Dunkery Hill - Exmoor - 1.82 miles

You may look at the title and think, hmm that's not particular a long walk I wonder why she felt the need to publish a blog about that. Well, as its my blog it matters to me and as a personal achievement it doesn't matter how big or small or what view you have or where in the world it is, what matters is that sense of achievement that hits you when you reach your destination.


We found ourselves driving through exmoor and parked up at a spot that had an amazing view.

We had just finished making and eating some free range scrambled eggs, the sun was dropping but not too fast and there is only so much exmoor pony watching you can do sat on the heather at the side of the camper van. So we decided to put on our walking shoes and wander over to the marker beacon to see where a couple of people had strolled along up too.

The sign said Dunkery Hill 3/4 miles, so there and back should be doable, before the sun went down. Whilst we could see the beacon in the distance higher than we stood, we knew an ascent would be needed and that it might be a little tight on the thighs, but we decided to have a go at reaching the beacon.

Whilst the path was easy to follow, the stones underneath were loose, and the mud around them dry and cracking in most places. Once the little one fell and put his hand down to steady himself and had i not been holding onto him he would have fallen. In a few patches the ground was soggy and wet but would pose no problem if you had proper shoes on. As the sun was coming down a little bit more, we carried on upwards. Surprisingly your view changed quiet a bit as you walked up, you lost the view of the road where we were parked and you could see the water on the other side of the hills, across the water to wales.

 At the top of  the hill is the monument commemorating the handover to the National Trust., and of course no better marker than here to make a memento of the climb you have just made!

The views as you catch your breath are amazing, and a complete 360 degree turn and the picture changes with every angle.

 The stillness of the air, the quietness and the sun glowing in the background was fab, added to which the sense of pride that our 5 year old son (who had already walked 5 miles that day) had walked on up with us, made for a lightness in our steps on the way down. You do need to be steady on the way down though but take time to look up from your feet and glance around, the view was why you walked up there.

Summary:
Date: 28th August 2011
Total walk: 1.82miles / 2.9 km
Descent: 0 ft
Ascent: 299 ft
Average pace:  28.56 mins a mile
Accompanied: Gary Bygrave and JP

Beacon Hill - Nr highclere castle Hampshire - 1.29 miles

Heading towards newbury on the A34, you exit at the Highclere castle turning, and then turn left at the junction, taking you straight into the car park. It was a beautiful sunny day today.The hill itself is an Iron Age hill fort, and now an area of Special Scientific Interest.

You go through a kissing gate, and there's a picnic area on the right, but I'd suggest you stop and eat at the top, admiring the 360 degrees views of the downs.For the first half of the climb, you can utilise the wooden steps cut into the hill, most of which were in good condition but you still need to take care.

Then you come to another kissing gate, theres a notice here to make sure dogs are put onto the lead, as there are animals grazing in the fields. If you turn and look to the right you will see Highclere Castle, which in itself has many footpaths running through the grounds and is open to the public, though access is restricted when there are events on.

There are no more steps from here on in, its a straight climb and calf strain to the top, but keep going as the view really is amazing. When you reach the summit, you are now walking around the old hill fort. During the walk up we were both comfy in a short sleeved t-shirt and a vest jacket, but when you get to the top you'll need a hat and a jumper at the least cause its bleedin cold. The wind whips around you and you are pretty exposed. We stopped here for a breather, some water and to take pictures of a red kite and sparrowhawk who decided to enjoy the winds and the sun and play around here.

Once you are ready and refreshed, keep walking and you will come to the memorial to The 5th Earl of Carnarvon (who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun). It is fenced off with a white metal rail.


Then we continued to about half way round the hill fort, the ditches are clearly defined still and then retraced our steps back down.There is some lovely fauna around you, as well as butterflies and skylarks too. You can see all around the valley, and if you are lucky to have a panoramic camera, man would you get a great picture from this spot. Alas, I'm not so lucky but i do have some great views of the lush green countryside from here.

It is somewhat harder coming down, then the climb up. The gradient is harsh and our legs were aching by now. Both the dogs coped okay on the descent, but take care to maintain a slow pace as trying to curb your speed and slow down is so hard.

Summary:
Date: 31st May 2011
Total walk: 1.29 miles
Descent: 346ft
Ascent: 493ft
Average pace:  56.26 mins a mile
Accompanied: Gary Bygrave, branston and mustard