This will be our 97th walk and has proved to be one of our most popular with hound numbers around 25. We've been fortunate with the weather and the halfway stop at the Queen's Arms - also now known as "the pork-pie pub" has been much appreciated. (To refresh your memory see the video here).

We meet at the village of South Cadbury which is three miles East of Sparkford just off the A303. Then take a sloping lane up to the ramparts of Camelot marveling at the labour involved in digging all those ditches and ramparts. Any reasonable day you can see Dorset and Devon - if you want to, can't think why, and maybe jets landing at Yeovilton.

Old hands will remember that after descending from the Castle we cross a field with many horses. Now while reccing this walk on May 14th the horses followed us and unfortunately one kicked out at my Matilda. As I bent to help her, she sank her teeth in my wrist - Matilda not the horse - which brought forth some fruity Marine language. Fortunately a following party ran to fetch the farmer who bathed my wound and inspected Matilda. Amazingly no bones seemed to be broken so we managed to complete the walk, but as I write she is still traumatised. So when we come to this field on June 4th I offer a choice: the horse lovers can take the path while I and other wimps will take a safer diversion.

Then we descend to the hamlet of Sutton Montis, take a short lane to the foot of Parrock Hill, but don't go to the top - unless you desperately want to - but cunningly skirt round the shoulder which levels out to a lovely FLAT grassy stretch with again extensive views. After a little while we drop gently down to Corton Denham and if you wish, enjoy the pleasures of my favourite pub the Queen's Arms.

From here we potter along the foot of the hills and take a mildly exciting slope to pass through a farm and across some flat fields home. Distance five + a weeny bit miles. For a map of our route see here.

So to find the start (10.30am): (Nearest postcode for SatNavers I can find is Castle Farm - BA22 7HA - which is close to the car park.)

(click map to enlarge)

From the West (Devonwards), take the A303 towards Wincanton. Continue round the Sparkford (Hazelgrove) roundabout still making for Wincanton. Two miles past the roundabout take the second turning off left (see sign below) towards South Cadbury.

At the T junction turn right and now going over the A303 you will soon enter the village of South Cadbury. The car park is 200 yds past the church which will be on your right. If the car park is full, you will have to retrace and park in front of the churchyard, on the same side as the church to avoid getting swiped by slurry tractors. (Post code of the nearest house is probably BA22 7HA).

From the East (Wiltshire) follow the A303 past Wincanton and before you hit the Sparkford roundabout turn off to South Cadbury.

Sparkford is where Haynes used to print its DIY manuals and also houses John Hayne's Motor Museum.

There's my lunch. A home made pork pie, pickle and a pint of
my favourite beer, brewed at Pitney, Langport. (Those who bring
their own lunch can eat in a field just around the corner).