Wetton Hills

We thought we would get a bit of elevation this week and try to get some good vista's. It was Robs turn to drive this week and we went in his new RAV 4. We parked at Wetton Mills which is a few miles west of Alstonfield. The footpath immediately started to climb, the ground was very muddy and wet in places and you had to negotiate around some quite large fresh cow droppings. The path first went through a farm area, then pasture and finally through some woods skirting around a hill by the name of Sugar Loaf.

A great rural scene with mist on the hills.

The mist was hanging around the tops of the hills and lighting for photographs was very flat and dull.
We reached the Top of Ecton and found somewhere to sit for our breakfast.

Ike on the bridge at Wetton Mills

Geoff just needs a pair of horns.

What a view while having breakfast.

After our breakfast we carried on down the track towards Manor House. We passed another farm house
called Hillside Farm with an unusual weather vane. It looked like a couple of witches and a dog on a tandem.

Spellbinding weather vane

 From Manor House we had to get through a squeeze style (some of us had a bit of trouble) and then across a clapper bridge on the way to the top of  Wetton Hills.

Having a bit of trouble getting through the style

Geoff on the clapper bridge.

It was a steady climb from the clapper bridge to the top with several stops on the way, to take pics of course     (not to stop for a rest!!!). Some of the views were brilliant, the light was rubbish for decent pics.

Views on the way up Wetton Hill

On the top of Wetton Hill

On the top of Wetton Hill

The views from the top were unbelievable and even with this low cloud / mist you could see for miles.
After looking around for a few minutes it was straight down to the valley below. There are no footpaths to the top and we just carried on over the top in the direction of the car.

What you doing on my hill?

Thor's Cave on the right with Cauldon Low quarry in the background.

Geoff coming down from Wetton Hill

 Back down at the bottom we just followed the track through some lovely scenery.

Dry river bed

Rob & Ike looking to see where the water goes.

Ike in the middle of the river

Rob lost in the jungle

The ford was only a few inches deep

Ike seams to think he can walk on water!!

After we had negotiated the ford it was just a couple of minutes to the car. Another cracking walk with some fantastic views this week.
See you next week
Jim










first called Hillside Farm with a very