09/07/11 - Only one cache in Clun

Distance - 5.8 Miles
Inspiration - AA 1001 Walks.
Geocaches - 1
Pub Lunch - As dreamt of by Sonia on the ascent.

Clun

Clun is from the old Anglo Saxon word meaning "Beautiful Place, in the shadow of the hills.  By a Stream.  With a Castle".

Sonia used to come on holidays here and was keen to come walking today.  I was going to Winchcombe on a 10 miler, so we revised that option and went for a more sedate 5 miler around her old stomping ground.  On arrival in the village, we drove down her old street and parked for free at the memorial hall.

I commented that there could not have been too much to do for a week in such a small place and asked how she entertained herself.  She replied "We used to play hide and seek against the village simpleton".  See kids - this is how we had to entertain ourselves - playing dare with a loony.  I myself, used to be part of a gang that would shout abuse at one of the older gyppos from the other side of the road - and then scatter when he hurled bricks at us.  Happy, innocent times.

Sonia starts to recognise locations, including the ford, where Molly is disappointed that its not deep enough to swim.

35 years after first striking this pose

So on with the walk.  We can see we have a stiff ascent up to the wooded flanks of black hill.  Through a few fields before hitting the shaded forest.

Leaving Clun

I am embarassed that I am being plagued by big nasty flies.  I am like the smelly kid from Charlie Brown and Sonia doesnt seem to have any.  My new hat has anti insect flaps that stop them going on my neck and in my ears, so this are quickly lowered.  Then its Sonia that is embarassed by both my flaps and the fact that the flies are now bothering her.  And my hat works!

Its a trudge up the hills and there are no views because of the trees.  But having got the height, we then maintain it as we cross Pen-Y-Wen Hill.  There are some stunning vistas and friendly cows/bulls that come for a look at molly.

Flaps Down

Not exotic, but inquisitive

After a lie down to take in the views, we drop down to Hobarris Farm, where I am in trouble for helping the dog over a high stile and then walking off and leaving Sonia to her own devices.  We are discussing what we need for refreshments and Sonia sets the challenge of a steak and onion sandwich and a pint of pear cider.  Specific as ever.

A nice track before heading across sheep fields for more great views.  Whilst setting up the camera, I realise that the dog is disgracing herself again.

Molly chows down on sheep poo

At the crest of this hill we overlook Clun for a long, steep descent into the village.  The views here are superb, with the castle revealing itself for the first time.  Photos on the everytrail link.

We arrive in the village - Quick dunk for Molly in the same stream as before and cross the medieval bridge looking for a pub.  This turns out to be the White Horse Inn.  And on the menu, they have the steak sandwich and some particularly evil looking Perry.  I order and half expect an Andy from Little Britain "I don't like it" when it comes.

Old Bridge

There were no concerns on that front.  Great place to end a reasonably challenging walk.

We then head back to the car to spot the house where she used to stay.  After a conversation with a local, she works it all out.  So a nice trip down memory lane.

At the carpark, we have a small detour to find the only cache in the vicinity.  Easy find and one last photo.

That's where we walked - the hill behind