Dunclent - a magical walk with horsey connections

I emerged from Stone Cottage Nurseries to pass the lovely churchyard.

Not sure if this is the village hall

St Mary's Church

Then down a RUPP (Road Used as Public Path),  Dunclent Lane. This brought back memories: there was once a cross country course here (for horses)

There are a few horses still here, but it's not used for competitions any more

This field was where the start was.

This was near the commentary position

A fence still in situ

The sunlight shining on the old steps

A better view. Ah, memories!

The drop and the ski jump. They were quite tricky

The course ran through some lovely countryside, including past this lake

The hill in these woods has the unusual name of Mount Segg

All of this is now a nature reserve.

Returning by the bridge which was on yesterday's blog.

The animals aren't going to go hungry.

Back in Deansford Lane, the horsiness continues. Bissell Wood is also a cross country course. The land round here is sandy and free-draining, so it is ideal

Today's Walk: Starting from Deansford Lane,DY10 3NN. Following the bridle path past Mount Segg, and Neild House, to Stone House, across the A448 onto Butts Lane, then turning back on Stanklyn Lane. Cross the A448 again, down Dunclent Lane (road used as public path) following a very straightforward path through ancient woodland and back to the start of the walk. About 4.6 miles. The bit on Butts and Stanklyn lane could be missed out: it would just be a short distance on the A448, which has a good footpath.