After an early start on the computer, I decided a stroll before lunch might be in order. The weather was glorious and there was a bridleway near the railway line I wanted to investigate.

First though I thought I’d head the other direction and check out if the footpaths on Lodge Hill had finally dried up.

I was delighted to find they had, which meant over the coming days I would have multiple options for short beautiful circular trails from my current doorstep.

From the top of the hill there is a wonderful 360 degree view filled with history, I’ve shared it in the gallery below. To the south there’s the Bronze and Iron Age Cadbury Castle (part of King Arthur’s legendary court), in the east the 18th century Alfred’s Tower (a folly) and in the west the 15th century St Michael’s Tower on Glastonbury Tor (considered one of the most spiritual sites in the country).

From here I walked along the ridge to the viewing point and beacon on Lodge Hill, which rises 152 metres (498ft) high to the east of the town.

For over 300 years there was a castle here on Lodge Hill and it had a 24 metre keep. Abandoned in the 15th century, all that now remains of the castle are its name – Castle Cary – and earthworks of the motte and bailey. The lower section of the outer bailey is easy to spot.

I was walking briskly by this point. I do walk fast when I am on my own, particularly when walking a familiar route. However on this occasion there was an added incentive. Some young cattle were emerging from a gate in between me and the stile, and I wanted to get pass them before they all came out and surrounded me. Plus it was after 11am. I had a goal to be back in time to make lunch and I still had over four miles to go.

The brisk pace worked as I got past the cattle, and within a couple of minutes had walked through town too. I soon found myself in Ansford the village which adjoins Castle Cary. I nipped through the school grounds just as the teenagers were emerging through a gate onto the playing fields. Fortunately they were less surprised than the cows by a stranger walking past them, and we were able to exchange nods and hellos.

Leaving them to their ridiculously early lunch break I continued on my walk, and found myself in new territory. Despite visiting Castle Cary for more than a decade this was the first time I had properly explored its northern side.

The views were wonderful, although I could have done without the overhead wires. I generally don’t mind wires in urban settings as they can add to the landscape, but here in the country. Aargh! The tree was in such a great spot, but the wires just get in the way and I am not one to edit out.

Despite the wires I was beginning to feel a sense of anticipation by this point as I was about to venture onto the top of a path I’ve been seeing weekly from the train. Would the path be as easy to follow as the train view had suggested.

It was! A beautiful and easy stroll down and across the railway line, and the views from the other side of the tracks were just as lovely.

I was over halfway on the walk, and feeling confident about getting back in time to make lunch. All I needed to do now was head a bridleway straight across a very large field, and then through another two tiny fields that backed onto the railway station. From there it was then an easy uphill stroll into Castle Cary.

Hmmm!

The first field and its invisible bridleway

Bridleways that are public rights of way are generally wider than footpaths and also very evident. This one however wasn’t and in the first field (pictured above) it had completely disappeared. I didn’t actually have the map on me, just a tiny snapshot of the route on my phone and I didn’t have my glasses. It also didn’t help that there was a sign indicating another section of the bridleway had been redirected. So even though it just looked like green foliage for silage I really wasn’t feeling confident about tramping straight across the middle. However neither did I want to give up. I stuck to the edges of the field and kept my fingers crossed that the bridleway would eventually reappear and tried to ignore the growing fear that there may not be a way out at the other end!

Eventually (after about 25 minutes) I was at the other side of the big field, and yay there was gap. Still not clear bridleway but there was evidence someone else had walked this way recently, and that was enough to restore my confidence. I even took a photo in the middle of the second field looking both ways!

Within 5 ish minutes I was at the railway station, and 20 minutes after that I was home making lunch for Mum and I. It had taken me just over 2 hours to walk the six miles, and I was on a high. It had been a good walk despite the wobble in the very big field.

I have reported the invisible bridleway to the county council, but given their scarce resources I suspect following up on ‘rights of way’ issues with landowners is a low priority. However it is worth reporting as whilst this isn’t currently a ‘lost path’ its disappearing act could mean it could become one in the future – Don’t Lose Your Way.

46 thoughts

  1. Looks like a fabulous walk, even with the hiccup of whether the path was there or not! I am always shocked at how early the crops are ready to harvest in England. I see a canola crop in the distance full flowered in bright yellow.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I was so close to turning round! Today I did another version and walked straight through the middle of field, following the actual path. Was hard work as grass above my knees!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. What a wonderful adventure you had exploring the paths around Castle Cary and those magnificent historical sites! It’s fantastic that you were able to navigate through despite some challenges with the bridleway’s visibility. Your determination really shines through in your story. I’m curious, what was it like seeing the path from the train every week and finally walking it? Also, how did lunch turn out after your eventful morning?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. What a lovely place to spend a couple of hours walking around, Becky. I feel I would be lost for hours in that countryside. And I believe birthday wishes are in order. Hope you had a great day and a slice of birthday cake.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. I do hope to visit one day, and do lots of walking around. Birthday cake is the best cake because, as someone told me once, it contains zero calories 🤣

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Lovely rural scenes, especially the view towards Glastonbury Tor. I’m glad you completed the walk despite the wobble. I hope you reporting the lack of bridleway will produce results but like you I fear that footpaths may not be a priority for an under-resourced local council.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. What wide open country on your doorstep, Becky. And isn’t it brilliant when the footpaths dry up enough to become passable. We had a similar experience yesterday, after I’d whinged about the weather, and the sun came out, sparking a late afternoon walk up and out of Bishops Castle.

    And good on you for being on the case of a potentially disappearing bridleway.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I know, it is just so wonderful here. A good part of Somerset even if bridleways disappear.

      Glad things are also brightening up in your part of the world – we’ll probably all be winging about how dry it is in 6 weeks!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. Well done you! Both on a lovely walk, AND done at quite a lick, AND on reporting that bridleway. I reported one last week too. A landowner had built a fence, a proper fence, preventing anyone from reaching the next hamlet. He’d shown an alternative route, nearly a mile longer … along a road …

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. Pingback: Jo’s Monday walk – a tale of 3 islands | Still Restlessjo

  15. A lovely walk and cows too. There must be a reporting system to not only tell the “we’ll be right on to that lady” Council but as the managing authority they have to log your missing trail. A letter to the local member if nothing has happened in an appropriate amount of time

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Somerset has quite a good system for reporting issues, but suspect they won’t be as good following up. They are broke as are many councils in the UK at moment

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. Happy birthday, Becky! I hope you and Mum have something pleasant planned. 

    I’ve done that across a field before, thinking ‘Please God I don’t have to try and retrace my steps!’ I’m really glad you’re ‘stepping out’ again. Take care!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. That’s a good walk though it’s always unnerving when a path disappears. Lovely part of the world though. My sister lived in Castle Cary for a while and I visited here there a couple of times.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Share your thoughts . . . . . .

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.