A Long Walk to Lyme
Released On 4th May 2025
Yeovil Town RRC’s Epic 31-Mile Hike on the Liberty Trail: Ham to Lyme
From Kev: On a sunny, invigorating day, members of Yeovil Town RRC and superguest Jenni Williams embarked on a memorable 31-mile trek along the Liberty Trail, stretching from Ham to Lyme. This remarkable journey was not only a test of endurance but also a celebration of nature’s beauty and camaraderie among the 18 enthusiastic participants.
**Setting Off on the Liberty Trail**
The Liberty Trail, steeped in historical significance, provided the perfect backdrop for this ambitious hike. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich flora, the trail begins at Ham Hill and winds its way to the coastal town of Lyme Regis. As the group set off, spirits were high, fueled by anticipation and the clear skies above.
We made great progress and hit 10 miles in 4 hours , Adam so kindly helped me with an early heel pain which i thought would become a problem ) , we were all looking forward to our pre arranged lunch stop at Gyle59 Brewery a small Micro Brewery hidden away and a real gem recommended by Tristram Clark ( thank you so much ).
At about 14 miles Ritchie Greengrow who is sensible and nursing an injured knee opted to leave group and shadow us in his car and Chris Greengrow declined a couple of offers to help carry rucksack and shes fresh back from night time event reverse London marathon.
As we meandered through track and trail getting closer to our well earnt break - multiple maps/ Google maps ( my error added at least 30 mins in a unnecessary detour ) to already sore feet and knees - my apologies.
We arrived at our Lunch point approximately 1415 and it was an absolute oasis for us and how wonderful Sue Mallinson and husband had cycled out to meet us . Tom the proprietor was an absolute star we had refreshments, burgers , chips and well earned rest ( longer than we wanted - but ironically it was the rejuvenation we needed , Chris at 20 miles opted to head back with Ritchie an incredible walk so close after recent London,
Well done .
One of the most delightful aspects of the journey was the ever-changing scenery. The participants were treated to panoramic views that stretched across verdant fields and picturesque valleys. The trail, adorned with a vibrant array of wildflowers and June Moule would occasionally stop to photograph and identify.
The hike was more than just a physical challenge; it was a chance to meet and connect with new members or just enjoy conversations that time doesn't always allow with friends we see infrequently. The camaraderie among the group was brilliant with each member encouraging one another to push forward , Sue Pritchard was carrying some really large blisters on both feet with 10 miles still to go but being a convert of David Goggins she wasn't giving in.
After hours of hiking, the picturesque town of Lyme Regis came into view.
We were late tired , various Family members were waiting to collect loved ones - so at this point we split into 2 groups , Those to Uplyme and carpark/ family waiting and others determed to cross Lyme finish line , The sense of accomplishment was immense as the group neared their destination. Tired yet triumphant, the participants concluded their journey at 31 miles , absolutely brilliant.
Remember Tom from Gyle59 Brewery?
Well he also had a Bistro bar in Lyme Regis and pizza menu, he'd very kindly offered to drop us all back to Uplyme carpark FOC , so we headed to have Pizza , beer , soft drinks and lick our wounds - funny thing was there was a lovely couple and their dog already there they'd walked about 7-8 miles that day all proud of themselves until we all walked in and knocked wind out of their sails , we had a lovely conversation and declared we're from YEOVIL TOWN RRC realised it was going to be a late one home .
The 31-mile trek from Ham to Lyme along the Liberty Trail was a testament to the determination and spirit of the Yeovil Town RRC members. It was an unforgettable adventure.
In the words of a participant, “It's amazing how a single day on the trail can bring so much joy and inspiration. We started as a group of hikers and ended as friends enriched by our shared experience of this memorable day.
Thanks si Steve Lye LyePaul Card Taryn Monks Mark Larcombe and Adam for past experience and navigation.
Massive Congratulations to Sue , who with 10 miles remaining had an uncomfortable few hours, Mel Cox Cox Cox Cox hope the recce hasn't created route anxiety for the event Gemma Murley still recovering from Reverse London marathon, you were amazing alongSarah Farrant , Sarah Pailing Amanda Travers and Katie Stokeswho never stops smiling .
Thanks so much everyone I think we made it a fabulous event , who knows? 2026 anyone.
Kids Cross-country
From Adam: Primary Schools Cross Country Inter-Area Races
This Wednesday 7th May first race - 5.00pm
Yeovil Recreation Centre
Any help any time between 3.00 and 6.00 gratefully appreciated
Thanks Adam
Runaway Train 8.5 miles
From Matt: May the Fourth race at Shepton Mallet, for the Runaway Train 8.5 miles.
Shepton Mallet is a funny place, you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. I was to be cautious. Registration was open nice and early and while they were friendly enough, someone did say “I don’t like you…my friend doesn’t like you either”, but I left them to it and went and checked out the race route – I studied the plans and I think I found a weakness, which gave me a new hope!
Then I wandered down to the start, where it was colder than the Ice Planet Hoth and if I’d had a handy Tauntaun, I would have cut it open and made a coat. Fortunately, I’d timed things correctly and there wasn’t long to wait before we were off. May the Force be with us all!
The race starts with a stupidly steep hill that everyone runs for 20 yards, and then gives up and walks. But after that it’s a good test of hills up and down. Running down Ham Woods Gorge is beautiful, not a lot different to Beggars Canyon back home.
After that, another hill. I started thinking about us runners: We seem to be made to suffer. It's our lot in life.
Reaching the hill fort at the top, we were once again met by a lone piper, kilt and all, although I was disappointed not to have the Cantina Band. One of the marshalls said “Its not over yet” to which I replied “It is for me, sister. Look, I ain't in this for your revolution, and I'm not in it for you, Princess. I'm in it for the little wooden medal”.
At this point your mileage time looks really bad as you’ve mainly been running very steep hills. Now I have made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs. I've outrun Imperial starships. Not the local bulk cruisers mind you, I'm talking about the big Corellian ships now. I’m fast enough for you, old man. But the second half is mainly downhill, so faster, but when I tried to go to hyperspace my legs said “no”. It’s not my fault, its not my fault.
At last the final mile is reached and a quick sprint up steps and I was finished! I think I’ve beaten my event pb time from the previous couple of years, but even running as fast as I could, I had to let the Wookie win.
Having finished, I’m off to a Teddy Bears party, where I’m hoping to be worshipped like a god! Happy Star Wars Day!
North Dorset Village Relay
From Jo: Four of us ladies set of for the North Dorset Village Relay this morning. We had no expectations, no pressure & a team agreement just to run & enjoy it. Linda Membury had planned our logistics with military precision (for those in the know, it can be complicated!!) & it all went according to plan with ease. Ann Grace set us off on the first leg, smashing it straight up the hill!! She sets a great pace throughout & passed the baton seamlessly to Sharon Hardy. Poor Sharon, still battered & bruises from her fall last week & tiredness in her legs from London Reverse Marathon, took on the hilliest leg for us & she breezed though fantastically in the hot conditions as if last weekend never happened. Next was onto me & although the longest leg (just!!) I was lucky enough to have the flattest leg (ironic considering all the hill rep sessions I take!!), & despite the tiredness of a long day at the football in London yesterday (& yes, my team did loose ) I loved it. Although I did feel a little guilty picking off all the marathon runners . Next onto Linda who wanted to race home over the finish line to take the glory & boy didn’t she take the glory, flying over the line to discover we had bagged ourselves “3rd Female Team”. We were all totally made up with this as, as I said at the start, we had no expectations .
Well done to all the other relay & marathon runners out there today, especially Andy Lambert on his first marathon .
Bluebell Bash Half Marathon
From Margarita: All for the bluebells. So Bluebell Bash Half marathon today. The one where Tracy Symes talked me into it, okay it didn't take much talking just 'i'm doing this half, you can have a lift' . It was lovely to see Sandra Levett and Claire Church who were doing the 10km, to see the bluebells. Tracy and I chatted at the start about just doing it to see the bluebells. We started out uphill, always great for a half and then ran together, chatting and laughing and going 'oh another hill'. All in all a fab morning, fab company, fab sunshine and saw some fab bluebells All in all not bad for a May half marathon.
Park Runs
From Mafalda: Another Saturday, another Parkrun tourism for me and Mr Watson Once again we drove down to Devon, this time for Exmouth Parkrun. Nice, flat, by the seafront 2 lap course. We did not forget our club vests. The weather was amazing, sunny and hot.
From Margarita: A few of us at The Great Field parkrun this morning.
Weekend Running
From Tina: Sunday morning inbetweeners- 5 of us on the treacle eater loop in reverse . Beautiful weather and company. I took a tumble about 8 miles in, not paying attention to my feet! Thank you for the delicious cake Lesley.
From Ali: Sunday 10K social run this sunny morning. Taking in a few hills around Ninesprings and Stoford. Followed by some yummy cake from Lesley.
From Tim: Cavity trays Saturday run found Tim leading his harem on a route with some trail and obligatory mud and the joy of a hill that is Stone Lane. Yet again great running from all and superb company and chatter. Honey was there too but was feeling camera shy.
From Tim: The groans from the six of us as we left the football ground and turned down Balls Hill and the muttering where is Joanna Samuel. Off into the countryside looking for hills to fartlek up and down. Robert Adams soon found an excuse to dissappear, something about running a marathon but so had Chris Greengrow. Welcome Tham on your first hills session and we'll done all. Jo is back next week.
PUB RUN – LIMINGTON – (1ST MAY 2025)
From Mark: Tonight I did a short hike with Debbie and Rachael. Leaving the pub, we walked down the road towards Ilchester. I missed my intended turning point, so had to improvise an alternative route. We turned left at the edge of the village. The lane became a track, and we crossed two fields. Turning left at the end of the second field we continued along a path, and turned left again. This very rutted track brought us back up to the pub. The food was good. Thanks Phil for organising.
From Ann: Would not be a Bungy Williams trail run with out a bit of fun and getting a little lost . The cows were definitely very interested in us made it all the more interesting. My self Matthew Bambury and bungy were in the faster group with jc and Louise Ward in the slitley slower group and Rachael Jones and Debbie Rennard walking and of course Phil Mac Quaid solo running and fez waiting for us in the pub as he ran early in the day. With a great meal after at the lamb and lark. Was a really nice evening with great company.
