After a very stormy night, was good to look out this morning to see a clearing sky and no wind.  Left after 8.00 and went to Ham Hill to meet with Richard Blackmore and 7 of his Running For Time running friends. Maria Wadey from Chard and Sarah Frost also were coming with us. Set off and around the monument, thru the park and into the woods. pleased to say we soon encountered the mud. We took the new route avoiding " Harwood Hill" There was still a climb up to the gateway which is our entrance to run around the base of St Michaels hill. Leaves and branches as expected under foot.Up the climb. Some slipping, back down, around and headed for Ladies walk. The badger holes later to be found will be taped off on the day. Dave Purchase and Sarah left us here. Carried onto High wood. I could see the branches Martin Cooke had snipped off. There  are some sizeable tree limbs across the path. Duck and you miss them. Although muddy, not as bad as last year. The woods at the top have changed a lot as there has been a lot of vegetation and tree cutting. There is now a large pig compound. We dropped down to Bagnel farm and back on the tarmac. This soon changed and uphill again. Down the track to the back end of  Norton. Along the track there is a tree to get over. Next was Tinkers Bubble and back to a climb up thru the woods. The group kept together well which was good. Stopped to admire Witcombe Valley. Soon onto the ramparts and heading for the completion of our recce run. A run enjoyed by all. Just over 10 miles.

 

Doing it again next Sunday.

 

Clive