Day 44 March 30th to 31st 2017 Wiltshire
Woke up late in our comfortable bed feeling guilty we had ousted the usual inhabitant of our room. After a warm greeting from the gorgeous dogs and a quick brekky we set off with Martin and Linda and said gorgeous dogs for a walk along the Caen Hill Locks
This lock system at Devizes has the distinction of having the most locks within the shortest distance in the UK. A badge of honour to travel through for canal boaters.
A cafe with outdoor seating has been strategically placed alongside the canal. We sat out for lunch at the cafe followed by a walk for the dogs before heading back via the two of the once many white horses on the hillside, the sarsen stones at Avebury and Silbury Hill a prehistoric man made hill, the tallest in Europe.
It is so nice to have a bit of family life and home-cooked meals to gather around. Followed by a deliciously comfy bed and another great nights sleep.
Another lazy start then a bit of exercise for the dogs and us! Out to the Savanake forest – both a nice walk with leafless but shapely trees and interesting and obscure history – Mel’s favourite kind. The first related to the forest history during World War II which included remnants of World War II arms stores and an explosion. Remains of the explosion include bumps in the road remaining from the devastation caused by armaments exploding.
The obscure is a monument you come upon in the forest which is in a direct line to the Tottenham Estate. Tottenham estate today has a difficult history It does have a long history dating from 12 century including visits from Henry VIII. The monument was erected in 1781. It has an inscription that reads:
After a walk we drove on to the Wilton Windmill – set on a hill surrounded by farmland it is an impressive structure even when dormant for our visit. The Wilton Mindmill still grinds flour – stoneground of course. None in evidence for our visit as we were a bit early for the summer season. Boards explained the operation of the mill and how some sayings from milling have entered our language. Thankfully there are volunteers who work to keep many historical places operational and maintained.
Next another remarkable effort by volunteers upkeeping the Crofton Beam Engine. (Facebook page HERE)
Wandering in where we were not supposed to be we met some very busy, enthusiastic volunteers. Despite not being open a volunteer explained the engine was not open owing to significant upkeep happening but spent time explaining the mechanism and work they were doing.
Crofton Pumping Station was built in 1807 to provide water to the summit of the Kennet and Avon Canal and through various changes and upgrades it is maintained to the current day. Diagrams around the site explain the complex workings and I confess to still not understanding it fully – suffice to say it was quite a feat of construction and operation.
Owing to us gate-crashing the Crofton in the hope we would find lunch we had to find another plan. And what a delicious plan it was – a farmhouse with all food groups covered and then some – bakery, cakes, Scotch eggs (to Chris’s delight), butcher, fish, deli, and on and on. What else would be right but Pork Pies and an added Scotch Egg for the fan.
Home to another warm and lovely family evening complete with homemade Steak and Guiness pie and incredible homemade confection of cake, meringue and berries. No-one is getting out of this holiday the same weight they came in!
