Gay Outdoor Club: Somerset Walks 2008

Contact details for Somerset Group

Sunday 27 January. A mostly gentle canalside and field ramble of 7-8 miles around Creech St Michael, Knapp, North Curry and Ham. Start at the canalside car park at Creech, signposted from main village road on the south side of the village going towards Ruishton. Bring packed lunch but possible pub stop in North Curry.

Sunday 24 February. A 6-7 mile walk on the Mendips on varied terrain with views across the Levels to Glastonbury. Start at 11am at the NT car park (honesty box) at Ebbor Gorge. Approach either via minor roads from Priddy to the north, or from A371 Cheddar-Wells road from the south. Bring packed lunch.

Sunday 30 March - Bring packed lunch. Please note this is the 5th Sunday as Easter is the 4th. Langford Budville and district, about 7 miles. Start from layby at the N end of Langford Heathfield Nature Reserve on road from Langford Budville to Wiveliscombe. Approach off B3187 Wellington to Milverton road, then from the church in Langford Budville, drive through the village and turn right at the crossroads, up a small steep hill (100 -200 yards) to another road junction. Turn right, following the sign to Wiveliscombe and the start point is on the left after a couple of hundred yards or so. The walk will take us west towards Wiveliscombe but before then turning south through the hamlets of Bathealton, Poleshill and Wellisford. A bit of it would be along the upper reaches of the River Tone, which we will cross.

Sunday 27 April. A pleasant rural walk in the Eastern Mendips with the start point in Shepton Mallet at Brewery Lane, on the A361 opposite Frampton's factory gate. As the walk climbs, extensive views unfold to the south and west and in the distant is Glastonbury Tor. The walk is along country lanes, footpaths, fields and is approx 7.5mls with a total ascent of 220m. There is a possibility of a pub break, but this is to be confirmed, therefore a packed lunch is advisable.

Sunday 18 May. A largely gentle walk of about 6 miles taking in coast, Exmoor, pretty villages, steam railway & beach. Bring packed lunches. There will be an opportunity to visit Dunster afterwards, though the walk will largely skirt it. Meet at the Driftwood Cafe, Blue Anchor, situated at the railway station/Minehead end of the long promenade.

Saturday 28 June. The first of our shorter Summer Saturday evening walks. Start in Touchstone Lane, off the A30 at the western extremity of Chard. A 4-mile walk through Cotley and Wambrook - possible pub stop, but refreshments provided at the finish of the walk.

Saturday 26 July. Short Saturday late afternoon walk (3-4 miles) followed by a picnic (bring food and drink to share). Meet at the car park at the far end of the loop road in Ramscombe for a woodland and hill walk with some moderate climbing. Ramscombe is within the Forestry Commission’s Great Wood site which can be reached off minor roads south of the A39 between Bridgwater and Nether Stowey. It is signposted off the minor Nether Stowey to Aisholt road. Please note that the last half mile to the meeting point is a dirt track which is potholed in places.

Sunday 3 August (joint walk with Devon and Exmoor group). A 7-8 mile walk in the Blackdown Hills straddling the border between the 2 counties. Meet at the Wellington Monument for a scenic walk in the upper Culm Valley. Bring packed lunch. Arrive earlier if wishing to climb monument or take your chances after the walk if still open.

Saturday 23 August Meet for a short walk of approx 4 miles, starting from the National Trust car park at Horner. Approach from the A39 half a mile east of Porlock. Heading upstream through woods to Poole bridge. One steep climb onto open moorland to Ley Hill, and back to Horner. Fine views over the Bristol Channel, towards Wales. There is a tea garden at Horner which should be open before the walk so arrive earlier if wishing to partake.

Sunday 28 September Meet at the Street Youth Hostel car park on Ascott Road just off the B3151 Somerton to Street road at Marshalls Elm cross roads for an approx. 6.5 mile walk including Dundon Hill, Butleigh Monument, Collards Hill Nature Reserve and fine views of Glastonbury Tor and the Mendip Hills. Possible pub stop en route but bring packed lunch.

Sunday 26 October. Meeting in Porlock, at the first large car park (pay and display) as you come into the village on the A39 from Minehead. The walk will then be through woodlands to the harbour at Porlock Weir. Returning across Porlock Bay to Bossington, then inland across farmland back to Porlock. Packed lunch or pub lunch at Porlock Weir. About 8 miles in all.

Sunday 23 November. (Joint walk with Wilts, Gloucs and N Somerset group). Clevedon and the Waltons, featuring a stretch of the North Somerset coastal footpath, with extensive views over the Bristol Channel and the Gordano Valley. A 6 mile walk with two short ascents. Bring a picnic lunch. Tea shop or pub after the walk. Meet at entrance to Clevedon Pier. Parking either on roads nearby, or in The Hawthorns pay & display opposite the seafront bandstand. Buses from Bristol & Weston-super-Mare stop nearby.

Sunday 28 December

For further information see the GOC Outdoors magazine.