Windmills in the Sky

Walton Windmill - Walton Hill, Walton, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_1353

Walton Windmill – Walton Hill, Walton, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_1353

There are several windmills in the Somerset but probably the best known are Stembridge, Walton and Ashton mills.

Stembridge

In South Somerset up on the top High Ham is Stembridge Mill.

I found it difficult to get a good angle for a picture of the Stembridge Tower.  The National Trust land was closed because of Covid-19.  A neighbouring house had a garden full of oxeye daisies that would have made a great foreground.  But this is not the time to knock on a stranger’s door.

Stembridge Tower Mill - High Ham, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_3418

Stembridge Tower Mill – High Ham, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_3418

This was the best I could do from the road.

Walton

This mill is high on a ridge next to a busy road.

Windmill Farm - Walton Hill, Street, Somerset, UK. ID 805_5274

Windmill Farm – Walton Hill, Street, Somerset, UK. ID 805_5274

It is exposed to the winds that cut across the wide open Levels below.

Looking up to Walton Hill, Butleigh Moor, Nr Street, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_3366

Looking up to Walton Hill, Butleigh Moor, Nr Street, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_3366

Ashton Windmill

This is a design classic.  The type of mill where Windy Miller from the children’s TV series Camberwick Green would live.

Ashton Windmill - Chapel Allerton, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_9170P2

Ashton Windmill – Chapel Allerton, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_9170P2

Ashton windmill - Chapel Allerton, Somerset, UK. ID 804_8666

Ashton windmill – Chapel Allerton, Somerset, UK. ID 804_8666

Long Gone

Many windmills have disappeared but they are remembered in place names such as Windmill Hill at Westbury-sub-Mendip.  It is easy to imagine a windmill sitting on this top.

Windmill Hill - Westbury-sub-Mendip, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_5000

Windmill Hill – Westbury-sub-Mendip, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_5000

In fact, small hills are dotted all around the landscape – each little ‘island’ could be perfect for a windmill.

Islands in the mist - Westbury-sub-Mendip, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_4232

Islands in the mist – Westbury-sub-Mendip, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_4232

Skies

Windmills need wind, and that means big skies, and the Somerset Levels delivers some really big skies.

Nyland Hill - Nr Cheddar, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_9156P2

Nyland Hill – Nr Cheddar, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_9156P2

This year we have had some beautiful blue skies.  But even in the summer a storm can pass through.

Wind in the Willows - Westhay, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_7176

Wind in the Willows – Westhay, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_7176

And Finally…

There is always someone watching.

Cattle on Harter's Hill - Coxley, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_7210

Cattle on Harter’s Hill – Coxley, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_7210

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