West Country Walks
Step into a world of wonderful walks, enthusiastically guided by staff here at GTH. Whether it’s a woodland ramble, a meander through the manicured grounds of a stately home, or a yomp across windswept cliffs, there is sure to be a walk that you might like to experience for yourself. So, grab your walking boots and follow along!
1. Knightshayes Court, Tiverton
By Laura Polley, Associate, Planning Consultant, Taunton
One of my favourite weekend activities is getting out and exploring the Somerset and Devon countryside with my husband and our two children. We are lucky enough as a family to be National Trust members.
Most weekends we try to go to a different property to get some fresh air and exercise. Choosing a favourite was tough! One of our favourite walks is Knightshayes Court near Tiverton.
There is always lots to do for the children with plenty of trees to climb and slopes to roll down. They love spotting the fish in the pond and jumping in puddles when it has been raining. There are often different themed trails and activities such as at Christmas, Easter and during the summer holidays. My son loves following the trail maps and leading the way.
There are beautiful views across the ha-ha and the countryside back towards Tiverton, and the woodland walk is very tranquil with a wide variety of trees and plants. We often walk around the woodland and the kitchen gardens but there is a circular parkland walk for those who like a longer walk and have a bit more time.
No visit to a National Trust property is complete without a cup of tea and a piece of cake in the Stable Café - which is often well earned after a good walk!
2. Neroche Forest, Buckland St Mary, Chard
By Jeff White, Surveyor, Yeovil office
For me there is nothing better than a healthy, relaxing, mindful walk in the woods. For those of us who live in the old South Somerset area, one of the best known destinations is likely to be Neroche Forest and its surrounding woodland. Managed by Forestry England and Somerset Wildlife Trust they are part of, and surrounded by, SSSIs and the Blackdown Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now National Landscapes).
Once booted up you can simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, admire some long distance views, or contemplate the significance of the Iron Age fort on the top of Neroche. Equally, you could challenge yourself to a more gruelling romp along well marked routes. Solo outings can be very relaxing and blow away the cobwebs, whilst family gatherings tend to build enduring memories, especially when caught on camera. My grown up kids still enjoy regularly visiting the scene of some of their best childhood memories on the Blackdowns.
Dog lovers also favour the area for its everyday scenery and wildlife, even when disrupted by the occasional blanket of snow. If you enjoy foraging for wild food, then there are wonderful opportunities to collect fungi which appear from the summer into the winter (and all year round for the more accomplished mycology enthusiast). Nuts, especially hazelnuts and chestnuts can be found inabundance at a few readily accessible spots. Birdwatchers are spoilt for choice all year round when it comes to locations, habitats and the variety of species found on the hills.
And after all the effort it’s hard to resist the lure of one of the many local Inns for a well-earned pint and a plate of hearty fare.
3. Staple Hill, Blackdown Hills
By Philip Hodgkin, Partner, Chard office
This downhill walk is designed to be family friendly on ‘little legs’ and ‘tired legs’ following a New Year’s Eve party or similar exertions! For this walk, you will need two cars as the walk starts from Staple Hill car park, between the Eagle Tavern crossroads and The Holman Clavel pub.
The walk starts from a Forestry Commission designated car park and traverses North West, partly on stone tracks along the top of the escarpment known as Staple Hill, and then partly through the conifer woods.
In places, there are far reaching views to the North, over the Taunton Vale, looking towards North Somerset and the Mendip Hills. After 850m or so, the path meets up with a bridle path running East to West. Take a right turn (East), down a steep hill which has seen many biking casualties! Beware of the gate lower down the track, which then signals the end of the bridle path and the start of Underhill Lane, which is a single track dead end road leading all the way to The Greyhound pub at Staple Fitzpaine.
For those wanting to go a little further to work up a thirst, there is a detour off to the left, after walking about 250m down Underhill Lane. Follow the East Deane Way to the West, then North, through Staple Park Wood, then back to the East, past Staple Park Farm, at which points the path runs into the public highway all the way to the Greyhound pub.
Once refreshments run dry, the second car is needed to drive back up to the car park to retrieve the first car!
4. Somerton, Long Sutton - Somerton Circular Walk
By Kerry Lucas, Administrator, Langport office
This is one of my favourite Spring time walks where you see lambs, daffodils and bluebells and all the hedgerows and trees springing into life. This walk is stunning on a crisp, bright Spring day with amazing views and pretty villages.
This walk starts at Polham Lane, Somerton, and heads out towards Knole using country lanes and footpaths – just outside Somerton (Highbrooks Road) you pick up a footpath which passes through a beautiful small coppice area. When you reach the hamlet of Knole you walk past the beautiful Knole Mill and the Mill Stream and plenty of ‘chocolate box’ cottages. You can either stick to the country lane and head towards Long Sutton or go up to Knole Hill where you have beautiful views towards Ilchester, Stoke-sub-Hamdon and Martock. Knole Hill is a good stop off point for a drink and a snack!
Once through Knole you pass The Devonshire Arms in Long Sutton which is another good refreshment stop. It’s also worth having a look at the lovely parish church located on the village green. The walk continues along Shute Lane, at the end of which you head along a footpath which takes you through a beautiful orchard. You then walk along Mundys Court Lane heading back towards Somerton through another pretty woodland area which is so peaceful then along Windyridge Lane, where you have more stunning views across Somerton towards High Ham and Compton Dundon. At the end of Windyridge Lane you head back into Somerton along Sutton Road and back to your starting point.
The walk is about 8 miles in total – if taking a dog then for the majority of the walk it would need to be on lead due to livestock and country roads.
5. Westward Ho! to Greencliff and Abbotsham
By Curtis Braddick, Negotiator, Barnstaple office
Should you feel the whole 630 mile South West Coastal Path from Minehead to Dorset is going to be slightly too much of a challenge, then the stretch from Westward Ho! to Greencliff and Abbotsham is a fantastic (and much shorter) alternative. Start off by parking at Seafield Car Park in Westward Ho! and join the footpath immediately from here. This walk is a perfect example of both coastal and rural scenery for roughly 5.5 miles, with the slight possibility of spotting some dolphins along the way, however, the sight of sheep is more guaranteed!
You can branch off quite early on this walk and head up through Kipling Tors, where you’ll find an old hut known locally as ‘The Look Out’ providing stunning panoramic views to Hartland Point and Saunton.
Back down the footpath towards Greencliff, there is a mix of terrain and should this walk be done in the winter months, I would recommend wearing footwear you do not mind getting muddy! My favourite time of year for this walk is summer, especially when the sun is setting, disappearing behind the sea.
There are three options when you reach Greencliff; you can either go through the local village of Abbotsham and loop back around to Westward Ho! by going up over Abbotsham Cliffs and via an area called Cornborugh, or turn back and retrace your steps instead. The third option is to carry on, where you will find yourself at Portledge. However, it’s worth remembering that you still have to walk back!
All routes end with an opportunity to have a drink and a snack
at the pub.
6. Dundon Beacon, Compton Dundon
By Marl Richards, Planning Partner, Taunton office
Living in Somerset means I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to spectacular walking routes. But one of my favourites is the walk up to Dundon Beacon in Compton Dundon.
Dundon Beacon was once the site of an Iron Age hill fort, standing high above the surrounding and low lying Somerset Levels. Although most signs of the ancient fort are no longer obvious (at least not to me!), the raised defensive ramparts around the edge of the plateau are still there for all to see and provide a wonderful point from which to look out for miles across the surrounding landscape.
It’s a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, but the spring and summer months are particularly special when the plateau is covered in beautiful wildflowers. It’s also rich in wildlife with birds, butterflies, rabbits and lots of other creatures easily seen. And best of all, with very few visitors you often feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
The walk up to the beacon from the village is fairly steep and can be slippery in places when it’s wet. But I promise it is absolutely worth the effort.
If you’re feeling particularly energetic I would also highly recommend the nearby walk up Lollover Hill to the West. Again you will be rewarded with amazing views across the Levels towards the Bristol Channel. Enjoy.
1. Knightshayes Court, Tiverton
By Laura Polley, Associate, Planning Consultant, Taunton
One of my favourite weekend activities is getting out and exploring the Somerset and Devon countryside with my husband and our two children. We are lucky enough as a family to be National Trust members.
Most weekends we try to go to a different property to get some fresh air and exercise. Choosing a favourite was tough! One of our favourite walks is Knightshayes Court near Tiverton.
There is always lots to do for the children with plenty of trees to climb and slopes to roll down. They love spotting the fish in the pond and jumping in puddles when it has been raining. There are often different themed trails and activities such as at Christmas, Easter and during the summer holidays. My son loves following the trail maps and leading the way.
There are beautiful views across the ha-ha and the countryside back towards Tiverton, and the woodland walk is very tranquil with a wide variety of trees and plants. We often walk around the woodland and the kitchen gardens but there is a circular parkland walk for those who like a longer walk and have a bit more time.
No visit to a National Trust property is complete without a cup of tea and a piece of cake in the Stable Café - which is often well earned after a good walk!
2. Neroche Forest, Buckland St Mary, Chard
By Jeff White, Surveyor, Yeovil office
For me there is nothing better than a healthy, relaxing, mindful walk in the woods. For those of us who live in the old South Somerset area, one of the best known destinations is likely to be Neroche Forest and its surrounding woodland. Managed by Forestry England and Somerset Wildlife Trust they are part of, and surrounded by, SSSIs and the Blackdown Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now National Landscapes).
Once booted up you can simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, admire some long distance views, or contemplate the significance of the Iron Age fort on the top of Neroche. Equally, you could challenge yourself to a more gruelling romp along well marked routes. Solo outings can be very relaxing and blow away the cobwebs, whilst family gatherings tend to build enduring memories, especially when caught on camera. My grown up kids still enjoy regularly visiting the scene of some of their best childhood memories on the Blackdowns.
Dog lovers also favour the area for its everyday scenery and wildlife, even when disrupted by the occasional blanket of snow. If you enjoy foraging for wild food, then there are wonderful opportunities to collect fungi which appear from the summer into the winter (and all year round for the more accomplished mycology enthusiast). Nuts, especially hazelnuts and chestnuts can be found inabundance at a few readily accessible spots. Birdwatchers are spoilt for choice all year round when it comes to locations, habitats and the variety of species found on the hills.
And after all the effort it’s hard to resist the lure of one of the many local Inns for a well-earned pint and a plate of hearty fare.
3. Staple Hill, Blackdown Hills
By Philip Hodgkin, Partner, Chard office
This downhill walk is designed to be family friendly on ‘little legs’ and ‘tired legs’ following a New Year’s Eve party or similar exertions! For this walk, you will need two cars as the walk starts from Staple Hill car park, between the Eagle Tavern crossroads and The Holman Clavel pub.
The walk starts from a Forestry Commission designated car park and traverses North West, partly on stone tracks along the top of the escarpment known as Staple Hill, and then partly through the conifer woods.
In places, there are far reaching views to the North, over the Taunton Vale, looking towards North Somerset and the Mendip Hills. After 850m or so, the path meets up with a bridle path running East to West. Take a right turn (East), down a steep hill which has seen many biking casualties! Beware of the gate lower down the track, which then signals the end of the bridle path and the start of Underhill Lane, which is a single track dead end road leading all the way to The Greyhound pub at Staple Fitzpaine.
For those wanting to go a little further to work up a thirst, there is a detour off to the left, after walking about 250m down Underhill Lane. Follow the East Deane Way to the West, then North, through Staple Park Wood, then back to the East, past Staple Park Farm, at which points the path runs into the public highway all the way to the Greyhound pub.
Once refreshments run dry, the second car is needed to drive back up to the car park to retrieve the first car!
4. Somerton, Long Sutton - Somerton Circular Walk
By Kerry Lucas, Administrator, Langport office
This is one of my favourite Spring time walks where you see lambs, daffodils and bluebells and all the hedgerows and trees springing into life. This walk is stunning on a crisp, bright Spring day with amazing views and pretty villages.
This walk starts at Polham Lane, Somerton, and heads out towards Knole using country lanes and footpaths – just outside Somerton (Highbrooks Road) you pick up a footpath which passes through a beautiful small coppice area. When you reach the hamlet of Knole you walk past the beautiful Knole Mill and the Mill Stream and plenty of ‘chocolate box’ cottages. You can either stick to the country lane and head towards Long Sutton or go up to Knole Hill where you have beautiful views towards Ilchester, Stoke-sub-Hamdon and Martock. Knole Hill is a good stop off point for a drink and a snack!
Once through Knole you pass The Devonshire Arms in Long Sutton which is another good refreshment stop. It’s also worth having a look at the lovely parish church located on the village green. The walk continues along Shute Lane, at the end of which you head along a footpath which takes you through a beautiful orchard. You then walk along Mundys Court Lane heading back towards Somerton through another pretty woodland area which is so peaceful then along Windyridge Lane, where you have more stunning views across Somerton towards High Ham and Compton Dundon. At the end of Windyridge Lane you head back into Somerton along Sutton Road and back to your starting point.
The walk is about 8 miles in total – if taking a dog then for the majority of the walk it would need to be on lead due to livestock and country roads.
5. Westward Ho! to Greencliff and Abbotsham
By Curtis Braddick, Negotiator, Barnstaple office
Should you feel the whole 630 mile South West Coastal Path from Minehead to Dorset is going to be slightly too much of a challenge, then the stretch from Westward Ho! to Greencliff and Abbotsham is a fantastic (and much shorter) alternative. Start off by parking at Seafield Car Park in Westward Ho! and join the footpath immediately from here. This walk is a perfect example of both coastal and rural scenery for roughly 5.5 miles, with the slight possibility of spotting some dolphins along the way, however, the sight of sheep is more guaranteed!
You can branch off quite early on this walk and head up through Kipling Tors, where you’ll find an old hut known locally as ‘The Look Out’ providing stunning panoramic views to Hartland Point and Saunton.
Back down the footpath towards Greencliff, there is a mix of terrain and should this walk be done in the winter months, I would recommend wearing footwear you do not mind getting muddy! My favourite time of year for this walk is summer, especially when the sun is setting, disappearing behind the sea.
There are three options when you reach Greencliff; you can either go through the local village of Abbotsham and loop back around to Westward Ho! by going up over Abbotsham Cliffs and via an area called Cornborugh, or turn back and retrace your steps instead. The third option is to carry on, where you will find yourself at Portledge. However, it’s worth remembering that you still have to walk back!
All routes end with an opportunity to have a drink and a snack
at the pub.
6. Dundon Beacon, Compton Dundon
By Marl Richards, Planning Partner, Taunton office
Living in Somerset means I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to spectacular walking routes. But one of my favourites is the walk up to Dundon Beacon in Compton Dundon.
Dundon Beacon was once the site of an Iron Age hill fort, standing high above the surrounding and low lying Somerset Levels. Although most signs of the ancient fort are no longer obvious (at least not to me!), the raised defensive ramparts around the edge of the plateau are still there for all to see and provide a wonderful point from which to look out for miles across the surrounding landscape.
It’s a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, but the spring and summer months are particularly special when the plateau is covered in beautiful wildflowers. It’s also rich in wildlife with birds, butterflies, rabbits and lots of other creatures easily seen. And best of all, with very few visitors you often feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
The walk up to the beacon from the village is fairly steep and can be slippery in places when it’s wet. But I promise it is absolutely worth the effort.
If you’re feeling particularly energetic I would also highly recommend the nearby walk up Lollover Hill to the West. Again you will be rewarded with amazing views across the Levels towards the Bristol Channel. Enjoy.