The beauty of the Blackdowns
This day involves a series of walks showcasing the natural beauty of the northern edge of Somerset’s Blackdown Hills, visiting a number of monuments and ancient features of the region along the way. We will start by walking out through Blackdown Common which is used by horses grazing the land. The walk visits Culmstock Beacon and the spectacular views out towards Exmoor and Dartmoor. We then drive to the recently restored Wellington Monument and if at all possible, book to climb the tower. After a brief stop for coffee in Churchinford’s York Inn we will walk up through Otterford House grounds beside the river and lakes where beavers have been doing well. The final walk takes us along the northern edge of the hills with its magnificent views of the Vale of Taunton; from Staple Hill along a section of the Herepath to Neroche’s Motte and Bailey Castle through forests and beech tree boundaries synonymous with the Blackdowns. This walk is particularly stunninng with the autumn leaves but wonderful photos can be taken all year round.
Cost: £40 per person. Group of 6 £200.
Walk Difficulty
Leisurely – moderate
Elapsed Time
5hrs
Distance
Culmstock Beacon 4m
Staple Hill – Castle Neroche 4m
Additional info
These are the 2 main walks but they are 2 other short walks. They are all on paths but they can be muddy
Where are we walking?
The first walk is a flat circular moorland walk to Culmstock Beacon at the west end of the Blackdowns. This will be followed by a short walk to the Wellington Monument. After a coffee beak, we will walk thhrough the Otterford House grounds beside the river and lakes. One of the features of the Blackdown Hills are the majestic beech tree lined field boundaries, and this longer walk follows the Herepath where you will see many between Staple Hill and Castle Neroche.
