Around Rural Willand 3

This run was more satisfactory than my last. I do not mind roads if quiet and not too stony, but the goal is to find barefoot-friendly paths and this run satisfied. I started out towards Cullompton then turned right through Brithem Bottom - a splendid name, I wonder who Brithem was? The path was the right-of-way over Turley Down and took me right through the middle of fields. Great for me, but it must be a trial for the farmer.

I love England for its right-of-ways. Or should one say rights-of-way?  Since moving to Ireland we have seen the instigation of several way-marked longer walks like the Wicklow Way, but nothing like the vast network in England. Besides, the right-of-way law is different here in Ireland and in the favour of the land-owner. And most land-owners here don't want folk walking over their land.

Ascending Turley Down

and down the far side

looking back, having reached the road

Heading north I had to divert to investigate the aqueduct where the Grand Weston Canal crosses the course of the broad-gauge branch of the Bristol and Exeter railway. Running gives time for pondering - I wondered which came first, canal or railway? Wikipedia reckons this section of the canal was opened in 1814, whereas the railway was built 34 years later. It must have been quite a challenge building an aqueduct in retrospect, but back in those days they thrived on challenges.

The Aqueduct and course of the railway 

Looking North

It actually has a name!

The railway bed from the aqueduct

Looking South

Eleven miles of the canal starting at Tiverton are still navigable as the house boats testify in the picture above. Sadly the broad gauge railway no longer exists although there is "the last remaining" broad gauge locomotive on view in the South Devon Railway museum .

Halberton parish church

The next port of call was the village of Halberton where I took a short-cut through the church-yard and by the village pond. All English villages of any repute have a duck-pond and I have to say that this one is above average. It even had ducks.

Halberton village pond

And then back along the busier road from Halberton to Willand for a much deserved breakfast.

Total distance 8.35 miles, average speed 4.83 m.p.h.