With Bristol surrounded by beautiful countryside in nearly all directions, people living in the city are spoilt for choice when it comes to visiting a village for a pub lunch, walk or simply a gander. But in the tiny village of Compton Dando, close to Keynsham, I believe we have a winner.
I first came across the parish of fewer than 600 people when walking the Monarch’s Way several years ago - and to be honest, it was like going back in time. At its centre is the stone building pub called The Compton Inn, where a walled front beer gardens allows drinkers to gaze at walkers and cyclists going by.
Immediately opposite the pub is a red phone box, now a village library, a post box and a busy community notice board. Next to these is a track running up to the village’s 14th Century St Mary’s Church, which is surrounded by fields with horses grazing.
With little motor traffic, it’s the place you can sit and watch the world go by, slowly. And when you’ve finished that, you can pull your hiking boots back on and take one of the many footpaths which go out from this small village into the surrounding Chew Valley.
1. Village centre
Signposts point the way with the 14th Century St Mary’s Church in the background. The church is of Gothic style and open around the year for visitors. A footpath goes through the graveyard.
2. War memorial
A war memorial at the village centre reminds us of the sacrifice local families made with some losing many young men.
3. The Compton Inn
The Compton Inn is recommended. Either stop for a quick cider or ale, or sit down for a ploughmans, hot sandwich or, my favourite, the cheesy chips. Slight warning, it isn’t cheap!
4. Perfect stop off
Tea in the beer garden of The Compton Inn provides a perfect stop off on a walk through the village