'Bulletin Bytes'A few selected items from the many that appear in The Monarch's Way Bulletin. Footpath News As one might expect, after a period of some 12 years and over a distance of 615 miles, a few changes to the route will inevitably occur. As a service to Monarch's Wayfarers the Association has produced a set of inserts that are conveniently sized to fit within the books. If you would like to receive a full set then please email us at: monsway@blueyonder.co.uk with your postal address when a set will be posted to you. It may be small (less than a mile out of the whole 615 miles of the Monarch's Way) and it may seem insignificant BUT it is important for its views, for its wildlife and its relief from the urban conurbation that almost encompasses it. What is it? The Green Belt land at the Coombeswood Wedge in Halesowen. What about it? It is under threat from developers who wish to develop the site, significantly alter the hillside slopes and consequently disrupt the drainage and local watertables of the public footpaths that form part of the Monarch's Way. If you care about, not only the loss of our Green Belt environment, but also the loss of part of our Heritage, then you might like to visit: www.coombeswood.info to learn more and maybe sign the online petition. Readers of Book II, Section 38, page 106, (Ham Hill to Crewkerne) will know that up to now walkers have had to follow the edge of the busy A356 for about a third of a mile from a point almost opposite Chiselborough House to Byme Bridge over the River Parrett. Happily this has all recently changed for Somerset County Council have now created two rights of way (one a footpath, one a bridleway) which follow a line adjacent to the road, but off it and within the neighbouring fields,whilst connecting to the existing footpaths which formerly took you onto, and then off, the A356. The new paths have been signed and waymarked. Wonderful news indeed. Amendment inserts have been produced and are available in the usual way.
Very recently we have learned that this very short section of culvert near Haselbury Mill was in fact a permissive route and that the occupier, for reasons of which we are unaware and even more surprised, has withdrawn permission. This means then that walkers are now again faced with having to cross the busy A30 road instead of passing under it. Whilst both SSDC and SCC are attempting to resolve this problem, as a matter of some urgency, walkers should be guided accordingly and, perhaps realistically, expect any solution to take some time to reach. 'One step forward and one step back!' Temporary Closure of Towpath in Worcester. The Association has been advised by British Waterways that part of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal towpath in the Diglis area of Worcester, and which is used as a part of Section 1 of the Monarch's Way, is to be the subject of a temporary closure from 17 June 2005 for approximately 12 months. The Diglis Basin area is currently under redevelopment and as a result of works to the Inner Basin it is necessary for British Waterways to relocate the existing moored boats from the inner basin to the canal for the duration of the works. Since it is necessary for the moorings to be secure, part of the towpath from the outer basin to Bridge 3 (The Commandery) will be closed by the use of locked gates at either end for the duration of the said works. British Waterways will shortly be erecting signage at key points and a diversion route will be provided within the vicinity of the site in order to minimise any inconvenience. A copy of the diversion route can be provided on request from the Customer Operations Manager Peter.Moore@britishwaterways.co.uk  (Section 41 - Charmouth to Bridport - Book III). In less than two years since the reopening of this section of Coast Path eastwards from Charmouth towards Cain's Folly the path has been closed again because of another extensive land slip. Dorset County Council has put a temporary diversion in place and the route is described below. In addition to site notices, maps showing the diversion are to be provided at key locations. Details of the diversion now follow: Charmouth (Stonebarrow) Diversion At Charmouth leave the Coast path in Lower Sea Lane (west of the footbridge over the River Char at GR 36529320) and turn northeast along a tarmac lane called River Way and at the end continue along a gravel footpath to reach Bridge Road. Carry on northwards up this road to the junction with the main village road, The Street. Turn eastwards along The Street to Our grateful thanks to Brian Panton of both the Ramblers’ Association (Dorset Area) and the South West Path Association for his assistance.
The short section of footpath that passes between the houses at the end of Paulman Gardens is temporarily closed for a period of up to 12 weeks. There is a temporary diversion in place which is now described: 'At the end of the rough surfaced road where it meets the main road on the edge of the village of Long Ashton DO NOT cross to go down Birdwell Lane, instead turn right (westerly) and on reaching Warren Lane cross the main road and go, by the childrens nursery, down Wild Country Lane. Crossing the railway bridge immediately turn left up steps onto a fenced footpath alongside the railway and at the next junction of footpaths turn right where the diversion now ends. Now follow the directions from line 8 page 61' The Monarch's Way Accomodation Guide Visitors are advised that maintenance of the MW Accomodation Guide now rests again with the Association. This is in three parts to coincide with each of the three books on The Monarch's Way. To obtain your copy(s) please state which part you require and send postage stamps to the value of £1 (to cover printing, postage & stationery) for each guide required to: The Monarch's Way Association, 15 Alison Road, Lapal, Halesowen B62 0AT. The things people say.....! The following are just a selection of comments made by people who have walked, or are walking, The Monarch's Way.
'I just gave my recovering heel a good test over the Golden Cap section of The Monarch's Way. What wonderful views!' (Irene Hazelwood - Worcestershire) 'We had a great time and frequently marvelled at the amazing achievement in creating this route and the many footpaths that have been saved/improved.' (Lizzy and John Hornsey - Sussex - as far as we are aware, the first End to Enders to have completed the MW in 38 consecutive days). 'We have just spent a superb bank holiday weekend walking from Tresham down to Keynsham. The sun shone (for most of the time!) and the countryside was at its glorious best - trees, wild flowers, birds, bluebell woods and wild garlic. Once again the Monarch's Way did us proud.' (Brenda Luck - Staffordshire). '....the main reason for writing is to say a huge 'thank you' for the work and idea of the route. We cannot begin to imagine the amount of work that must have been involved, but it was worth while. The route led us through some of the most spectacular scenery in England, and with so little contact with roads and villages or towns. Absolutely fabulous.' (Sarah & Mike Wallace - Sussex). '....I must start by expressing our appreciation of the exvellent way marking on the parts of the Monarch's Way that we recently walked.....we had no problems with route finding and were very impressed with the small 'stick-on' waymarks.' (Chris Edgeley - Isle of Wight) '....We have been inspired to tackle Book I, very enjoyable, great work.' (Paul, Wendy & Charlotte Kneller - West Midlands) Veniss Copse, Hambledon (Hampshire)
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Wonderful News! - Newly Created Public Rights of Way avoid the busy A356 road.
In 1998, South Somerset District Council and Somerset County Council spent considerable sums of money (together with European Grants) to create a safer way (by way of a culvert) to negotiate the busy A30 for both the Parrett Trail and, by good fortune, for The Monarch's Way as well - Section 38: Book II.