28 January 2017

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 18th 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.


12 comments:

  1. A nice walk - are you setting up in competition to Yorkshire Pudding?

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    1. I wish my photos were half as good as YP's.

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  2. Golly - I'll bet you were ready for that cup of tea.

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  3. You are both very brave people:),and what a nice places you have there.

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  4. Bravo on completing your expedition despite the hail. I guess there was no alternative but to keep going.I bet you burned off quite a few calories!

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    1. Made up the calories again with chocolate in the evening.

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  5. We could do with a nice welcoming Pub here. Please tell the landlord to take down his Christmas decorations; unless he's just put them up early for the next one.

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    1. Seems to be the fashion, leaving up old Christmas decorations.

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  6. What a beautiful place, I love the thatched roof! Could that be a bat house on the wall under the thatched roof?
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. I'm not sure if it's for bats or birds.

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