To Charmy Down
MAP
OS Explorer 155 Bristol & Bath
Distance
5 miles
time
3 hours
terrain
Long gradual ascent onto Charmy Down; very steep descent from the hilltop
Start
Northend (GR 779683 or postcode BA1 7HE)
The most difficult part of this walk is finding the start. Batheaston is now bypassed so firstly there is the question of finding the local road access. Once in the village, there is the next question of finding the road to Northend and St Catherine. What follows is a narrow road with parked vehicles and, if you make it as far as the well-known eagle house, then you have gone a shade too far. eagle house has an interesting history. Between 1909 and 1912 it was known as ‘Suffragette’s Retreat’ with suffragettes released from prison following hunger strikes being offered refuge there. A quiet lane leads through to Chilcombe Bottom, once the site of Batheaston Reservoir. Much of the site was filled in using rubble from the construction of the Batheaston Bypass, but what remains is a small reserve consisting of wetland and unimproved limestone grassland. Amongst the seasonal flora and fauna, there is yellow flag and knapweed, a rich array of butterflies and dragonflies, as well as owls as is evident from a prominent owl nesting box. There are also signs warning of adders, but I have yet to have an encounter with Britain’s only venomous snake. An ascent follows onto Charmy Down, a flat expansive hilltop with a tale to tell. This is a former airfield site that was opened in 1941. It was used initially by the RAF and later by the United States Air Force. Its main role was to serve as a night fighter interceptor airfield. What remains are the ruinous control tower, a collection of now derelict ammunition dumps and a runway that is now covered with 5cm of soil and grassed over. There is also a brick construction described as the ‘remains of the aircraft Shooting-in Butt used to test the installed guns.’ The descent from the hilltop is arguably the steepest descent I have found in the area. A stony track descends over 400 feet in just ¼ mile, and at times it feels far steeper that a 25 per cent gradient. At the foot of the slope we find ourselves in the heart of St Catherine’s Valley, surrounded by as green and pastoral a landscape as anywhere in this neck of the woods. All around are hillsides and woodland, with the valley named after St Catherine’s Brook. This diminutive river has its source somewhere below Marshfield, before flowing down through the valley to join the Avon at Batheaston. Refreshments There are no refreshment facilities on the walk. Back in Batheaston, however, the George & Dragon offers traditional pub food that is based as far as possible on local produce. Visit www.ganddbatheaston.co.uk
Getting there
From the large roundabout on the eastern edge of Bath where the A46 meets the A4, follow the signposted local road into Batheaston village. In the centre of Batheaston, follow a minor road signposted to Northend and St Catherine’s. In 600 yards, park on the roadside as close as possible to a left turn called Seven Acres lane.
1. Start
Walk up Seven Acres Lane and, at the top of a climb, keep on the road as it bears right to soon pass Chris Rich Farm Shop. Beyond this shop, keep on the lane as it bears left and continue for ½ mile to a drive on the right leading to Chilcombe house. Ahead is a small stone building – climb the steps to the right of this building into Chilcombe Bottom Reserve and follow the path to the right of the former reservoir and onto a gate by a property. Turn right and follow what soon becomes an enclosed track through the valley to a gate. Continue along an enclosed track to reach a derelict barn on the left. Pass through a gateway immediately past this barn and head across the field ahead, climbing uphill and following the line of an electricity power line, to reach a gate at the top of the climb. Crest the field ahead to a gate in the opposite field boundary, join a lane and turn right, shortly passing Uplands Farm on the left.
2. Onto CHARMY DOWN
In ½ mile, at the top of a climb, ahead is a gate and stile and a Wingfield Farm sign. Follow the road leading to Wingfield Farm and, in 300 yards, where the road bears left, pass through a gateway on the right and follow a path around the perimeter of Charmy Down to reach a clearly visible aerial mast some 600 yards distant. Continue following the path beyond the mast until the pathway ahead is blocked by a fence. Cross a stile on the right by a gate and follow the track ahead to a gate and stile on the left in 250 yards. Turn right and follow the track in the same direction down to a ‘clearing’ in 150 yards. Bear right across to a wall and follow the line of this wall down to a gate before following the track between walls down to a metal barrier and a junction. Turn left and follow a track to the left along to a bungalow.
3. A Steep Descent to St Catherine’s VALLEY
Just before this bungalow, follow a track to the right that descends steeply to reach a lane in 600 yards, just past the gated entrance to hill Barn. Follow the lane to the right and, ignoring Ranscombe Lane on the right in 300 yards, continue for another 100 yards to a junction. Turn left and drop downhill and, just before a barn on the right in 100 yards, follow an enclosed path on the right along to a gate and field. Walk across this field, St Catherine’s Brook on the left. On the far side of the field, cross a bridge on the left, turn right through a gateway and follow a fieldpath across several fields, St Catherine’s Brook on the right, to reach a gate and Steway Lane in ½ mile. Turn right up to the ‘main road’ through St Catherine’s Valley, turn left and walk back to the junction with Seven Acres Lane.