Colin and Jo’s Mileaters Walk Friday 2nd August

13 intrepid Mileaters took to the hills above Compton Valence on a glorious summer’s day. With barely a cloud in the sky – just a few horseflies. The major uphill was done and dusted at the beginning of the walk heading north. Once up on top of the downs the views were spectacular in all directions (unless we were walking too close to the back of someone!) A loop round took us to Notton Hill Barn where we borrowed someone’s lawn too sit and have coffee and snacks. 

From there we headed to Longlands Farm and back along Compton Bottom. A brief stop at the hollow ash tree, on the Parish Boundary, where the photo was taken. The ancient ash is at least 15 feet around the base, almost completely rotted or hollow in the middle, but still boasts new growth around the rim. Old trees such as this are fed by the rotting wood in the middle and give themselves a new lease of life. 

Then we continued to Compton Valence where we had a picnic lunch at the church! Splendid!

Colin and Jo