Hemilm two

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I really enjoyed parts of this walk, but there were also a couple of sections that made me swear loudly (sorry universe). I walked from Hemyock to Ilminster and knew I was going to be walking through beautiful countryside, this isn't an AONB for nothing.
My first problem was at Bolham Farm where I had to walk through a field of cows. They barely noticed me, but they had it in for my dog, big time! My dog, obviously, was attached to me by the lead, and I wasn't letting him off to get me in trouble. Nope, better to get trampled to death, I am English after all. The cows kept running at us head down, my dog kept barking at them, they got scared, stopped, then would repeat all again. AND we were going uphill. I got to the other end of the field, only to find the gate bound with lots of string and 5,000 knots. With the herd right behind me I had no time for knots. I threw my dog over the gate, and jumped over myself, swearing loudly the whole time. Flippin cows. If you have a dog, be ready. If not, I think you will be fine....probably.
I was in a foul mood by now, but immediately after this, the route follows a ridge top walk with really lovely views of rolling green countryside. I forgot about the cows.
Parts of this section were tricky without signage through the farms. I may have gone the right way, I may have trespassed. Near Clivehayes Farm I had my second swearing event. There is a section of footpath that is very overgrown with nettles, narrow and fenced with barbed wire. Even the dog wouldn't go through. I started hacking at them, but it was taking forever and progress was slow. Another walker appeared and told me that path is always bad this time of year, but the bad bit is very short. Only thing for it is to cover up and push through. I went for it, covering as much skin as possible, but it wasn't enough. The nettles got me. I have reported the obstruction, so maybe it will get cut. But, my advice is here is wear longsleeves and trousers, and use a stick. You can't see your feet and the ground is uneven, so careful you don't fall on to the barbed wire. Walking is fun! The best news is that this section is very short, just a few yards and after this there really aren't any serious problems.
There is a lot of lane walking and it does go on, but they are quiet and safe. I really enjoyed walking through Jan Hobbs Nature Reserve, which gave shade and wildlife after several miles of lanes. However, it is clearly very muddy in winter. At Fresh Moor the route crosses boggy ground, watch your step and stick to the clumpy bits. It was fine today, but probably a different story in winter.
At the end of Belcombe Drove the views suddenly open up and are immense. I had beautiful weather and could see across to the Quantocks. It seemed like all of Somerset was laid out in front of me.
The route passes pubs at Churchinford, Bishopswood and Donyatt so plenty of chances to stop for a break. It is a long route, but you can break it in 2 at Buckland St Mary, where the 97,98 Chard to Taunton bus runs.
All in all, it's a good walk, with some really great highlights, just be prepared!.

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