Quantocks, Mendips and Somerset Levels: (OS Short Walks Made Easy)

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.

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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