LYME REGIS – Situated on the world-famous Jurassic Coast.
The town is regarded as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’ and is renowned for its natural beauty, fossils, literary connections and extraordinarily rich heritage, it is also famous for being the birthplace of Mary Anning, one of history’s most important fossil collectors and palaeontologists.A memorial to Mary Anning up on the Coastal Path.09.30 walking down towards The Cobb, in Lyme Regis after a pleasant, meandering drive of 20 miles or so from The Shrubbery.Open for business A very quiet scene….by midday the town was very busy.Beach hutsThe sun barely breaking through on a breeze free coastal scene.The harbourA walk along the sea wall .An extension of huge rocks from the end of the wall.Low key rollers – there were paddle boarders and swimmers on the more protected beach.A pleasant stroll along the prom with its mixture of cafes and houses brought us to this signpost – much “Literary” history is associated with Lyme Regis.
Making our way towards the Coastal path we came across another local hero with a sea faring pedigree.
Not many I’m afraid!Well designed board walk.Gaining some height above Lyme RegisOn the Coastal path.Quite wide to start but it soon narrowed down.We turned around at this point as we had no intention to walk too far – just to get a “ feel” for the path – and anyway it was coffee time.Some pleasant seawards views .
It was a most enjoyable morning in what is a charming resort – no high rise buildings or “ tat” – Lyme Regis retains a traditional English seaside atmosphere and seems to be doing very well with it remaining so.
Sunday afternoon in Ilminster
Ilminster takes its name from the River Ile and the Minster church dating from 1450. The town grew up around the church and some of the oldest buildings are close to the churchyard including the former grammar school founded in 1549. Sundial on the school wall
In Victorian times the town was an important staging post for travellers with east-west and north-south routes converging there. The town is now by – passed by the A 358 & A 303.
This abandoned church was the Arts Centre. Such a beautiful building too.I turned right here and came down to the market square.I then walked uphill passing some independent shops en route.A great bit of signage.Looking upwards at the “ hanging gardens” of Ilminster!Romantically named “ Love Lane”An unusual placement for this water pump.At the top of the hill, I turned left again and facing me were two gatehouses, either side of an imposing if somewhat mysterious driveway . This one was up for sale.It must have led to some sort of grand house I would surmise.
The other one looks as though it’s receiving some much needed TLC !
Moving on,a first glimpse of Ilminster’s pride & joy.The Minster.A brief resume of its history.This stained glass window is of interest because it was created as a memorial to the owner of the Shrubbery – our hotel – formerly a private house.The Shrubbery Hotel – we enjoyed our stay here – good,home cooked food and a very hardworking,friendly staff.Ilminster is a sleepy, friendly place – I wish I had the time to follow its Treasure Trail
We enjoyed a good evening meal on Friday in the Shrubberies and it was good to have our very own “Beverley Sisters“ back with us.
After breakfast,on Saturday morning, we drove six miles or so to South Petherton, to begin our circular walk through small unspoilt villages, arable fields and orchards.
One of many Market towns hereabouts.
Its 15th century church dominates the skyline.Mike was leading the walk which he found on the Ramblers’ website – there were ten of us altogether.A thatched cottage, typical,of the area in Over Station.A damp somewhat overgrown mixture of Sunflowers and other vegetation seemed to bar the route, but we made it through. Pat, pictured right, spotted Newts in some of the lightly flooded areas.Approaching the village of Merriot.Sunflowers abounded.A fallen tree near Stoke- Sub – Hamdon was a good place for a break.A typical view on our walk.Higher Street! That’s a first.An eye catching des-res.
Time to move on from Merriot’s parish church after a lunch stop.
Apple orchards a-plenty and time for some “ foraging”.Not on a church but carved on a garden wall, re-entering South Petherton.The Old Chapel built with the local “ Ham” stone. It was a very enjoyable saunter.
After another welcome dinner at The Shrubbery, I put on a bit of a “ Folderol” for the group and after a long day the “ audience “ did well to keep up the pace!
Some aspect of social history to begin proceedings.something about the origins of the expression “ Not having a pot to p… in”. I watered it down somewhat though.
I have driven past the motorway exit to Taunton many times but never felt tempted to visit Somerset’s county town. However, we decided to break our journey to The Shrubbery Hotel Ilminster, at Taunton. Choosing the Gateway Park and Ride proved to be a good option and avoided the hassle of driving into the town and finding somewhere to park.
A pound each way to and from the town centre.
First port of call was a coffee stop, almost opposite the bus stop – The Bakery, housed in a former Royal Bank of Scotland.
A much needed break after the drive down the M5 which was smooth and uneventful – good coffee,too.
Much of the centre is semi pedestrianised and we were soon struck by a number of interesting buildings.
Taunton was the first place in the UK to be permanently lit by electric street lighting.Culture on offer, too.
We were only planning on a couple of hours, to include a picnic, ideally in a green spot and by pure chance we happened upon part of the town’s Heritage Trail, by taking a random turn down an alley into Bath Place – a row of original 19th century shop frontages and small mansions.
This opened out on to a main road and Mitre House.We soon found ourselves following the River Tone after which the town is named.Our next stop on this section of the Trail was the Castle, which now housed the Somerset County Museum. “Housed in Taunton’s historic castle, the Museum of Somerset tells the county’s fascinating story from prehistoric times to the present day. Within the 12th century castle walls you’ll find contemporary gallery spaces and great family visitor facilities, all situated within the town centre. With an amazing nine themed galleries, each with its own distinctive character, there’s something for everyone to discover. Our ‘must see’ exhibits include a 200 million year old Plesiosaur fossil (a type of marine reptile); the impressive Low Ham Roman mosaic; the Frome Hoard and a stunning Bronze Age Gold Torc. The museum also houses The Somerset Military Museum.” Maybe next time!
We then came to the Weir which was perfect for an alfresco lunch on a nearby bench.
Some very well,placed riverside retirement flats opposite.We crossed this lovely bridge and made our way back towards the bus stop.A proper Cobblers’.With St James’ church in the background which was not open so I wasn’t able to discover any possible Camino links.
Closer to the town centre – the Taunton Minster’ striking tower.
The foundations of Taunton Minster, St Mary Magdalene church, were probably laid in the early eighth century when Ina, king of the West Saxons established Christianity in Taunton. The church was first built in stone as part of the reorganisation of Taunton by Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, by 1180. St Mary’s became the town church in 1308 when Bishop Hazelshaw of Winchester changed its legal standing from a chapel of Taunton Priory to a church with its own ‘living’; the Revd Simon de Lyme became its first incumbent. This was achieved through a legal process known as the ‘Ordination of the vicarage’. The church is mainly built of sandstone and has a painted interior, except for the ‘forest’ of pillars which line the four aisles – a rare feature in a parish church. Most of the statues and stained glass date from the Victorian restoration.
Then it was a short wait for the bus back to the ParknRide. What struck me about Taunton during this short saunter, was what an interesting and well kept town it was, with the added attractions of tempting shops, restaurants and pubs.
Not to omit, for me, another of its great attractions – the cricket ground ! Must make an effort to come back next summer when Warwickshire are playing there.
It was a ten mile drive to Ilminster from Taunton and the hotel was easy to locate
A warm welcome with afternoon tea and cakes awaited us and first impressions were most favourable .
A well stocked bar with a good choice of drinks by the look.The view from our bedroom window – restful as the room.Feet up time – Sharpeners at 18.00 with dinner to follow. Tomorrow there is a choice of three, local walks and the weather forecast looks fair.
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