Sunday 6 February 2022

06/02/2022 - The Phelips Arms, Montacute

Distance - 4 Miles

Geocaches - 6

Walk Inspiration - 40 Town and Country Walks in Somerset, Walk 40


The first thing that strikes you in Montacute is how gorgeous the buildings are.  All the same shade of honey, built from Hamstone.  This short, yet super energetic walk, takes in the quarry where the stone is sourced.  

Montacute
Montacute - giving the Cotswolds a run for it's money

Montacute
More architectural splendour

Uphill along Hollow Lane to the lost Medieval village of Witcombe.   Then its hill forts all the way, paths both under and over the ramparts, with the occasional views through the trees.

War Nemorial, Hamdon Country Park
War Memorial, Hamdon Hill Country Park

Views from Hamdon Country Park
Reasonably sure this is Stoke Sub Hamdon

Even a chance for mid walk refreshment - with the Prince of Wales right in the middle of the hills forts and get this, an 8am opener.  People enjoying their cider at 11am on a Sunday sounds almost illegal.

Prince of Wales Pub
Prince of Wales - right on top of the Hill

I'm saving myself for the Good Beer Guide Tick - a rarity in this part of the world, as last nights pub crawl in Yeovil will testify to.  All I need to do is circle St Michael's hill, with its odd tower and disappearing paths of precipitous proportions.

St Michael's Tower
No photography awards for this blog

I've timed it perfectly for the Phelips Arms.  

Pheilips Arms, Monacute
The one and only Phelips Arms in the land

12:03pm and through the front door to be greeted by the smells of today's three meat carvery - served from a kiosk directly opposite the entrance.  But its not only food fans that are catered for here.... its been a while since I have had the option of Palmers Beers.... a brewery synonymous with Dorsert/Somerset.  I first discovered their wares in Glastonbury and very quickly booked a holiday in Bridport.  Mainly, so that I could ram-raid the brewery shop.

Today's beery experience made even more special from the best seat in the house - the Chesterfield smack bang in front of the log burner.

Palmers Dorset Gold, Pheilips Arms
Dorset Gold


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