| Date | Hare | Scribe |
|---|---|---|
| 28 May 2023 | Colin | Janet |
Given my complete lack of navigational awareness combined with my menopausal brain-fog state, I hope you’re not expecting to read an accurate and factual account of the latest hash trail. If you are, I suggest you stop reading now before you’re too disappointed!
The first draft of this report went along the lines of … We met on a beautiful Sunday morning, somewhere in the depths of (presumably) Wiltshire. Some of us ran and some of us walked, following a superb trail across stunning countryside laid by Colin. Eventually, everyone manged to get back to the start point and enjoyed a welcome refreshment in a quirky pub. The end.
As that only took a couple of minutes to write, I had time to spare for a second attempt with some embellishment and research thanks to Google!
Our starting point was The New Inn, Coate near Devizes – thank goodness for sat navs! Colin was our hare for the day and started with the usual briefing – although unusually using a non-existent flour bottle to demonstrate the trail markings! With some imagination, we got the gist of what he was saying and thankfully Colin had used real flour (and plenty of it) to mark the trail. There were also the usual questions re. distance and gradient – producing an informative response of 3 miles (short) and 6 miles (long) and a less informative response using hand gestures to outline the gradient. There was also the unusual hazard warning of an air strip, which I must admit I have no recollection of crossing but have survived to write this report so all is well.
It was a warm, sunny morning and from the outset the scenery was absolutely stunning. The trail encompassed parts of the Wessex Ridgeway trail and provided magnificent views across the Wiltshire countryside – Pewsey vale, Devizes white horse, Cherhill monument and across to Salisbury Plain and the more familiar Ridgeway and Marlborough Downs.
There were plenty of ‘O’ decision points, which meant the walkers weren’t too far behind the runners for much of the way. Colin and Maizie accompanied the runners, which was much appreciated – it was a hot day and Colin offered no-fee consultancy at the ‘O’ decision points in the latter stages!
The long route took us through Stert, with beautiful homesteads and manicured gardens which Viv likened to running through a film set. We concluded one owner was so precious of their homestead, they sabotaged the large chalk arrow pointing left across their drive and up a narrow pathway adjacent to their property – hence Colin set off in pursuit of John and Viv who were at risk of disappearing along the Wiltshire lanes on the road to nowhere.
The observant folk (that’s not Keith or Maurice!) on the long route noticed the quaint church of St James in Stert and stood a while to take in the view across the valley to Salisbury plain on the horizon. Beyond Stert we came across the lion monument dedicated to a James Long who in 1768 constructed a new road avoiding a “tedious and dangerous way over the adjacent hill” often used by highwaymen. (Colin didn’t mention that hazard!!) Etchilhampton Long’s Lion The lion… – Paranormal Wiltshire | Facebook
Only one casualty to report – John with a blister and in need of a plaster. As none of us could provide a plaster, or offered to carry him, John soldiered on and managed to successfully complete the route with his foot still attached.
Reaching the On Inn, most of the walkers were already gathered and enjoying the lovely weather – although surprisingly there was no sign of the “lead runners” (Maurice and Keith). We all thanked Colin for a superb trail that was so stunning, it transpired Maurice and Keith decided to run it twice! (And still didn’t spot the church!)
Just one other highlight to add – Maurice said I didn’t look my age, which I know I can take as gospel because Maurice isn’t one to spin a yarn… Although maybe it’s not much of a compliment, as his eyesight must be somewhat lacking if he can’t spot a church!
Finally, I’d like to end with a “Thank You” to you all for being such a lovely, friendly bunch of people and making me feel so welcome since I first came along to a hash last year. On on!