Beating the bounds is an ancient custom still observed in parts of England and Wales which traditionally involved swatting local landmarks with branches to maintain a shared mental map of parish boundaries, usually every seven years.
Walking the boundary of the Octagon Parish is quite a hike (18.5 miles!), so we will be taking a shorter route and enjoying the availability of good refreshments as we go!
– start at the Hare and Hounds in Stoughton at 11am.
– a stop at St Michael’s Up Marden for a packed lunch – please remember to bring your own! (2.25 miles)
– a brief break for tea at Compton, location yet to be confirmed, but either at Compton Shop, the Parish Room or the Vicarage (3.6 miles)
– a replenishing drink at The Victoria Inn at West Marden (5 miles)
– a further replenishing drink at The Barley Mow in Walderton (7.7 miles)
– finishing up with a much-deserved final refreshing drink at The Hare and Hounds in Stoughton – finish time expected to be around (9.2 miles)
Dogs are welcome, but please be aware that this is a long hike and may be too far for many. As lambs and sheep are plentiful at this time of the year, dogs will have to be kept on a lead for most of the route.
If you can’t make it this time, never fear we plan to explore the remaining parish boundaries later in the year.
Author: Administrator
The Octagon Parish administrator
