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Wessex Downs Day Walk
Thursday 15th August 2024
Sue Peachey
On Saturday 10th August a group of 13 people and 2 dogs met at St Mary's Church in Bishops Cannings for the start of a 6 mile walk around the Wessex Downs.
We set off towards the canal towpath and on our way passed the biggest number of goats in a field that we had ever seen! The canal was quite busy and the bridge was held closed for us to cross before being opened to allow some barges through. We followed the canal for some time before heading up and across the road, to begin our ascent towards the Wansdyke ridge. On reaching the top we were treated to some wonderful views in all directions. It was rather windy up there, but we found a sheltered spot in which to eat our lunch, then heard a poem called God's Country before setting off along the ridgeway. This had to be done in single file due to the rather large drop on either side, having been built as defence against the Anglo Saxons by the ancient Britons.
Eventually we made our way downwards again, past farmland and wild flower meadows, where the sun finally decided to shine on us. Arriving back in the village we passed a thatched cottage with an interesting feature of some sculpted hares running over the roof! We then returned to the church for a farewell blessing, having enjoyed our time together and walked through some beautiful countryside. Some pilgrims finished the day with a visit to the local pub for some welcome refreshment, before we all headed home.