Why Saltash walkers were bounced on stones around the town

Being picked up by your neighbours and bumped onto a lump of stone is not most people’s idea of a Saturday stroll. In Saltash, the places sold out.

Saltash Town Council welcomed a sell-out crowd to this year’s Beating the Bounds last Saturday (3 October), with walkers setting off on a five-mile route around the edge of the town.

📷Credit: Saltash Town Council

A five-mile lap of the Saltash boundary

The walk follows the town boundary of Saltash from stone to stone. The town council describes it as a centuries-old tradition, one that helps preserve knowledge of where the boundary runs and seeks blessings for the town.

Every boundary stone along the route was visited. And at each one, the traditional “bouncing” took place, with photos from the day showing walkers being hoisted onto the stones by the people around them.

Martin Lister led the walk. Saltash Rotary Club marshalled the route, and the council’s Service Delivery Team had been out beforehand making sure the stones were maintained and could be reached.

📷Credit: Saltash Town Council

A stand-in Town Crier and a blessing

Cllr Pete Samuels stepped in as Town Crier for the day, delivering a traditional cry to the assembled walkers.

Revd Laura Bushell Hawke blessed the boundary stones as the group made its way round.

📷Credit: Saltash Town Council

Homemade scones at Isambard House

The five miles ended with a cream tea at Isambard House. The scones were homemade by Cllr Brenda Samuels, who was thanked by the town council along with everyone who helped on the day.

In a post after the event, the council said: “Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make this much-loved community tradition such a fantastic success.”

📷Credit: Saltash Town Council

📷Credit: Saltash Town Council

📷Credit: Saltash Town Council

📷Credit: Saltash Town Council

📷Credit: Saltash Town Council

📷Credit: Saltash Town Council

📷Credit: Saltash Town Council