AFTER atrocious weather conditions over the last month the Westbury Walkers walk scheduled for February was eventually walked on March 8 by 13 members of the walking group led by Mike & Liz Self.

With modifications to the original plan, cutting out the worst of the washed out and muddy sections, the group set out from near Mells school on an unexpectedly fine and reasonably dry day to circumvent both the Whatley and Halecombe limestone quarries. Heading east the footpath gave way to a short road section past the entrance and exit to Whatley quarry. The East Mendip Way (EMW) was accessed to the south of the quarry but shortly the walkers turned off to keep on higher dryer ground and rejoined the EMW on the bridleway at the west end of the quarry. Veering away from Whatley quarry led to a two-mile circuit around Halecombe quarry, which also provided a lunch stop along the way under a conveniently erected tarpaulin shelter, which was particularly welcome as the only heavy rain shower of the day occurred whilst the group was eating.

It was then back to the bridleway and after a short section of retracing steps the group branched off to look into the western end of Whatley quarry and a little further along again admired the huge extent of the quarry from the official northern viewing point. This is located at the cut off lane that used to cross over the quarry prior to expansion some years ago. A short walk back down this lane completed the walk of seven-eight miles, along with a final rather magnificent rainbow.

For further information on the Westbury Walkers, email Paddy at westbury.walkers.uk@gmail.com