Bridging the Gap
Walk 3 - by Nigel Vile
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General Description - a personal view
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"It was deep in a
valley that we crossed a beautiful aqueduct, where the
canal passed over the River Avon. We were very impressed
by the grandeur of the structure set in such glorious
surroundings". These thoughts were penned by some early
navigators as they approached Bath on the Kennet and
Avon Canal. The glorious surroundings were the steep
wooded slopes of the Limpley Stoke Valley, whilst the
structure was Dundas Aqueduct. Constructed in the Doric
style, this is surely the finest existing testimony to
the skills of John Rennie, the canal's chief engineer.
From Dundas, where a
stone warehouse and adjoining crane mark the junction of
the K&A with the Somerset Coal Canal, the walk follows
lanes through Monkton Combe, best known for its public
school, founded in the 19th century by a local clergyman
for the training of the sons of missionaries.
The former woollen mills on the Midford
Brook below the school speak of an earlier chapter in
the village's history.
A steep climb of over 250 feet, up
and over a wooded hillside spur, brings the walk to the
neighbouring valley and the village of Limpley Stoke.
This is a settlement full of houses with views, set
against the steep sides of the Avon Valley.
The residences have been described as
'Bathish in appearance' and are built across the
hillside to take advantage of the exceptional vistas
down the valley.
There is also the small matter of the
Hop Pole Inn, a 14th century hostelry that is a regular
entry in the Good Pub Guide. The picture book cream
stone exterior of this former monks' wine lodge has its
name deeply incised in the front wall.
Having passed the white-painted
former railway half, the walk returns to Dundas along a
stretch of the K&A Canal that will surely have visitors
reaching for their dictionary of superlatives.
On one side, the slopes of Conkwell
Wood tumble down to the canal bank, their green and
rustic richness contrasting with the flat meadows and
pastures bordering the Avon to the west.
As you cross Dundas Aqueduct at
journey's end, gaze over the solid parapets of this fine
construction. Local legend maintains that boys from
Monkton Combe School at one time cycled along those
narrow cornices that overhang the river flowing far
below. At least a tumble would result in a soft - if
somewhat damp - landing! |
Instructions:
Distance: 3 miles
Time: up to 2 hours
Start: Lay-by on the A36, above Dundas Wharf (GR
783624)
Maps: OS Explorer 155
Refreshments: Pubs in Monkton Combe and Limpley Stoke
Park up in the lay-by on the same side as the garage
(just before garage when travelling from Bath). Walk to the
end of the lay-by nearest the garage, cross the A36 with care
and follow the lane opposite that (road signpost to
Monkton Combe). At the crossroads, where it crosses over
Brassknocker Hill, go straight on and into the village. Pass
the school buildings, and just before the Wheelwrights Arms,
turn left into Mill Lane. At the bottom of Mill Lane, cross
the sluice to the right of the mill before continuing along an
enclosed footpath to a footbridge across Midford Brook. Cross
the river, before climbing the steps on the left and following
a path running between Midford Brook and some houses. Keep on
this path as it bears right to join an access drive to
Waterhouse. Follow this drive to the left for 200 yards to a
junction by the last cottage on the left. At this point, cross
a stile on the right to follow the signposted footpath to
Limpley Stoke.
Follow the field-path uphill to a stile opposite and a path
leading into some woodland. Climb the stepped path uphill
through the trees. Towards the top of the climb, keep on the
path as it bears left. Continue along the path as it crosses
more open hilltop, before dropping down hill to the A36,
keeping left at one obvious fork. Cross the A36, by a cottage,
with extreme care, to Woods Hill. Continue downhill for 50
yards before turning left to follow a lane down to the Hop
Pole Inn and the main road in Limpley Stoke. Turn left, and
follow this road beside the railway to its junction with the
B3108.
Turn right under the railway bridge, and follow the B3108
and the Kennet and Avon Canal. Follow the towpath to the left
- signposted Dundas - for half a mile to Dundas Aqueduct and
the adjoining wharf. Having crossed the entrance to the
Somerset Coal Canal follow the drive to the left uphill to the
A36, and the lay-by. |
