who wanted to join our morning
coffee break. We contoured, with occasional ups and downs, back to Minehead for light refreshment
before starting our journeys home.
On behalf of the group our thanks must go to Jane for organising such an interesting week of
walking and for finding such a comfortable and reasonably priced hotel.
Jim Niblett
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