What a lovely day for a walk! We all met up at Symonds Yat and transfered the cars to Kearne Bridge before setting off on the very steep walk down to the river. The rest of this section of the walk is on flat ground that follows the river. The first part follows the old dissused railway line to the factory and blocked up tunnel. I have to say there was not a lot to see except for the Japenese knotweed that now grows everywhere. However, there were a lot of canoeists on the river today (Sat 8th Aug).
Before crossing over the river at the disused factory where the railway is supported on very rusty beams, we had a welcome break and a drink whilst every one caught up. It was then on through the fields until we arrived at the church. It was here under the shade of the trees that we had our lunch. Alongside the church was the remains of an old cider mill. The old stone and some of the press screws still in evidence. No sign of the apple orchards though although there were a couple of plum trees. Sadly the fruit was not ready for picking.
The last section of the walk took us though a wooded area which was very pleasant. This is where the tunnel exits. Someone has knocked a way through but why anyone would want to walk in a dark dank tunnel rather than the wood must be crazy. On exiting the wood a short walk in a field took us up to Kearne Bridge where we recrossed the river and headed to the Hotel for a well earned drink.
With the sun still shining we sat under the wooden shelter at the hotel and drank their excellent cider and beers. The view from here takes in the remains of Goodrich Castle which we did not venture to visit, perhaps another time. After having partook of our refreshments we walked down to the village hall to collect the cars and head off home, another section having been completed.
What a lovely day for a walk! We all met up at Symonds Yat and transfered the cars to Kearne Bridge before setting off on the very steep walk down to the river. The rest of this section of the walk is on flat ground that follows the river. The first part follows the old dissused railway line to the factory and blocked up tunnel. I have to say there was not a lot to see except for the Japenese knotweed that now grows everywhere. However, there were a lot of canoeists on the river today (Sat 8th Aug).
Before crossing over the river at the disused factory where the railway is supported on very rusty beams, we had a welcome break and a drink whilst every one caught up. It was then on through the fields until we arrived at the church. It was here under the shade of the trees that we had our lunch. Alongside the church was the remains of an old cider mill. The old stone and some of the press screws still in evidence. No sign of the apple orchards though although there were a couple of plum trees. Sadly the fruit was not ready for picking.
The last section of the walk took us though a wooded area which was very pleasant. This is where the tunnel exits. Someone has knocked a way through but why anyone would want to walk in a dark dank tunnel rather than the wood must be crazy. On exiting the wood a short walk in a field took us up to Kearne Bridge where we recrossed the river and headed to the Hotel for a well earned drink.
With the sun still shining we sat under the wooden shelter at the hotel and drank their excellent cider and beers. The view from here takes in the remains of Goodrich Castle which we did not venture to visit, perhaps another time. After having partook of our refreshments we walked down to the village hall to collect the cars and head off home, another section having been completed.
