Al and I walked the Culvercliffe trail this morning, past the quaint Minehead harbour at lowtide with it's forlorn looking boats waiting for hightide. Minehead means 'big hill' - Myned and so we walked into the wooded area up the hill. So sheltered and peaceful and yet we came out of the trees into rain, sleet, sunshine and rainbow all at the same time - not many opportunities to witness such a combination of natures elements.
Our impromptu guide, Gavin and his wife drove us headlong on the one-laned farm roads, coming up against hedge clipping tractors and rambling buses without batting an eyelid! We arrived at Selworthy Church atop the hill with unrivelled views of the rolling hillside. The Church houses a worn and weathered 'treasure' chest for keeping important documents, as well as seating for the rich and famous, equivalent to a 'royal' box in the theatre. The lattice ceiling fascinated me with carvings and minute detail. The church is surrounded by heritage listed cottages and depicts the scenery reminiscent of fairytales. Unbelievably, we were able to walk right in the gardens of the cottages because they are listed, I was in my element.
We saw an ancient waterwheel still intact, round-built chimneys of era's gone by and cobble stone pack-horse bridges covered in moss over gurgling brooks full of secrets and stories.
We walked the intricate pathways of "The Drang" in Porlock, enticing us to keep walking around the next corner to discover the hidden gems in each nook and crannie.
Lunch was in Porlock Weir, overlooking the fisherman's cottages on the waters edge with a thin tendril of smoke twirling out the chimney. We passed many a pheasant running wildly through the heritage hedges which have to be kept and maintained and cannot be cut down.
It sounds unbelievably romantic and exciting all at the same time and I don't believe you've left a stone unturned in all of the UK :) xx well done to Matt, he takes after his brave and adventurous Mom. I'll be phoning him soon.
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