The Quantocks

But the beauty is in the walking -- we are betrayed by destinations

Dead Woman's Ditch

In an attempt to try something different Tav suggested we try the Quantocks walk out of Ken Wilsons Classic Walks (somewhat of a bible for the best walks in the UK) - low but apparently stunning hills. They didn't disappoint. And today was a first - the first canine member of Tavs Tours as Livi joined Tav, Tav junior and Dave H.

After the Landrover sat nav excelled itself by ignoring the perfectly acceptable A road and firing us down a series of increasing narrow Somerset lanes we arrived in the hamlet of Holford - a mere neutron's distance from the picturesque Hinkley power station. Ignoring the man cooking bacon in the wooded car park we headed off through a glorious wooded valley (or Combe as they like to say) being gently dragged by Livi in her new walking harness. Up and down through the woods led us past a set of imaginatively named places as Robin's Upright Hill, the unique Great Wood and Jack's favourite; Dead Woman's ditch. Despite much searching the ditch proved empty.

From there we climbed up onto the main ridge and walked north towards the sea through some of the most beautiful scenery that Tavs Tours has seen for a while. Livi was perfectly happy in her harness and long lead or, where the areas permitted (as it is lambing season), bouncing around exploring all that Somerset had to offer. A scenic lunch break, a sprint up Beacon Hill and we headed back down into Holford where a conveniently located pub allowed the traditional Tavs Tours finish of a celebratory drink. The beer in the sun was improved as we watched a set of orienteers compete in some sort of navigational challenge. Given we were sitting opposite one of the check points, we were all reassured to find the world was full of people who are worse navigators than us. We helpfully pointed.

19 kilometers in just over 5 hours, stunning scenery and our first four legged member - a great day.

As is traditional, I would hand over to todays' guest editor, Livi but she seems to have fallen asleep under my desk.