THROUGH NORTH DEVON AND SOMERSET. 201 



vicinity of Hawkridge the scenery is truly beautiful, 

 and at Castle Bridge, where the waters of the Danes 

 Brook meet and mingle with those of the Barle, the 

 visitor may pause for awhile and contemplate the 

 beauties of nature. Here, seated beneath the mag- 

 nificent and widely- spreading beech, which throws its 

 shade over part of two counties, and dips into three 

 several parishes, he can watch the trout leap, startle 

 the game, and, if he wanders amidst the heather, 

 awaken the blackcock from his nest in the brown 

 heather; and if good-fortune befalls him, he may 

 happen on a noble stag or a sleek hind in the deep 

 shade of the densely- wooded combes which slope down 

 to the banks of the river. Within a short distance he 

 would come upon Torr Steps Druidical stepping- 

 stones forming a bridge across a broad and deep bend 

 of the river Barle ; a romantic spot certainly, worthy 

 of the special notice of painter, poet, and tourist, who 

 may wander in many lands before they find so grand 

 a piece of sylvan scenery. Another lovely drive may 

 be had by traversing Winsford Hill, passing through 

 Comber Gate and making for Exford. The entire 

 length of this route is a grand and far-reaching 

 panorama of undulating country, extending in one 

 direction to Dartmoor, with hill and dale, meadow 

 and moorland, densely-wooded combes and sparkling 

 rivulets ; whilst on the other side the view extends 

 over the Brendon Hills to Nettlecombe, with the 

 Quantox Hills in the far-off distance. Leaving Dulver- 

 ton, the line of railway passes through or near to 

 Morebath, Wiveliscombe, and Milverton, landing the 

 traveller again at Taunton, from whence, supposing 

 him to be desirous of reaching London, he can travel 



