28/12/18 - The Burton Dassett Hills

Distance - 9.85 Miles
Geocaches - 0
Walk Inspiration - Jarold Book 33 Shakespeare Country, Walk 28


It was at the Merrie Lion in Fenny Compton a couple of years back that I first learned of the Burton Dassett Hills.  The Landlord correctly identified us for the Ramblers that we were and said it provided the  best walking in the area.   It's been on the to-do list ever since.

Jarrold provided the inspiration and as this is walk 28 out of 28, I know its the longest one on offer out of this particular guide book.  Just shy of 10 miles but as it passes through four villages, there are plenty of refreshment opportunities.   Each village currently has a pub which is unexpected and cannot be guaranteed for ever.

The start of the walk is at the highest point.  Bassett Hill Country Park is a strange little place - initially devoid of any kind of life - no cars parked up, no people - but offering great views in all directions and I'm sure I could see Coventry cathedral in the far northern distance.

Views at the Start of the Walk - Looking over North End

Heading out in a clock wise direction, the first village hit is Fenny Compton.   A variety of buildings of various ages, with some solid looking thatched properties all from the same deep tan limestone blocks.  Too early for the pub but I do investigate its exterior, noticing the sun dial.

 

As a shadow, so is life.   Love Google.

Looking across Fenny Compton to the Burton Dassett Country Park in the distance

Some very forgettable agricultural land before arriving at Farnborough.  Plenty of civic pride along the narrow high street, with Farnborough Hall at far end of the village.   The pub is called "The Kitchen", which tells you far more about it than I need to.  The Hall is in the hands of the National Trust and can be visited, if you really like C18th Plasterwork.

Prize Winning High Street

Farnborough Hall

Lane walking all the way into Avon Bassett, where I am ready for a break.   The Yew Tree has recently been taken over by new tenants and I wish them all the best.   They welcomed me with plenty of walking chat and warned me that all four of the beers were going to look cloudy as "they had done something in the cellar".   I was offered samples before committing to Sheffield's Bradfield Brewery Farmers Pale Ale.

Unsure if they are authentic stocks

Was warned about the cloudiness

The final section provides the best walking of the day.  The Centenary Way (another on the to-do list) provides the way marking along the edge of the Burton Dassett hills and passing the C12th Norman All Saints Church.

All Saints

The walk could be finished on the return to the Country Park but the hamlet of North End has a collection of houses and a pub that seems to have had a chequered recent past.  Plenty of information on www.beerintheevening.com on its lack of love from Enterprise Inns and closures, reopenings and re-closures.

With just two other punters on a Friday lunch time at Xmas, I can't see it necessarily lasting.   Even with the nice touch of 80p mince pies on the bar.

The Red Lion - North End