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WalkingWomen ------ ---Low Int Quantock Hills Low Intermediate Quantock Hills 4-8
April |
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The holiday is at Huntstile organic farm, on the outskirts of the pretty village of Goathurst - the manor dates back to the Domesday. ![]() ![]() The name 'Goathurst' gives a clue that the area was once wooded, and was well known for its goats. ![]() Huntstile is a working organic farm owned and run by John and Lizzie and the family. John is busy on the farm, and Lizzie looks after the guests (among other things!). ![]() The farm dates from the 14th century, and some parts of it are still being lovingly restored. A pretty gypsy caravan stands on the grass above the house. ![]() The accommodation is mainly in the house and in the renovated Apple loft and Cider House. ![]() ![]() In addition, the Studio, is set apart from the main buildings and overlooks the fields. Originally built as a creative space for Lizzie, it has recently been adapted for guests' use. ![]() ![]() ![]() The Summer House (above) is on the grass above the main house. ![]() Meals are taken in the Granary, which is in the process of having the upper floor converted. (The fire instructions tell people to assemble at the Granary in the event of an alarm - and "if the Granary is on fire, bring sausages and marshmallows!" Lizzie has a great sense of humour!) ![]() On our first evening we had a delicious buffet, prepared by Lizzie and her helper. |
5th April
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![]() ![]() We assembled in the sunshine ready to walk from Huntstile. ![]() The walk took us through fields and woodland, and eventually to Fyne Court, which is owned by the National Trust, and is the HQ of the Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. ![]() ![]() ![]() The Quantock Hills were established as an AONB in 1956, the first area to receive this designation. ![]() Fyne Court was a hive of activity, as it was a family day - it was great to see so many people of all ages, but especially young children enjoying exploring the grounds, and having fun. ![]() We stopped here for picnic lunch, and were lucky to have a folk group playing as we ate. ![]() Spring in the countryside was in full swing, and we were able to identify many different wild flowers. Among them, primroses, and butterbur. ![]() Finally we made our way through the grounds of Halswell House, and to Goathurst. ![]() Most made a detour to the village church to see the monumental tomb to Sir Nicholas Halswell and his wife, before making our way back to Huntstile for tea and cake. |
6th April
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We began the traverse of the Quantock hills, and soon reached the top of Will's Neck, the highest point, at 386 metres. ![]() The name derives from the Saxon word Wealas, meaning Welsh - it was here that Celtic tribes made their last stand against the invading Saxons. ![]() It's said that it was King Arthur who assembled the Celts. Next stop was the Triscombe Stone - it's reputed to have mystic powers, so that if you make a wish whilst sitting on it, that wish will be granted. We tried it out, but can't vouch for its efficacy! ![]() We continued over the moorland, and finally reached the Coombe House Hotel, where we enjoyed a refreshing cuppa. ![]() The water wheel is very impressive, and when it was in use, fulfilled many functions, including providing power for the house, grinding stone, and powering a shoe cleaning device! ![]() Next it was time to set off through Holford Combe to return to the start via the moorland. The rain finally set in later in the afternoon, and we were very glad to return to the taxi, and the warmth of Huntstile. |
7th April
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![]() ![]() Our walk took us to Nether Stowey castle, and beyond to the Dowsborough Iron age fort, and some beautiful woodland. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() We crossed over the hills, and made our way to the Stables tea room for a well earned cream tea before heading back to the farm for a shower, relax, and dinner. |
8th April
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![]() We passed beside a lovely beech wood ,stopped to admire some new born lambs, and enjoyed the last of the wild daffodils. ![]() ![]() ![]() There was also time to relax in the sun before returning to Hunstile, and saying our goodbyes. |
Women's Feedback
'A very enjoyable holiday, more than what I expected with varied interesting walks and incredible views. Beryl looked after us very well. Very comfortable accommodation with excellent beds and spacious rooms. Lizzie at the Farm provided great service and wonderful food'.
'Loved the holiday, was pleasantly surprised with the arrangements. Accommodation was fabulous and Beryl, our guide, did an excellent job of all the walks'.
'I had a really good time at Huntstile. It is a lovely area for walking and an excellent place to stay. The walks were varied and the welcome at the Farm was excellent'.
''I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday - great walking in a beautiful area. Generally it met my expectations. The Farm is great - quirky but Lizzie is lovely and her cooking is amazing'.
'Beautiful area of the UK and lovely varied walks. Great time of year (April) but would work well in early summer too. Fabulous accommodation and excellent food. Beryl, the guide, did very well as she'd stepped in for the original guide'. Caroline
'I enjoyed it very much. It more than met my expectations, although would have liked to have started a bit earlier in the morning. The accommodation was outstanding in every way. Beryl was very good. She stood in for Chrissie and handled unfamiliar terrain and a series of walks very well. She was helpful and supportive to me'. Miriam
'Lovely walks. Fabulous accommodation with gorgeous food. Beryl is very knowledgeable. Picking up on someone else's plans must be hard but she coped well'. Amanda
'Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday, great walking, company and Beryl was lovely. Food was fabulous, you must come here again!' Shaz
'Brilliant place to stay; food was better than 4 stars and Lizzie, the owner, was great. Accommodation was excellent and all expectations were achieved and more. Beryl did a brilliant job considering she stepped in at the last minute'. Maggie
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