The Dumb Post

The Dumb Post

This morning the frost had disappeared so I decided it would be a good day to go for a hike to the pub.  Paul was reluctant but was finally tempted with the promise of a pint and a sandwich.


We set off on foot through the housing estate, across the busy ring road and then climbed a muddy stile to follow the footpath.  Carefully negotiating the rickety bridge (a piece of corrugated iron) across Fisher’s Brook, we followed the path around the edge of the farmer’s field and out onto a narrow country lane.  Behind us we could see Cherhill Downs with the Lansdowne Monument perched at the top.  The Cherhill White Horse was barely visible.

Cherhill Downs

We walked along the lane, past pretty thatched cottages, with the Dumb Post Inn clearly visible in the distance. 

This 18^th century inn was once part of the Earl of Shelburne’s Bowood Estate.  It got its name from the custom of mailmen on carrier wagons pinning letters on a post outside the inn for local people in the days before the Royal Mail.

the pub has two very different facades

After forty five minutes walking we arrived at the pub and rewarded ourselves with food and drink.  We eschewed the blazing log fire in favour of a window seat with magnificent views over the local countryside.

An hour or so later, with the skies darkening, we set off back home.  This was an 8 km round walk and my hip was starting to hurt.  The rain started and turned into hail.  The hailstones were falling right into my boots.  Then it stopped as suddenly as it had started and the sun came out again.  I’m home.  Just in time for a cup of tea.