July

George

Ivegill – Intack House – Northbrook – Raughton Head – Highbridge – Ivegill.

Cool start, became warmer later. Mainly cloudy, some sunshine at lunch. No rain.

George, Michael, Michelle, Ron, Sandy.

Bernie - family event.

Comments

We parked the cars beside the parish church with its manicured graveyard. It was one of the longest walks for some time – about 10 miles – more than the initial estimate. However, the opportunity to shorten it was declined. Early on we were followed by friendly cows. We met a little black llama on its own. We passed a finger post sign pointing to a No Through Road (to Ivegill). There was a pleasant river walk after our second break, passing a sculpture park with a dead tree and a very large butterfly. We saw a pretty house and attractive gardens in the villages.

We saw some belted Galloway cattle before passing through a cow farm with lots of noisy calves. There were also black sheep with white faces. We passed a herb farm in Ivegill. This was Horse Walk of the Year, as there were lots of horses, many with foals. There were lots of ponies as well. We also saw horses with masks.

Many of the paths were poorly maintained, often muddy and overgrown with nettles, thistles, long grass and brambles. In a couple of fields, barley was growing across public rights of way. Stiles and gates were also in poor condition. Michael suffered paralysis on his leg as a result of nettle stings.

Wildlife / Flora / Fauna

Animals and Birds: Butterflies, cock and hens, line of swallows, buzzard.

Flora: Nettles, harebells, campanula, orchids, honeysuckle in hedgerows, Canterbury bells, variegated maple trees.

Blacksmiths Arms, Talkin – nice meal in the bar. Joined by Evelyn, who had been relaxing round Ivegill during the day.

July walkers

Black sheep

No through way

Mother

What big eyes!

End of the road

Undergrowth

I'm watching you!

Tree house