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| Julie at the start of our walk near Wick Warth, Woodspring Bay | , near Wick St Lawrence |
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| Following the twists and turns of the River Banwell |
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| Following the twists and turns of the River Banwell |
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| Looking towards Woodspring Priory |
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| Looking down to Woodspring Priory |
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| Beautiful lichen on the walls protecting an ancient field system |
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| Looking North towards St Thomas Head |
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| Looking South towards Middle Hope and the bay where we to enjoy elevenses |
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| Looking back at the bay as we continue south |
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| Sand Bay at Kewstoke looking towards Birnbeck Island |
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| Julie walking along the Sand Bay at Kewstoke |
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| Walking through Weston Woods on the side of Worlebury Hill |
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| Storm clouds gathering over Wales |
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| Storm Clouds over Birnbeck Island |
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| Storm Clouds getting closer |
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and even closer!
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The heavens opened when we reached Weston-Super-M |
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We took at chance and parked our car near Wick Warth. If you are retracing our steps we would suggest you join the coast further south, by traveling along Collum Lane and parking in the vicinity of Priory at Woodspring.
The beautiful textures left by the water cutting it's way through the landscape, the sunlight accentuating the undulating forms.
Beautiful Gothic Woodspring Priory founded in the early thirteenth century and dedicated to Thomas Becket. It was once a home to a small community of Victorine Canons.
After the dissolution of the monasteries, the priory was converted in to farmhouse and is now owned by the Landmark Trust and rented out as holiday accommodation.
The area around St Thomas Head is a weapons testing site!
This lovely bay, shaped like an oyster shell, was to be the first stop of our walk. The pebbles on the beach had been thrown up by the sea in various collections of sizes and shapes.
Kewstoke probably gets it's name from the Celtic word 'Kewch' meaning a place of boats. In the past the community relied on fishing and smuggling for their livelihoods.
In the distance the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm can just be seen.
The beautiful trees of Weston Wood. Worlebury Hill used to be quarried for Calamine, for use in brass manufacture in Tintern.
As we looked towards Wales we could see dramatic storm clouds forming. Pride comes before a fall - and we were smuggly enjoying incredibly warm sunshine, whilst being buzzed by clouds of dragonflies. On reflection these magnificent winged insects were looking for somewhere to roost and avoid the impending rain!!!
Birnbeck Island and it's piers which were opened on the 5th June 1867. Since then the piers have had a checkered history which is described in detail on the National Piers Society Website
So the rain finally caught up with us! How dramatic it was - with rainwater flying upwards out of the drains, unable to cope with the deluge. We sought refuge in a wooden chalet cafe opposite Weston Beach and enjoyed a delicious lunch and interesting conversation with owner Harry Constantinou, one time goalkeeper of the Cyprus National Football Team.
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| The pier at Weston-Super-Mare |
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| Looking back to Weston from the southern most point of Weston Bay |
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| Weston Bay Yacht Club |
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| Walking towards the end of our walk! |
We took time to walk up the pier and enjoy a well deserved ice cream at it's end. Then a short train ride back to it's entrance.
Weston-Super-Mare fading into the distance.
The village church atop the cliff at Uphill in the distance, the end of our walk.
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