It’s finally here, the bank holiday weekend we’ve been thinking about since Christmas.
While Easter can be chilly, on May 1 the weather is generally mild (if not sunny) and perfect for a long walk and a picnic.
I know we haven’t done anything other than “take walks” since January, but there are some truly beautiful places in the county that will rekindle your love of walking.
Of course, now that the restaurants have reopened, you can opt for a good meal instead, but if you need to whet your appetite for your fish and chips, we’ve got the list for you.
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Our favorite public holiday walks in Bath and Somerset are:
1.) Wellow
Distance: six miles
Time: three hours
A view of Wellow (Image: Somerset Guardian)
You will depart from the pretty village of Wellow and head to Shoscombe, a former mining village.
The country walk in this corner of the woods is renowned for its views, described in one guidebook as “a landscape of bland, almost Claudeian beauty, The steep hills rise above Wellow Creek, with lovely views at every turn. “
There is also plenty to see along the way, including a section of Stop Line Green with its casemates, rare remains of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, and the long barrow chambered at Stony Littleton dating back to 3500 BC.
For full details and map: Wellow and Shoscombe on foot by Nigel Vile
2.) Priston
Distance: 4 miles
Time: two hours
The view at Priston (Image: Copyright unknown)
It is an area to the south and southwest of Bath where the outlying hills of the Cotswolds and Mendips meet and merge to form a green hilly landscape of low hills, valleys and narrow winding lanes, with small courtyards of water – in this case, Newton Brook.
For more details and the map: Priston: A walk shot by Nigel Vile
3.) Pensford Viaduct
Distance: 17 miles
Time: seven hours
The Pensford Viaduct (Image: Somerset Guardian)
It might tickle the fancy of the expert hikers among you. This is no small feat and “very good physical shape” is required, according to the Komoot walking website.
You can get to the start of the route by public transport, but from there walking shoes will be required.
For more details and map: Pensford Viaduct – Lords of Chew Magna Timber Loop
4.) Glastonbury Tor
Distance: two miles
Time: one hour
Glastonbury is best known for the annual festival that takes place there and therefore people often overlook this magnificent promenade.
Glastonbury Tor pictured in fog at sunset (Image: Mid Somerset)
A two mile circular walk with a moderate climb takes you to the top of the iconic Glastonbury Tor. Why not go to sunset or sunrise and get a pic for your Instagram?
You start at the bottom at Glastonbury Abbey, which is Grade I listed, before climbing the hill to the top.
Once you reach the top you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Wales and the nearby Polden Hills.
For details and map: Glastonbury Tor Walk by GPS walking and cycling routes
5.) Sand point
Distance: three miles
Time: one hour
A view from Sand Point towards Weston-super-Mare (Image: National Trust)
Sand Point is an extension of the limestone Mendip Hills with unusual volcanic intrusions jutting into the Bristol Channel.
From the National Trust parking lot, you can take a loop that takes you all the way to the end of the headland, passing flora and fauna as you go.
From the end of the headland you can see Cardiff and walk down the coast to the old Weston-super-Mare pier.
For details and map: Sand Point Circular Coastal Walk by National Trust
6.) Bath skyline
Distance: six miles
Duration: three and a half hours
The Bath Skyline (Image: Bath Chronicle)
It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without having to go too far.
As summer approaches, the scent of wild flowers fills the air, and the view looks like something out of a postcard.
Being so close to Bath makes you appreciate the peace and quiet of the rooftop walk and you can come back for lunch when you’re hungry.
The National Trust website asks people to use the up-to-date directions for clockwise walking.
For full details and map: Bath Skyline by the National Trust
7.) Prior Park Landscaped Garden Center
Distance: one mile
Duration: 30 to 40 minutes
Landscaped garden at Prior Park in Bath (Image: Getty Images / Stockphoto)
Prior Park was described in 1788 as “a noble seat which sees Bath and which was built for all Baths to see”.
You will have the chance to admire the view, stroll through the summerhouse glade and cross the famous Palladian Bridge from this secret landscaped garden.
For details and map: Walk in Prior Park by the National Trust
8.) Cheddar Throat
Distance: three miles
Duration: one hour and 40 minutes
Cheddar Gorge (Image: Western Daily Press)
The gorge is one of Somerset’s most famous beauty spots and made headlines during the lockdown as a popular destination for Covidiots.
However, now we are cleared to travel there again, why not take the three mile circular walk.
The Cheddar Gorge is the largest in England and is home to a diverse community of wildlife and specialized plants, which can be spotted along the route.
With accessible parking nearby and dogs are welcome in the area, this is a great walk for those who like to be rewarded with the views.
It should only take an hour and forty minutes according to the National Trust.
For details and map: Cheddar Gorge Walk by National Trust
9.) Monkton Farleigh
Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 3 hours
Monkton farleigh
If you’re a history buff, a visit to Monkton Farleigh Mansion won’t hurt, with old church towers to be seen along the way as well.
For more details and map: Monkton Farleigh: A Walk with Good Manors by Nigel Vile
10.) Montacute House
Distance: four miles
Time: two hours
Montacute House near Yeovil (Image: Western Daily Press)
The Layers of Landscapes walk in Montacute, near Yeovil, combines two shorter walks to give the legs a good stretch.
The walk runs parallel to the south of the park, towards Odcombe Lodge, where walkers can enjoy a variety of wildlife. Lime Avenue offers awe-inspiring view of Montacute House and the madness of St Michael’s Hill.
For details and map: Layered Landscape Walk in Montacute by the National Trust
Did we miss a nice walk off our list? Send your ideas to imogen.mcguckin@reachplc.com.
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-03 04:00:00
