Bayford to Bruton

25/5/19 We have eventually managed to get started on our travels again. A coach to Wincanton was a friendly way to arrive, we even had a hoot from the driver as we set off. There were no obvious footpaths in our direction and so we set off along the old A303, with no pavement for the last mile or so. We were aiming for The Hunters Lodge Inn.


We had pints of Otter Bitter (3.6%) and Palmers Copper Ale (3.7%) for £6.60. Annoyingly for Sid, we discovered Butcombe was on as well. The staff were friendly, but I think we had just arrived before the lunchtime rush of families looking for a break from their A303 trek.

The footpaths were still not in our favour and so we headed north from here along another road with no pavement. To make things worse, there was a cycling event happening with hundreds of bikes going in our direction and cars having swerve towards us to overtake them. After 30 minutes we made it to The Smithy though.


Nothing much to tempt us with the ales and so we went for pints of Rich's (6%) and Harry's Scrummage (6.2%) draught cider for £7.40. Both were quite sweet, but better than the gassy stuff. We had a chat with the locals.

The next pub was a couple of miles north again and we managed to start on a footpath this time. We did come out on a road, but it was a lot quieter than our other road walks. We ended up at The Bull Inn.


There were plenty of people having lunch, but we headed for the bar. Pints of Parkways's Cheeky Monkey (4%) and Plain's Sheep Dip (3.8%) for £7.90. Both quite drinkable, if a little expensive.

As this was out first walk of the season, we decided to head towards home. We did some more road walking at first, but turned right along a footpath. Once the signs ran out, we found ourselves in a bog. A few fences later, we headed towards a road. Apparently we crossed the footpath somewhere then, but we settled for the road towards Bruton station. The next train was delayed and we turned down the option of finding a pub to ensure our safe return, which involved beverages in other locations anyway.

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