Tuesday 21 March 2023 - Askerswell and Powerstock

Sue and I decided on a 14km stroll from nearby Askerswell, where we parked outside the church. Good paths and lanes took us to Nettlecombe, where a friendly cat joined us for elevenses outside The Marquis of Lorne.

Powerstock was soon reached. Another impressive ancient church.

Then King's Lane led past some trampolining goats to Whetley, whence a very muddy path through dense forest brought us to a lunch spot sheltered from the strong wind. Sue's boots had filled with overflowing mud. I wore gaiters.

After that we headed for Barrowland Farm, a place guarded by more deep mud, numerous electric fences, and ankle deep slurry. It didn't help that our route seemed to be entirely uphill. 

Eventually we reached Eggardon Hill, the site of a settlement dating from around 500BC. Sue wandered around it and I finally extricated myself from the wind by traversing the side of the hill, past some Highland cattle.
Lower down, friendly pigs and sheep had provided entertainment,  with chiffchaffs and many other birds active in the hedgerows. 

We were home by mid afternoon. Time to enjoy a bit of down time before joining 'The Other Houses' for the evening in Lower Kingcombe. 

Today's walk was about 24km.