The second part of our walk from Litton took us alongside two small reservoirs. The first one of these was built in 1846 and the second 4 years later.
The labourers used to build them were mainly from Ireland. They were mostly Catholics and caused quite a stir locally when the parish church was used for mass.
They are now the home to a variety of wildfowl and are also used for the breeding of fish.
This next photo looks back down onto the lower lake from the bank of the dam for the upper reservoir and also shows quite a different light on the lake.
The lakes were known as compensation reservoirs. Their purpose was to retain water when the Bristol waterworks drew water from the springs further up the River Chew at Chewton Mendip. It ensured that there was always adequate water for local use.
It was a great day for good reflections across the water as we walked on around the second lake.
The warning notices were clearly displayed at points all along the path. I was particularly curious about these because one of our local GPs had told me during the heatwave that he had been swimming in Litton reservoir the day before. Does he know something we don't or is he just foolhardy? Seems pretty clear to me.
The walk ended back in Litton where we passed one house that was well decorated for Halloween.
Hopefully we will have as good weather when we return to do the walk with my walking group.
That looks lovely ... but I agree that sign would deter me from dipping in the water there. Maybe he really is able to make an informed medical decision. Rather him than me!
ReplyDeleteWe have some beautiful reservoirs in this area and the waterfowl are very diverse and great to watch.
Your reflections are great. Perhaps we will see more when you go back again.
It's hard to imagine a more beautiful walk than the one you have planned!
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