Saturday 9 October 2021

09/10/21 - Crook Peak and the New Inn, Cross

Distance - 6.5 Miles

Geocaches - 2

Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine, September 2020, Walk 3


Crook Peak is the Western end of the Mendip Hills.  It juts right up against the M5 and more or less represents the half way point on the journey from Plymouth to home.

A handy place to stop for a walk then.

From the layby parking, it's up through a hedge and get the elevation out the way first.  A stiff climb up the craggy slopes, with fine views across the Somerset plains.

Crook Peak
Up we go!
Crook Peak
The views, the reward

With the height gained, its a fine ridge walk along the West Mendip Way, until dropping down through Kings Wood.

West Mendip Way
Follow the Wall

Cross is a tiny little hamlet, although it once was on the main road to the South West, long superseded by the M5.  This explains why it has not one, but two fine coaching houses for mid walk refreshment.

A what a delight it is to choose the New Inn, enjoy a cracking pint in the sunshine and then get home to determine that it is in the Good Beer Guide.  Seemingly, I can sniff our a tick without completing any research.
New Inn, Cross
The New Inn, Cross
Cheddar Ales at the New Inn, Cross
I agree with Somerset CAMRA - this was a cracking pint!

The return is easy walking across farmland, in the shadow of the hills that have been conquered.  The church at Compton Bishop a waymarker for the end of the walk.

And what a beautiful walk it was.

Farmland Return
Under Crook Peak


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