THE latest exploration for the Holsworthy Walk and Talk group was well received by those who took part.

Gillian Aston, one of the walk leaders, said: “A new walk on our programme usually generates a good turnout and our latest addition was no exception. Twenty walkers met at Duckpool, Bude on a lovely sunny, clear day.

“After leaving the car park we walked up a narrow steep path through Coombe Woods to a clearing with lovely views over fields and the coast. Having passed the very grand Stowe Barton House, a 17th century two storey building now offering bed and breakfast accommodation, we descended through Stowe Woods to the Coombe Valley surrounded by lovely trees displaying their autumn colours.

“We then entered Coombe Village which has many thatched cottages, including Hawkers Cottage named after the writer and poet, the Reverend Hawker who lived there in the 1820s before moving to Morwenstowe. The house which has one of the upstairs windows in the shape of a cross is now owned by the Landmark Trust and offers holiday accommodation.

Harker's Cottage (Picture: Gillian Aston)
Harker's Cottage (Picture: Gillian Aston) ( )

“In the small hamlet of Coombe we came across a ford which, although it does boast a very good bridge, several of the walkers, especially those wearing wellies decided to wade and splash their way through!

“This Duckpool walk is classed as a level three walk which means that it may have steep sections, possibly stiles and would be three miles minimum in length. Our level two walks have no stiles, more level terrain and would be shorter than three miles.

“Our level one walk in Holsworthy Park is a very short, level walk with the emphasis being on socialising with refreshments served afterwards. As we go through life we have times of being more active than others but by offering the variety of walks it gives everyone the opportunity to choose the level they feel comfortable with on a particular day.

“If you would like to join us we walk on Mondays and Fridays. All walks start at 10.30 am and are free. Membership forms are available from our Volunteer Walk Leaders prior to the start of the walk.”