From: Dunster to Williton
Distance: 10m / 16km
Cumulated distance: 238.2m / 383km
Percentage completed: 23.17
It was a shortish day today. And the first proper day on The MacMillan Way West, which is pretty well marked on the map. I can’t say the same for the signage, which made navigation quite a challenge. Every now and again Adi and I would find a waymarker with the little sticker showing a mint green bow on a post .. we could only imagine that the rest had peeled away. Given the intricate network of footpaths in this part of the world, it was easy to mistake one for another .. and we did!
The elusive MWW sticker
Our rest day had been idyllic. A lazy start, a relaxed breakfast with much coffee and then a wander around pretty Dunster, with more coffee at the Castle. It was a joy to spend time together and for me to relish spending time with such an old friend .. ‘less of the old’, chirps Adi! After tracking down a terrific masseur to pummel my calves, we drank Black Dog gins and had a delicious Indian dinner. Perfect day off.
The Yarn Market
Chilled
Medieval Dunster with the Conygar Tower on the horizon
There were sooo many beautiful flowers around the town .. Christmas roses, daffodils, camellias, crocus, even the odd early tulip.
Christmas roses
Trumpeting daffs
Camellias in full bloom
We loved stepping into the Priory Church of St George. The church was shared between the monks of Dunster Priory and the parishioners, back in the day. But after several kerfuffles between the two a special wooden carved rood screen had to be commissioned to separate them. The result was a fabulously intricate and historically renowned divide.
Diplomatic partition between monks and parishioners
Attached to the church was a sweet Garden of Remembrance, dedicated to Dunster soldiers lost in the two World Wars. It was planted with beautiful flowers and had a tranquility all of its own. However, at the entrance there was a gate with the teeniest of windows which prompted some peekaboo fun!
I spy with my little eye!
We had had a fab stay at the Dunster Castle Hotel. https://dunstercastlehotel.co.uk In fact, we were even given the honeymoon suite! Although we did think at breakfast that the kissy couple to our left would have been more deserving of the room.
Dunster Castle Hotel .. give yourself a treat and stay if you’re in town
Before we headed off to find one of those flaky stickers, we sought out and found the hole made by a cannon ball during the Civil War in one of the rafters of the octagonal Yarn Market. Extraordinary to see that such a thing still exists. A lot like the 15th century packhorse Gallox Bridge which we had to cross to join the MacMillan Way West on our way out of Dunster,
Gallox Bridge across the Avill River
Adi then made a wish of mine come true! She found a red deer for me .. even if we did only see its fluffy white bottom disappearing into the undergrowth. At this stage we probably added a couple of miles to our day searching, and not finding, the MacMillan Way West. (Adi once again chirps, ‘at least five miles’). There was a climb rewarded with views across the moors, where snow was becoming a distant memory.
View from the top
I have to report that Adi was just as enchanted with sheep as I’ve been! This is one of her photographs ..
Fluffy plops
And then, I heard a sound which took me right back to my little boy’s childhood. And his passion for trains, or choo choos as he once called them. Far below us there sped a steam engine train, billowing out white, white clouds of steam. It made my heart sing.
West Somerset Railway
A couple of hours into the day we were well ready for a cup of coffee. We’d already planned to take a look into the white clad Church of St Nicholas in Withycombe to see if we could spot the statue of the unknown man, thought to be the first church monument featured wearing a hat. It was secreted away at the end of a pew in a little recess. He was carrying a heartcase to symbolise that he died somewhere else and that only his heart was brought to Withycombe to be laid to rest. A huge bonus of visiting the church was the kettle and offer of coffee or tea at the back of the church. How generous and welcoming was that.
The route took us for several miles along a variety of paths and quiet country lanes, through idyllic looking farms with enticing names like Feather Down and Mount Pleasant. There was a magnet which drew us ever closer: the Cider Farm. We were greeted by russet coloured piglets and obstreperous sheep but rewarded with a delicious cream tea, friendly staff and hanging teapots .. not to mention the cider.
Cider Farm
Let me in!
We rolled into Williton a couple of hours later to find the village teeming with railway enthusiasts. Seems there’s a Spring Steam Gala tomorrow, with hundreds of people converging on the station .. can’t wait!
Wonderful drawing of Dunster Castle Jules!
Thank you, Angie. And thank you and Colin once again for the most generous donation to The Black Dog Institute. We’ve now raised $57000!! Just need to get going on the UK charity fund raising! xx
Good to see Adi after hearing such wonderful things about her from you Jules ! Also I thought your drawing of Dunster castle was simply exquisite , lucky whoever purchased the card for day 19 . And one more thing , what a relief to see that you seem to have left the snow behind you xox
GGW companion on March 23, 2018 at 11:03 am
Good to see Adi after hearing such wonderful things about her from you Jules ! Also I thought your drawing of Dunster castle was simply exquisite , lucky whoever purchased the card for day 19 . And one more thing , what a relief to see that you seem to have left the snow behind you, LOL from Sophie xox
Sorry to have missed this one .. but I agree, it was good to see the back of the snow! xx
From all of us here at the Black Dog Institute keep up the incredible work Jules! You have been an absolute superstar and we are so fortunate to have you Walking The Black Dog!
Thanks Evan .. I couldn’t be doing it for a better Aussie mental health charity than The Black Dog Institute. You are an inspiration!
Jules, you’ve crossed from Winter into Spring and have already trundled almost 400 km! You look terrific and I suspect that you must be feeling strong, in all ways possible. Bravo.
Silvia, thank you for that! I am feeling strong and happy .. and my feet, care of your Nok, are doing exceptionally well! x
Going so well Jules. You will soon be walking the Quantock Hills, England’s first designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Makes me very nostalgic as we walked those hills dozens of times with our then very small children. You are so lucky to be able to experience this LeJog walk through beautiful Britain. I feel I was so lucky too. x
You are so right, Marilyn. As I mentioned at the dinner I feel so lucky to have the time, the health, the funds and the support to have this wonderful adventure. Really looking forward to the Quantocks! Will think of you and your family as I cross them. x
Sounds like a wonderful day……I have realized I have never been to any of the places you are walking through and that I must do so one day. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you and your companion that that red coat of yours is worn less and less as the days go on….spring is in the air. Loving my daily read with my morning cuppa!
Xxx
Yes, there are many places I will need to revisit at some stage! Dunster, Clovelly, Hartland Quay .. to name but a few. xx
Can’t get your story straight with all Adi’s chirps. I feel your pain. At least she was well trained in the finding wildlife skills… has she thrown act rashly novel at any exotic creatures yet?
Love your stories. They vicariously make my day!
Yes, finding red deer yesterday was a triumph! I’ve put golden eagles, wolves and elk on my list for today! She makes things happen, your wife! x
Sounds amazing. Luv from Africa
Thanks for your email, Deidre .. great having Adi with me!
Loving the blog and glad you two are enjoying the walk together
It’s great to have her with me .. despite all the chirps! x
Hey Jules sitting here half way through The Saints Way reading of your progress and much looking forward to join you soon. Are you accessing your emails? I’d like to give Kate’s cousin an idea of our route when we’re with you so they can pick a point to join us half way through our second day. They’d ( he’ll be with his partner)love to join us for dinner that night as well if that’s alright. How lovely is the English West Country?!👍😀Nx
I passed a sign to The Saints Way a while ago! I’ll take a look at the itinerary and email you, Nigel .. sorry for the delay. x
Hi Jules. So I’m Nigel’s wife’s cousin’s ex-husband – John!! We reconnected in Sydney in January and talked about your adventure, and how we might meet up and amuse/annoy you for a day. I’ve been looking at your web-site and blog – I do like your single-mindedness, and your style! Having worked in mental health in Oz and the UK before changing tack and becoming a GP 22 years ago, I have seen an awful lot of the black dog and the suffering it can cause and am passionate about dismantling the stigma of it all. So lots to talk and think about!
I am working the morning so will look at your map and work out with Nigel where best to hook up with you botharound lunchtime. I’m hoping my girlfriend Steffi will join us for the walk (it depends upon a horse vet…), but she will at least join us for dinner.
In the meantime – keep up the good work, and feel the world turn under your heel, Jules… 🙂
Looking forward to meeting you, John .. and to talking Black Dog, wild garlic recipes and anything else that happens to cross our minds!
How wonderful it must be walking together. Love the photos especially the obstreperous sheep! Hope you get to see more trains.
Hope the obstreperous sheep made you laugh .. he certainly did us and we loved getting him to ‘bounce’! Believe you’re in Syd now .. I will be looking you up the moment I get back. x
I look forward to that and also to more stories and photos in the meantime! Sydney has been good so far but even better with friends…..
I’ll drink to that!!
You are stopping halfway between my days now. I was on day 13 walking from Woodadvent Farm to Bishpool Farm passing through Bicknoller just to the south-east of Williton. Bishpool Farm is situated just off the southern end of the Quantocks. I hope you will be traversing those outstanding little hills – I may quote from my journal after you have passed through there. I am often accused of indulgent gastronomic reporting on my walks and I am glad to see that you are looking after yourself in that respect!
I loved the Quantocks today .. saw red deer and wild ponies and thought the terrain was beautiful. I think gastronomic delights are totally deserved at the end of a good day’s walking!
Have loved keeping track of your adventures each day! Your writing is so real that I feel like I’m there with you! Wish I could be walking by your side. The physio in me cant help but ask how your knees and feet are feeling at this point?I have just got back from visiting Perth and there is one little black dog there thinking of you.
Scenery looks spectacular. Love the “fluffy plop” sheep and beautiful photos. Xx
Thank you so much, lovely Sarah! The knees and feet are all good at the moment but the Achilles could do with some of your attention. Should love to have you with me .. walking is a wonderful way to catch up. Sending love, Jxx
Hi Jules,
Having been relaxing in the sun while you have faced an incredible range of challenges, Jules, I have touched base to applaud all your moving achievements and experiences so beautifully describedon the walk. .The blog has had us captivated every day. The anecdotes are fascinating and friends are reminding you of the place you hold in our hearts. I loved Patrick’s surprise appearance on St Patrick’s Day- when else? Well done for all your observations and efforts every day. We are all with you.
Lots of love Dee xx
Fabulous to hear from you Dee and glad that you’ve been chilling in the sun. I’m loving the walk and it’s just great having friends at my metaphorical side! xx
The effigy with the hat! I managed to get a picture of him before enjoying the hot drinks in that church. You have some wonderful churches ahead, it’s always worth making time for a quick peep.
How funny that you had coffee there too! I thought it was such a generous gesture. I’ll watch out for more ..
I assume the sheep demolishing the door was simply offering to carry your pack for you?
I didn’t get that deep into conversation with him .. but now you mention it, he did have a fairly broad back. Myself .. I think he was keener on the cream tea option.
Wonderful, wonderful posts Jules – such anticipation every day waiting for them! So very glad to hear that you are feeling so fit and happy – the power of walking! Xx
Hello Frannie .. loving the sense of purpose and the surprises that each day unfolds. xx
Obstreperous, phooey! I’m just trying to get in to phone my bank manager. We need some cash as I’m organising a sheep rebellion and take-over of Somerset…
Best of luck with the phone call!