The main subject in this episode of the podcast was Whitesheet Hill near Stourhead, and the surrounding area. We discuss the myriad prehistoric monuments on Whitesheet Hill, nearby Long Knoll, and Park Hill Camp at Stourton as well as medieval Mere Castle, and memories of the Second World War by way of Zeals aerodrome and the poignant Dakota Memorial close by Whitesheet at Beech Clump. As usual in our part of the world, there are immense views everywhere, including across Dorset and Somerset.
Read MoreHidden Wiltshire Podcast Episode 25
We’ve called this episode Codford Down and Chitterne Brook but it could equally have been called East Codford Down, Clay Pit Hill, Codford Circle or Oram’s Grave – all places that were visited on the way. Or maybe we could have called it “Bottoms” (listen to podcast to hear why)!
Read MoreHidden Wiltshire from near and far
My transformation from an unhappy life working in the finance sector is now complete. I am absolutely delighted to have been invited by my friend Glyn Coy to collaborate in this new book. This is Glyn’s second book, my first.
Read MoreHidden Wiltshire Podcast Episode 24
We then move on to the main subject – the River Till. This quintessential chalk winterbourne rises in Tilshead and flows all the way to Stapleford where it joins the Wylye. Many people quite understandably assume that Tilshead takes its name from the river. But this is not the case.
Read MoreThe Northern Isles
The pandemic that swept the globe in 2020 was a time of unimaginable suffering for so many. As if losing loved ones was not bad enough, millions lost their livelihoods and were condemned to months if not years of poverty and hardship. School children and university scholars lost some if not all of a year’s education, or lost opportunities they will never be able to reclaim. But for many people they were able to adapt their lives and experiment with different ways of living. For those of us in the “developed” world we had to get used to a more sustainable less hedonistic lifestyle less focused on consumption and self-gratification.
Read MoreHidden Wiltshire Podcast Episode 14
Something a bit different in this episode. Instead of talking about a particular walk we focus on something that is classic Wiltshire. Something that we’ve all seen right across the county. The ubiquitous Wiltshire Clump.
Read MoreHidden Wiltshire Podcast Episode 12
In this episode we explore the expanse of Fyfield Down, searching out both hidden natural and human phenomena. There was so much to see and find that we went twice, and in the process recorded our first outside broadcast. You’ll find a link to the podcast below.
Read MoreHidden Wiltshire Podcast Episode 11
This podcast involves a search for Kitt’s Grave in bandit country on the borders with Dorset and Hampshire. A story of historical fact or folklore? Or both?
Read MorePointless…
Snow is rare where I live. When it finally arrives I try to be prepared. To have in mind scenes where the landscape is stripped back to its simplest elements. I know this place intimately. It’s the nature reserve where I’m a volunteer. I’ve titled this image “Pointless…”.
Read MoreHidden Wiltshire Podcast Episode 2
The first episode of the Hidden Wiltshire was more successful than we imagined with around 500 listens. We’d have been happy with five! People from all over the world listened to it - Japan, Canada, USA, UAE, South Africa, several European countries as well as all across the UK. We were astonished.
Read MoreHidden Wiltshire Podcast Episode 1
What can you say about 2020 that hasn’t already been said a thousand times? An unforgettable year but a year to forget. But on a personal level there were many good things about it. I gained a nephew and even a great nephew (not in that order!), I visited a part of the UK that has been on my bucket list for a lifetime and now, right at the end of the year and at the beginning of the next, a new venture. A new experience.
Read MoreWho knows where the time goes?
I received an email from someone a few weeks ago asking if it was possible to buy a print of a photograph I had taken of a house that he had had recently bought. A friend of his had seen my photograph. I couldn’t think which image he was referring to and eventually I realised that it was on my Instagram feed. He also asked if he could see more examples of photographs I had taken in the west of England. At this point I realised that I had to knuckle down to a job I’ve been putting off since I built this website.
Read MoreA Tour Through The Hebrides
Normally the early autumn months would find me in France. However, in view of the current uncertainties of life, we decided not to go this year. Instead I realised a long held ambition to travel in the Western Isles of Scotland.
Read MoreHidden Wiltshire Blog - Searching for Kitt’s Grave (In Memory of Kay Chalk 1929-2019)
My latest blog for Hidden Wiltshire recalls a recent walk in the borders of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. It is a landscape of spectacular and varied scenery steeped in history. It takes in long barrows, ancient earthworks, a Roman road and even a little mystery.
Read MoreHidden Wiltshire Blog - Castle Combe and a Hint of Ancient History
As a long time resident of Wiltshire I’ve become fascinated by its ancient, as well as more modern, history. We have some of the world’s most famous monuments on our doorstep and many tourist honey traps. One such honey trap is Castle Combe, a picture postcard village of honey coloured stone cottages and its village centre Cross.
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