Well the weather forecast was right, the intensity varied but it didn’t stop until we had arrived back at the cars. We were delighted that despite the rain another 7 walkers joined us at Sherborne for the New Year Day walk.

The route took us northwards to the hamlet of Broadmoor where a little shelter was provided for a coffee break while we viewed the prospect of a very muddy field on our route forward. Fortunately we were able to walk round the field edge and continue to the bank of the now swollen river Windrush. Through field gateways now ankle deep in water we reached Clapton on the Hill and all nine of us gratefully sheltered in the church porch for a quick lunch break.

The return route found us heading into the wind but soon downhill through Haycroft Bottom and across the picturesque Sherborne Brook and onto the lane for the final half mile back to our start point.

Oh well, it was a good start to the year’s walks and the views would have been great on a clear day. Perhaps we’ll try it again on a summer’s day.

The church at Clapton-on-the-Hill

Group photo at the church

Walking towards Haycroft Bottom

Crossing the bridge at Haycroft over Sherborne brook