Full Description
Three
distinctive Somerset regions are covered in this
guide: the Bristol Channel coast and the
characteristically wooded combes of the Quantock Hills National Landscape; the
stunning limestone grassland and deep, rocky gorges of the Mendip Hills
National Landscape; and the low-lying marsh and meres of the Somerset Wetlands
National Nature Reserve.
From
Kilve, after a visit to the pretty hamlet of East
Quantoxhead, the walk takes to the King Charles III England Coast
Path, with rock-pooling possibilities on the beach. Deeper into the Quantocks,
walks explore the parkland around Wordsworth's former home, visit the giant
Douglas firs and veteran oaks of Great Wood, and take to a gentle ascent of
Cothelstone Hill for far-reaching views over the Bristol Channel.
While
the attractions at Cheddar and Wookey Hole may tempt you into some cave
exploration, above ground the walks in this guide lead you to magnificent
viewpoints over the great natural wonders of Ebbor and Cheddar gorges. The
ecclesiastical centres of Glastonbury
and Wells have attracted pilgrims for centuries, and you can follow in their
footsteps around the best of each town's heritage sites.
The
tour of Ham Wall Nature Reserve provides the perfect introduction to Somerset's
wetlands, while climbing to the top of mystical Glastonbury Tor gives a
wonderful bird's-eye view over the Levels.
Contents
Kilve
Beach
This is a delightful walk along
easy-to-follow paths that visits several interesting buildings such as the Oil
Retort House, medieval St Mary's Church and chantry at Kilve, and the charming,
thatched estate cottages and millpond of East Quantoxhead.
It is a gently undulating route that crosses farmland on the outward leg and
follows the coast path on the return, giving far-reaching views across the
Bristol Channel to South Wales. Kilve Beach
offers plentiful opportunities for fossil-hunting and rock-pooling.
Pretty
hamlet of East Quantoxhead; rock-pooling on Kilve Beach
Alfoxton
Park
Alfoxton Park House was the home of William
Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, for twelve months in the 1790s. The house
stands in a large park that is home to ancient trees, the wildlife that lives
in them and which inspired Wordworth's romantic poetry. This walk along the
house's drive and up through the woodland is mainly under the canopy of veteran
trees, with occasional far-reaching views across the Bristol Channel and
benches well placed to enjoy them.
Woodland and parkland walk; ancient trees; Wordsworth's house
Great
Wood
Great Wood is a Forestry England woodland
that is a mix of towering Douglas firs and
oaks, with areas of mixed native broadleaf trees. This route follows their 'red
walk' along wide forestry tracks with wildflower edges, partially waymarked
with white arrows on a red background. The large picnic and barbecue field and
parking around it get busy during holiday periods, but the rides remain quiet.
There are several benches along the route.
Giant
Douglas fir trees and majestic oaks; enjoy a family picnic
Cothelstone
Hill
A gentle ascent leads past the 'Seven
Sisters' beech trees to the top of Cothelstone Hill, with far-reaching views in
all directions. After this, the path narrows and drops into mixed native
woodland. It passes through tall grass on one small section, which might be wet
after rain. To avoid this, you can circle around the top of the hill and return
on the same path used to ascend. You may find Exmoor
ponies sharing the hill with you.
Gentle
climb to great long-distance views; tumulus; Exmoor
ponies
Ham
Wall Nature Reserve
This almost totally flat walk explores the
canal and lakes of the RSPB Ham Wall reserve. Views extend across the Somerset
Levels to distant hills, including Glastonbury Tor. Hides provide areas to sit
and watch the wildlife, including otters, water voles, and birds. A
wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leads right through the reeds, and there is a
children's play area as well as picnic benches. Other trails provide the option
to extend the walk.
The
perfect introduction to the Somerset
Levels; birds; wetland wildlife
Glastonbury
Tor
You can experience Glastonbury's unique 'alternative' vibes and
the views from the top of the tor on this popular walk. Glastonbury Tor is a
'Marilyn' - a hill that is at least 150 metres (nearly 500 ft) above the rest
of the landscape. There is no way to avoid the effort of climbing it if you
want to experience this ancient hill and landscape. The tor is a popular
destination and likely to be busy with visitors all year.
Extensive
views; abbey, Rural Life Museum and Chalice Well Garden
Wells
to Tor Hill
This lovely walk takes in some of the most
significant sights in one of England's
smallest cities, including the Bishop's Palace and moat, the market place and
town hall, and the medieval tithe barn. It then heads off-road to explore local
woodlands that are managed for conservation. A climb offers views over the
Somerset Levels to Glastonbury Tor before the route drops across fields to
return to the town along the edge of parkland, with views to the cathedral.
Accessible
park stroll, cathedral views; tithe barn; Bishop's Palace
Ebbor
Gorge and Wookey Hole
This is a walk of two halves. The first is a
long uphill climb, mainly across limestone grassland, during which you can stop
to admire the flowers, butterflies and far-reaching views while catching your
breath. Close to the top of the ridge, the path is flat for a while before
descending through verdant broadleaf woodland to a spectacular viewing point
for Ebbor Gorge. After that, it returns to the village under a canopy of trees.
Wonderful
cave system; limestone grassland; deep-cut, wooded gorge
Cheddar
Gorge
This walk soon loses Cheddar's crowds as it
climbs steeply to the top of the gorge. The path is largely under trees on the
north side, with a spectacular viewpoint. A flight of steps down into the gorge
precedes a steep climb up a rocky path. The route is more open on the south
side, with more views and another flight of steps back into Cheddar. This is
the most challenging walk in the book. Nevertheless, it is popular with
non-hikers and families.
Spectacular
gorge and caves; stunning views; cheeseboard delight
Blagdon
Lake
This is a mostly easy walk, taking you down
an old sunken path to Blagdon
Lake, over the dam and
along the far shore, returning across the dam and up the lane back to the
village. There are benches along the shoreline, ideal for enjoying a picnic
while savouring the view across the water and observing the lake's wildlife.
Park at lake level if you would prefer a totally flat walk, or to make it
pushchair and wheelchair friendly.
Lovely
reservoir stroll; water birds, dragonflies; historic pumping station
