1. INTRODUCTION
This ancient town huddles under the folds of the Mendip River Sheppey, flowing from nearby 1"1 St. Aldhelms Well. The stream once worked many mills in the era of prosperity from the wool trade. From Roman times Shepton Mallet has been important for its position on the Fosse Way. The name Shepton reflects its centuries-old interests - 'Sepetone' or Sheeptown which is derived from Saxon words meaning a sheep enclosure. It has a Market Cross in the heart of town. The pinnacle ~ of the cross was built in 1500, but re-modelled in 1841. Shepton was Il passed to a Norman knight at the time of the Conquest but remained ~ under control of the Abbots. It then passed into the hands of the Malet ~c family in 1100, who added their name to the town. Shepton remained in Malet hands until 1337, when it reverted to the State. After various other changes, it became part of the Duchy of Cornwall. In the mid 16th Century there was a boost to the West Country wool trade in which Shepton Mallet was a prominent player. Many factories were built to manufacture cloth, tools and other products. This led to lots of accommodation buildings. The Bath and West Show which was founded here in Somerset in 1777 continuing on a permanent site nearby Shepton Mallet in 1965.
In the 18th Century the population was said to be 11,000, then a slow decline happened when many woollen factories closed because of workers' opposition to change. Some relief came with the opening of local silk mills and brewing. In 1864
a brewery was built at the Anglo to the expected conditions. Each ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Bavarian building where drinks walk is accompanied by an O.S. 2. are still produced. In 1855 the map as well as a description of the Shepton Mallet Town Council offer their grateful thanks to the following for first meeting was held to propose walk. There are some main roads their valuable assistance in the production of this publication. the building of the East Somerset to cross which is unavoidable Railway, of which BruneI was the so extreme caution here is Bob Berry Who compiled the walks, company engineer. The station necessary. (a member of the to make it all possible. opened in 1862, the last train ran For convenience all the walks Mendip Ramblers) in 1963. St. Peter's and St. Paul's begin and end at the Mendip Church is one of the oldest and District Council car park but for finest in Somerset and Shepton refreshment a public house has The Mendip Ramblers For providing the Mallet also boasts the oldest been included in each walk. If (working party) photographs whilst working prison in England. you decide to make your walk doing voluntary repairs A production of these walks shorter and begin at the public to the footpaths. stem from the Mendip Ramblers house (a good way to walk off Festival of Walks and wanting to a good meal) remember to ask Lyn Manvill Who researched the history and worked in use walks in and around Shepton permission to leave your car there (Shepton Mallet conjunction with those involved to realise this Mallet in 2006, the centenary year until you return. These walks are Town Councillor) project. of our ownership of Collett Park, an introduction to many areas in given to the town by John Kyte the Mendips. Some quite level Collett. The Mendip Ramblers do Graham Brown For his tireless help and support. but also ones with hills and dales (Town Clerk) a considerable amount of work with rewarding views across this clearing footpaths and stile repairs breathtaking countryside; through in and around Shepton Mallet so peaceful woods, past ancient Guy Braga and Martin For their support and efforts in obtaining it was decided to ask a rambler, buildings and over rolling hills. Lofthouse (from Mendip funding for the project. Bob Berry, to construct numerous Enjoy your walking and please District Council) walks of different lengths circling remember your country code. this area, which would encourage Those Public Houses Which kindly provided sponsorship and residents to make greater use of permission to use their car parks. our footpaths as well as providing a resource for visitors. The result is 13 circular walks ranging from Bob Manvill For his patience and help throughout the 3% to 11 miles. All the walks (Lyn Manvill's husband) enterprise. stray into the beautiful countryside surrounding Shepton Mallet. Jeannette Marsh and Terry For their contribution of some walks. Footpaths have been used wherever possible but these can be very muddy and somewhat overgrown Shepton Mallet Town Council, Mendip Ramblers, nor anyone concerned with vegetation in the summer so with the publication of this book can be held responsible for any accidents or incidents that may occur whilst on these walks. it is therefore advisable to wear appropriate footwear and clothing
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3. MENDIP RAMBLERS Mcndip Ramblers are one of the seven groups that make up the Somerset area of the Ramblers Association, which is the only organisation dedicated to promoting walking as a hobby. We have been established for 30 years and have over 300 members luckily we don't all walk at the same time. Tuesday installing stiles, fingerposts, bridges, and doing some A walks programme is clearance work. Also there is a small group of members who go published every four months, out on a Wednesday checking out footpaths and future walks. hopeful with walks to suit everyone, short walks of up Every August Bank Holiday we hold a Walking Festival with three to 6 miles and of a slower walks everyday, plus a short family walk on the Monday. Unlike pace are held every Thursday, most walking festival which charge for the walks this one is free. longer walks from 8 miles to 20 miles are held on Sundays, with We walk the paths that the footpath maintenance group have short pub walks held on those barmy summer evenings where worked on over the year, just to make sure they have done the we end .~ at a pub for a meal and a good laugh. We are always job properly of course!! looking for new ideas, such as i "'- Why not join us on some of Sunday Lunch walks, where our walks? The average pace is we start early ending at a pub only 2 miles an hour, everyone for a Sunday Roast. There is is welcome and you don't also an active social side with have to be a member to try Barn Dances, Quiz Nights, a walk. We are a very friendly Skittles, and Ten Pin Bowling group. If you are interested etc. please telephone phone the We also run a Footpath Secretary on 01749 347124. Maintenance Group, which or visit our website at www. works closely with the Rights men dip ramblers . co. uk of way Department at Mendip District Council, and have been involved in maintaining the footpaths used in this book. They meet every
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4. INDEX
SHORT WALKS
Al - Barren Down, Windsor Hill, Bowlish - 3.5 mls - A short AS - Fosse Way / Ham Woods / Windsor Hill Walk - 7 mls - A family walk through Shepton skirting the prison, following the old moderate walk following in the footsteps of the Romans on the Fosse railway to reach Barren Down, crossing the road to Windsor Hill Way with fine views over Shepton Mallet from Downside, then onto dropping down to -Bowlish before walking round Collett Park back to Ham Woods with the old viaduct and tunnels, up the side of the quarry our start point. (page 8) to come back over Windsor Hill to Bowlish then back via the older A2 - Bowlish, Spring Walk - 3.5 mls - A walk leaving via Bowlish, parts of Shepton Mallet. (page 33) through Ham Woods and the Windsor Hill Tunnels and then dropping A9 - Whitstone Hill / Doulting / Bodden - 7 mls - A moderate down just outside Croscombe to return either via the main road or, for walk with only one steep hill up and one down, the views being worth a more rural route, via Ham Lane East. (page 11) the climb. We go under Charlton Viaduct, pass The Hundred Stone, & A3 - Croscombe, Rural Walk - 3mls - A pleasant walk through St Aldhelm's Well, before coming back across Ingsdon Hill. (page 37) village, woods and fields starting at Croscombe church, through Ham LONG WALKS Woods and returning steeply downhill to the starting point. (page 13) AIO - Barren Down / Beacon Hill / Darshill - 11 mls - A hilly A4 - West Shepton / Friars Oven / Darshill - 6 mls - An easy walk with superb all round views. This walk leaves Shepton passing walk with superb views all the way around crossing Knowle Hill and the prison to climb Barren Down, crossing the Fosse Way to reach the Friars Oven to return along the ridge above Croscombe, with good ancient Beacon Hill Wood, and then crossing the A37 to reach the views to the coast on a clear day. (page 17) hamlet of Thrupe. Passing Nancy Camel's Hole and the waterfall at AS - West Compton / East Compton / Cannards Grave - 6 Darshill to return via West Shepton. (page 43) mls - This is an easy walk with some fine views across Glastonbury All - Bodden, Cranmore, Doulting - 10.5 mls - A hilly walk for Tor & the Levels, passing through the hamlets of East & West the railway enthusiast, you climb to Barren Down, crossing farmland Compton. (page 21) to Bodden following the East Mendip Way for a few miles to reach MODERATE WALKS Cranmore Tower before dropping down to Cranmore and the East Somerset Railway. On the way back you cross Ingsdon Hill with its A6 - East Compton / Prestleigh / Mendip Vale Walk - 8 mls - fine views, then pass through Doulting Quarry and back to the start A moderate walk leaving Shepton via Compton Road over the ridge to point via Collett Park. (page 47) the hamlet of East Compton, crossing Beard Hill with its good views Al2 - Burford / North Wootton / Croscombe Walk - 11mls - on the way to Prestleigh, then climbing up to Doulting Sheep Sleight
A hilly walk leaving via West Shepton crossing Knowle Hill to reach passing Mendip Vale Station as you drop back down to Charlton to Burford, then following Folly Lane down to North Wootton and on to return to the start point via the old railway track and then some of the climb Worminster Sleight before crossing the old railway to then drop back roads of Shepton. (page 25) down to Croscombe and back along the ridge to reach Shepton via A7 - Downside / Croscombe / Bowlish Walk - 8.5 mls - A Darshill. (page 53) moderate walk with good all round views, leaving Shepton climbing up to Barren Down to reach the Fosse Way, crossing farmland to Al3 - Chelynch / Doulting / Shepton - A pleasant walk that takes in the Poacher's Pocket at Chelynch where refreshments are
Downside and on to the hamlet of Thrupe, then dropping down to available. The walk leaves Shepton via the Frome road, along the old
Croscombe back along the ridge to Bowlish through some of the older parts of Shepton. (page 29) Fosse Way and through fields to Chelynch, returning through Doulting along the top of a wooded quarry. (page 58)
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At Barren Down / Windsor Hill / Bowlish Walk - 3.5mls Al - BARREN DOWN, WINDSOR HILL, BOWLISH. 3.5 Miles. A short family walk through Shepton skirting the prison, following the old railway to reach Barren Down, crossing the road to Windsor Hill then dropping down to Bowlish before walking round Collett Park back to our start point. This walk starts from Mendip District Council car park, Cannards Grave Road. 1. Leave the car park via the Quarry. Enter the field at the top footpath to the town centre to of the lane, cross the field to reach Park Road, turn left then the metal stile on the far side, right into Collett Park, after 100 once over this turn left up the metres turn left into the footpath lane. At the junction turn right, taking you between the tennis and in a few metres turn left up court and the bowling green some steps into the woods, turn to reach the A361. Cross into left and follow the path through Frithfield Lane, then take the the woods, then follow a wall first turning on your left in front on your right and the woods on of the prison (Goal Lane), follow your left to reach a kissing gate this round to the right as it drops at the end. Pass through this and downhill. At the fork turn to the the next one in front of you, turn right and follow this path to a right across the old railway, up junction, turn left, then right at the bank and through the next the next junction to reach the kissing gate into a field, follow bottom of Leg Square. Cross the the field boundary on your left road passing the Kings Arms on to go through the gateway at your left, follow the road round the top. Turn left and follow the to the left taking the lane signed field boundary on your left over
Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. Crown copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100045478
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a stone stile, continue round Turn left and follow the path A2 - BOWLISH / SPRING WALK - 3.5 Miles this field to reach and cross a round through a kissing gate int A walk leaving via Bowlish, through Ham Woods and the stone stile with a high wire fence a road, keep straight ahead and Windsor Hill Tunnels and then dropping down just outside above. Follow the path through when you reach a junction on Croscombe to return either via the main road or, for a more the garden round to the right to your right, turn right. Follow the rural route, via Ham Lane East. reach a stile and gateway next road round to a T- junction, turn 1. The walk starts at Bowlish. the bridge you have gone too to a house, then follow the path right then left into Tipcote Hill, Walk up Forum Lane beside the far). You should have passed on between the houses to reach the just before you reach the steps Horse Shoe Inn. Follow up the your left hand side, the wall of road via a gate. turn left back down the slope lane for 1//3 mile till you reach the old stone crusher which was 2. With care cross the road to to pass under the arch to reach a right hand corner. Now take part of the workings of Ham Hill the lane opposite, follow this for Lower Lane. Keep straight ahead the green lane on the left with Quarry. approx. % mile to a footpath and just after the bridge turn the: large stones across. Follow 3. Now go down the path on the left. Turn left over the left into a footpath signed Fosse this track for approximately 10 through the wood, if you look stone stile, aiming towards the Way. After a few metres turn minutes or ~o a~ a fairly gentle carefully to your right you will old railway arch, in the bottom left under a small archway and pace by which time you should see the remains of the incline corner of this field you cross a follow the path up the steps over stone stile with metal rails, now the bridge to reach Peter Street. have reached a tarmac road. and winding gear used to haul aim to pass through the old Cross the road into Church Lane Turn right and walk along the the stone in small trucks from railway arch straight across the following the flagstone path into road for 200yds until you reach a the quarry floor to the crusher. next field to the far corner to the churchyard, follow the path stile by some barbed wire on the F Follow on down to the bottom cross another stone stile with round to the left. On leaving the right. Go over the stile and follow but beware it can be muddy , metal rails. Turn left through the churchyard keep straight on to down over the field. here. Look to your right and kissing gate and follow the path reach the A361. With care cross 2. You are now near to the you will see the towering Ham down to the end of the hedge, the road, turn left and when continue round to the left to pass you reach the footpath signed Winsor Hill Tunnels of Somerset Wood Viaduct, the Somerset and through another kissing gate. Cannards Grave via Collett Park, and Dorset Railway fame. On Dorset Railway ran along here. Once through this turn right and turn right passing the tennis reaching the bottom climb over Bear left and follow the path follow the fence on your right, courts and bowling green. On the stile in front of you and along a stream or stream bed where this ends ignore the path reaching the park turn left, and look for an entrance onto the for 250 yards. This brings you follow the path down to the lake, to the right, take the path going old railway track I. ~ I slightly right towards the large pass in front of this and at the bed on the right. fir trees. Drop down the bank far side turn right following the Turn right and then round to the right to a metal path up the slope to pass the kissing gate taking you behind aviaries and the play areas to exit follow through the the cemetery. Follow the path the park into Park Road, turn left left-hand tunnel. through a kissing gate at the end then right to return to our start Carrying on along then turn left downhill to reach point. the track bed for a tar mac path at the bottom. about five minutes you come to a path leading off to the left into Ham Woods. (If you have gone across
1 11 0 5. A3 - CROSCOMBE, RURAL WALK - 3 Miles
A pleasant walk through village, woods and fields starting at Croscombe church, through Ham Woods and returning steeply downhill to the starting point. 1. There is no better way of miles downstream was often getting to know the local area not a very pleasant place to be than walking. The flora and especially on a hot summer's fauna leap out at you, sometimes afternoon. However there was no literally. Here we describe a such problem on this particular afternoon so we started our walk. pleasant walk through village, woods and field which we could 3. The first instruction in the recommend trying. It was that leaflet was clear: 'Up the hill, very rare commodity, a warm turn right into Pound Fold. Sunday afternoon, when to my Continue straight ahead, across surprise my family agreed to Rock Street, along Boards Lane to a clearing. Here you should fields until you reach a road. Turn accompany me exploring this and over a stile into a field. Walk press on forwards, do not take right and you will follow the road walk. The prospect of a railway straight down into the valley the track to your left which would back to where you started. viaduct probably encouraged my bottom'. The key was keeping younger son, the elder was given straight on until we climbed into take you out of the wood. Keep Please take care when walking the field. Here the path was straight on going gently down hill over farmland and wear suitable no choice. decidedly overgrown. However and you will eventually end up in footwear as this walk can be very 2. The starting point is found a slight detour to the left took a very steep gorge. Keep going muddy. easily enough, the west gate of till you reach a gate onto the us into the clear and the way Croscombe church, and there to the bottom of the valley was Wells to Shepton Mallet road was room to park in the lane as just outside Croscombe. easy. On the way we had the first long as I got close to the wall. of our nature debates. Was the 4. Here you have a choice for Croscombe is a most attractive bird of prey soaring above us a the return journey, walking back village with a very interesting light-coloured Buzzard or was it to Bowlish via the main road history. Although only two miles an Osprey? We tended towards does mean no more hills but apart, relationships between the former but subsequent study for a more rural and less traffic Croscombe and Shepton Mallet of bird books has only served to infested route, take the main have not always been the most confuse by suggesting Goshawks road to your left for just 150 amicable. Two hundred years as a possible contender. Bird- yards and turn to your left up ago Shepton Mallet had a spotting sons need to discover that parents are fallible when it into Bowlish Lane East. Walk up similar sized population to that comes to identification. here for about half a mile until it has today but crowded into you come to a sharp left hand the much smaller area of the 4. We turned left along the bend. Look here for a stone stile valley of the 'River Sheppey'. former quarry track through Ham marked "Ham Lane East" on the The river provided a reasonably Woods. Very soon the rocky sides right hand side. Go over this stile effective town drain washing all of the valley close in and the the sewage and effluent off . Two and follow the arrows across the 13
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rich and varied vegetation takes you into a different world. The At last we spot a column of the proves it to have been the scene just before another barn, and track gently rises for almost three viaduct and manage to climb right of a horrific accident in the followed a footpath by a right quarters of a mile through wood up to it. In the unlikely event of past. Limekilns look innocuous hand hedge across a field and out which echoes to the sound of the Somerset and Dorset Line enough but they were extremely into West Lane. Examination of bird call. Although there are signs ever being restored a lot of work dangerous places to work. 'Go the map confirmed that we were of recent forestry the variation would need to be done. through the gap in the middle of on the right route. of species of trees and the steep the hedge and continue straight 7. West Lane turned out to be sides give it an appearance of over two stiles. Then cross the natural neglect. a delightful overgrown track field at 2 o'clock, cross the stone between two hedges. After about stile then head for the way- 5. Stay on the track until it half a mile it started to go steeply marking post at two 0' clock and swings sharply to the right and downhill and as it became a road out onto Thrupe Lane. there is then an obvious smaller you realise that you are on the path to allow you to go straight Simple isn't it? Perhaps it was same level as the top of the spire on. According to the leaflet because it was after two o'clock, of Croscombe Church which is 'You will reach a branching but we came out on Thrupe Lane only a few hundred yards in front of trackways when you find a by a barn, turned left and found of you. This downhill stretch tests railway viaduct looming high that we had come out about two the muscles in the back of your above you'. We found the fields higher up than intended. legs and you soon arrive back at branching of the trackways all We found the next stile in the your starting point. right. It was here that we were to hedge on the right hand side turn sharply to the left and follow the path marked to Wells and take the leaflet's medium route 6. Back to the branching of back to Croscombe. However track-ways where, now we know the viaduct was missing. The where to look, we can just catch next half hour or so was spent a glimpse of the viaduct. Even in exploring the paths to the right winter when the trees have lost which the leaflet said led to the their leaves 'looming high above quarry and the longer route you' must be treated as poetic back. After one false start we licence. The path marked back found the huge quarry with to Wells soon takes us up and wrecked cars and a general feel out of the Wood and into fields. of desolation. We could still not The leaflet instructs 'In the field find the viaduct which, as I have ahead at 10 0' clock, keeping the said, was our younger son's little quarry line kiln just on your motivation for coming on this right'. We correctly assume that walk. Back eventually to the they mean the little copse of trees 'branching of trackways' where and the small structure of the kiln we spot one more path straight looks very interesting. Reference ahead up a very steep slope. 1 to 'The Story of Croscombe' 1 4 5 6. A4 - West Shepton, Friars Oven, Darshill. 6 Miles.
An easy walk with superb views all the way round crossing Knowle Hill and Friars Oven to return along the ridge above Croscombe, with good views to the coast on a clear day. This walk starts from the Mendip District Council car park, Cannards Grave Road. Or if you prefer from The Bull Terrier, or The George, both in Croscombe. If you start from one of the pubs you will need to walk through Croscombe towards Shepton Mallet On the A371. passing the School to turn right into Duncart Lane, you then join the walk at No.4 railway bridge then turn right between the large stones to walk =I;;;~ Y14~~ down Mill Lane (not signed). This :E .. can get muddy in places. III !!J 2. On reaching the lane at the Q- ~' "' --- ~ bottom turn right and walk uphill, <, , c 11---1-1 ~ where the road turns sharp right ~ you take the stile on the left, ~ t cross the field to follow the hedge 0- e S 1. Exit the car park to the on your right downhill to a stile ~ c· Cannards Grave road, turn at the bottom. Ignore the stile 1.1. but go through the small wooden . right then cross the pedestrian gate on your right and head uphill ! 'It ~ 0 crossing, turn right again and to pass the water trough on your -" ~~ " follow the footpath round into , '"' 1'<1.1,11".' F 1 ,~_"i", or ' ¥ ' left to a small well-hidden gate at r. \,~6. ~ Compton Road, cross the road ., W/\~/ ~7_ 7/', I§ ~ the top of the hill, head across .•. f and turn right into Kingsland . cil Road follow this for approx 112 this field slightly to the left to II I mile until you come to Strode cross a stile next to a gate. The j rocky outcrop on your right is the ~ '0 Way. Turn right into Strode I Way and follow it under the old Friars Oven. It's worth a small
~ railway bridge and out to the road detour to the top, as the views 16 1 7 about Croscombe can be read cross another stile, be careful not towards Bowlish House then in The Story of Croscombe by to miss this one. Once over this turn right up Coombe Lane with Keith Armstrong). Croscombe go down the slope then traverse the high wall on your left, soon Church - One of the best village across this field following the you will reach some steps on churches in the area. It has a cattle track to a stile you will your left, go up these and follow wealth of historic features and see on the far side. Go over this the road {Shaftsgate Avenue} out a beautiful restored interior. keeping in the same direction to the A371. Cross this into Pike The West Tower and Spire date uphill towards an old trailer. Lane, cross the road at the end from the 14th Century, but the Cross the open space which is into the footpath opposite, at the majority of the building was always muddy and follow the bottom turn right into Tipcote Dungeon Farm. On reaching the erected in the 15th Century. hedge on your right. Where the Hill and out to the main road, end of the building on your right, Outside display a number hedge ends,cross to the stone cross and turn right to walk up turn right and look for a kissing of carvings and inside the stile on the corner of the hedge through the historic Town Street. gate hidden in the trees up the church is dominated by fittings ahead and follow the enclosed Cross the road at the top and bank on your left. Once through installed by the Fortescue track over a broken stone stile continue up the High Street to this head uphill towards the family, lords of the manor, in across three more fields to reach reach Park Road, cross and take fingerpost you can see at the top. the early 17th Century. These and go through a kissing gate. the paved footpath leading you Turn right and with great care include a very fine pulpit dated Continue straight on behind the between the council offices and walk along the grass verge until 1616, the wooden screen houses to eventually come out back to the car park. you reach a junction at the top of surmounted by the coat of arms to St Peters Road, walk down a small hill. Look for a signpost of James 1st, the side screen, and some steps on the left going readers desk and some of the up the bank to a stile. Once over box pews. the stile go half left to the far corner of the field where you cross a stile next to an old gate, you now drop downhill to a stile on the left of the houses at the bottom of the hill and down the concrete track to reach Duncart Lane. The George Inn - Croscombe - An old Inn probably dating from late mediaeval prosperity 4. Take the footpath that leads for Croscombe. In 1666 when you in between the houses and James George ran the Inn the river {taking care not to fall Currency shortage led to him in!!!} to reach a stile at the far getting tokens stamped for side of the last house. From here local use. The token had his aim uphill for the large tree next name surrounding a St. George to which you cross a stile then and the Dragon design. (more follow the fence on your left to 1 1 8 9 A6 - East Compton, Prestleigh, Mendip Vale. 8 Miles. 7. A moderate walk leaving Shepton via Compton Road over Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. Crown copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number the ridge to the hamlet of East Compton, crossing Beard 100045478 Hill with its good views on the way to Prestleigh, then climbing up to Doulting Sheep Sleight passing Mendip Vale Station as you drop back down to Charlton to return to the start point via the old railway track and then some of the back roads of Shepton. This walk starts from Mendip District Council Car Park Cannards Grave Road, or from the Prestleigh Inn at Prestleigh. If starting from the Pub ask permission to park and start from No. 3. 8. 1. Leaving the car park via the left down hill over a plank bridge at entrance to Cannards Grave the bottom then climb back up to a road, turn right, then left over the stile at the top of the hill. Ignore the pedestrian crossing, once over stile onto the road but turn right this turn right and follow the road walking along the edge of the field to your left into Compton to cross a stile and bridge, keep Road,follow the road for roughly straight on by the hedge to cross a l/2 mile. At the end of the houses keep straight on into the narrow stile on your left halfway along this lane ahead to reach aT-junction, field to reach the A361. cross into the No Through Road 2. Cross the road with great care to to East Compton following the the footpath opposite, once over the lane as it twists and turns to reach stile follow the hedge on your right the track at the bottom. Turn right to reach the bottom of the hill, cross and follow the track until you the stile onto a track then cross the reach two gates. Go through the stile opposite, bear slightly to your one straight ahead bearing a little right to skirt the car park and drive to your right to reach a stile in the of Bourne Farm to reach a stile at hedge ahead, follow the marked the bottom taking you out to path round to your right to reach a Platterwell Lane . Turn left along the small marker post pointing to a lane until it turns sharply to your stile on your right, go over the right. Carry straight on over the stile stile turn left and walk down the then pass through the gate ahead and field through the gate onto a then over the stile in the next track. Turn right and follow the field boundary after which you go track, just after the end of the half left heading for the bottom left buildings on your left, cross a hand corner to cross a stile, stile on your left, and follow the hedge on your 2 for the barn in the bottom corner left. At the end follow the hedge 5. From the pub car park back into Collett Park. of the field where you will find a to a stile, cross this and aim for continue along the minor road This park was given to Shepton stone stile taking you onto the the gate. Cross a field to your pass the cottages on your right Mallet in 1906 by John Kyte lane. right which brings you back onto and follow the lane out to the Collett and, as you will see 3. Turn right and walk down the the farm track which you follow, main road into Shepton. Cross from the commemorative lane to reach West Compton. At passing the farm and houses to the road and look for stile in gates, it has just celebrated the junction keep straight ahead emerge into a field, turn half left the fence/ hedge on your right, 100 years of existence. It had then as the road bears to the and aim for the large tree where cross and aim for the back of been an unofficial playground left go straight on again signed you will find a stile, cross this the house on your left where for children and when John and, still in the same direction, you will find a stile, cross this Knowle cottages lj2 mile, walk up Kyte Collett was removed from the lane and take the first lane aim for the corner of the hedge and follow the path across the here as a child he is reputed on your left, follow this as it turns in front of you. Now follow the next field to emerge into a new to have said he would one day to the left to bring you back to hedge on your right until you housing estate. Follow the path give an official play area for the a T-junction where you turn left emerge into a large field, go down Walnut Grove to turn children of Shepton Mallet. His again, follow the road as it bears straight across this to a stile to right, passing a grassy area on grandson, also John Collett, to the right and walk back up the the left of a barn, through an your right, follow the road round and wife Esme came from lane straight ahead of you which enclosed path, cross a stile onto to Starling Way. Continue into Australia to celebrate Col/ett you walked down earlier. When Church Lane. Turn left to reach Cannock Square keep in the Day in 2006 as did other you reach a sharp bend to the left The Highwayman pub. same direction through an alley, members of this family. take the stile straight in front of cross a road and keep straight ahead to reach the old railway Walk past the lake and turn left to you and follow the footpath over walk up past the play areas back the stile ahead to eventually reach line. Turn left and follow the tar mac track until you come to a to Park Road, turn left then right and cross a small stream, follow to reach your start point. the track uphill through a farm path off to your right taking you gate then head a little to the right uphill to reach a stile next to a gate on the far side of the field. 4. Cross the road with care over the modified gate, head straight across the field to a double stile Its name is as recent as 15 and bridge, keep on in this years. Although it is an early direction for two more fields to 17th century building with come to a farm track. Follow some huge cellars it is by no this past the renovated farm means certain that it has been buildings and as you approach an Inn for much of that time. the farmyard turn left through an There is no record of it having old gateway and, with the hedge been a pub in the 19th century on your right, walk up the field at all. In fact, in the 1960's and to find a stile halfway up, cross 70's (possibly earlier) it was this, turn left and follow the path run as a cafe called 'The Little through the bushes bearing to the Blackbirds'. 22 2 3 A6 - East Compton / Prestleigh / Mendip Vale Walk - 8mls A6 - East Compton, Prestleigh, Mendip Vale. 8 Miles. A moderate walk leaving Shepton via Compton Road over the ridge to the hamlet of East Compton, crossing Beard Hill with its good views on the way to Prestleigh, then climbing up to Doulting Sheep Sleight passing Mendip Vale Station as you drop back down to Charlton to return to the start point via the old railway track and then some of the back roads of Shepton. This walk starts from Mendip District Council Car Park Cannards Grave Road, or from the Prestleigh Inn at Prestleigh. If starting from the Pub ask permission to park and start from No. 3. 1. Leaving the car park via the left down hill over a plank bridge entrance to Cannards Grave at the bottom then climb back road, turn right, then left over the up to a stile at the top of the hill. pedestrian crossing, once over Ignore the stile onto the road but this turn right and follow the road turn right walking along the edge to your left into Compton Road, of the field to cross a stile and follow the road for roughly Ij2 bridge, keep straight on by the mile. At the end of the houses hedge to cross a stile on your left keep straight on into the narrow halfway along this field to reach lane ahead to reach a T-junction, the A361. cross into the No Through Road 2. Cross the road with great to East Compton following the care to the footpath opposite, lane as it twists and turns to once over the stile follow the reach the track at the bottom. hedge on your right to reach the Turn right and follow the track bottom of the hill, cross the stile until you reach two gates. Go onto a track then cross the stile through the one straight ahead opposite, bear slightly to your bearing a little to your right to right to skirt the car park and reach a stile in the hedge ahead, drive of Bourne Farm to reach follow the marked path round a stile at the bottom taking you to your right to reach a small out to Platterwell Lane. Turn marker post pointing to a stile left along the lane until it turns on your right, go over the stile sharply to your right. Carry turn left and walk down the field straight on over the stile then through the gate onto a track. pass through the gate ahead and Turn right and follow the track, then over the stile in the next just after the end of the buildings field boundary after which you go Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. Crown copyright 2006. All rights reserved. on your left, cross a stile on your Ordnance Survey Licence number 100045478 half left heading for the bottom left, and follow the hedge on your left hand corner to cross a stile, 24 25 9. follow the hedge on your left to cross. On your left you will see an left aiming for the bottom left cross a double stile and bridge entrance to the Prestleigh Inn. hand corner of the field. As you on your left. Turn right, over Slaters Directory inform that approach the double stiles in the another double stile and bridge in 1852 Thomas Smith was the corner looking to your right you into an orchard. Keep straight landlord. Many village pubs can see Mendip Vale Station, end on across the orchard to cross evolved rather than built so it of the line for the East Somerset a stile on the far side a little to is possible that this was once Railway. From the stiles head your left taking you into a small combined with a small farm. downhill to cross a stile next to wood, go through the trees to a water trough then turn right to reach the field. Once in the field 3. With your back to the pub cross the old railway via a stile walk downhill to follow the track go slightly left uphill to gain the each side, from here you head you to reach the A37. Cross the towards the exit of the Bath & highest point for the best views. for a double stile near to the large road with care to the footpath West Showground, on your left Cross the top of the hill dropping tree a little over halfway down the downhill a little to your left, go you pass a small fenced paddock, down to find a stile taking you hedge on your left, then keeping up the steps and follow the path at the end of this turn left into an back onto Platterwell Lane. Cross in the same direction cross the under the old railway, ignore enclosed path via a bridle gate, the lane over the stile opposite next field to go over a stile to the path on your left and keep this takes you out to the A371. into Platterwell Farm, follow the reach the A361. on uphill through the woods to Cross the road with care to walk follow a path with a wall on your drive through the farm to reach up Prestleigh Lane opposite and 4. Cross this busy road with care the A37. Be very careful crossing right and the trees on your left to as you leave the houses behind then turn left and walk along this road. Cross to the path reach a field. Turn left to reach look for a stile on your right at the road for approx 400 metres opposite and follow it round to a metal stile at the bottom of the the top of a bank, cross this and to reach the first turning on cross the stile on your right, turn field leading you into a tar mac head uphill towards the gate in your right (Bodden Lane). Go lane, follow this lane to the left and follow the fence until you up this for approx 400 metres the next hedge after which you bottom of the hill to emerge into come to a track, follow this track to a footpath on your left, go head for the Farm, keep the Lower Lane, turn left to reach until you reach a stile on your left over the stile aiming for the post buildings on your right to exit Leg Square, cross the road to go (approx % mile). Cross this stile and rail fence away to your left, the field via a farm gate onto a up Gaol lane (signed Leg Square heading half right to find another keeping this on your left follow concrete drive. Turn left, then leading to Gaol Lane). Follow this stile at the top taking you onto at the next gate on your right it to the end where you will find a track, turn right through the round to the left and at the top a path between the wall and a go through the squeeze stile and of the hill you reach aT-junction, gate ahead and follow the hedge head for the stile in the hedge to hedge, follow this out to the back turn right up Frithfield Lane to on your right until you reach your right. Do not cross this but of Charlton Industrial Estate, reach the A361. Cross with care a stile on your right which you turn left to walk uphill through a turn right up the Fosse Way for into the footpath opposite leading gate until you come to a double roughly lj2 mile and on reaching you pass the tennis courts and stile on your right, do not cross the Gas Pumping Station on bowling green to reach Collett this one either but go half left your left, turn left, following the Park. On reaching the park turn aiming for the stile you can see footpath through the gate and on right and follow the path to exit on the skyline. Once over this to a stone stile in the old wall in onto Park Road, turn left then stile keep straight on to reach front of you, once over this keep right into a footpath taking you a track which you cross via the straight on to reach Ivy House stiles on both sides into the field, back to the car park. Farm. Go straight through the from here head very slightly farmyard closing the gates behind 10. A 7 - Downside, Croscombe, Bowlish. 8.5 Miles. A moderate walk with good all round views, leaving Shepton climbing up to Barren Down to reach the Fosse Way, crossing farm land to Downside and on to the hamlet of Thrupe, then dropping down to Croscombe back along the ridge to Bowlish through some of the older parts of Shepton to return to our start point. This walk starts from Mendip District Council car park Cannards Grave Road, or from The Bull Terrier in Croscombe. If starting from the pub you will need to park in Fayreway at the top of Church Street joining the walk at No 5. -g, ·c f ~ u o 1. Leave the car park via the reaching the junction at the top ~1 footpath to the town centre into turn right after a few metres you x::'" ~ : ...... Park Road, turn left then right turn left up some steps follow the ~o -;;; into Collett Park after 100 metres path round to the right under the = B~ ' I turn left into the path going old railway bridge and out to the g § A37. [ between the tennis courts and the bowling green to reach the 2 . Turn left and on reaching the A361. Cross the road with care '" entrance to Ivy House Farm on ~ into Frithfield Lane then turn left the opposite side of the road, e in front of the prison (Gaol Lane), 1 cross and walk through the 2 o follow this as it bends downhill farmyard closing the gates behind to the right to reach Leg Square. you. On reaching the gates at the Cross towards the Kings Arms end go through the one on your keeping it on your left to walk left then aim for a gateway in the up the lane signed Quarr, cross field boundary ahead and on to the stile at the top and then cross cross a wooden stile then a stone the field to go over a metal stile stile. Still in the same direction on to a drive, turn left and on head uphill, cross the next stone 2 2 8 9 stile then, keeping the wall on bottom, now follow the tree line towards the far end of a line of stile, cross this which takes you your right, aim for the top corner on your right crossing a stone trees, where you will find a small back onto West Lane. Turn right of this field to cross a stone stile stile to pass through a narrow stone stile next to a gate leading downhill to reach Croscombe with metal rails onto the Fosse field over the next stone stile to you onto a bridleway. Turn left emerging into Fayreway. Way, turn left and continue along reach the road. Turn left uphill and follow the bridleway into a the Fosse Way to reach Bolter's and after 20 metres where the field, you then follow the hedge Lane. Turn right along the lane road starts to bend to the left on your left through two large then take the first left Yellingmill look for a small gate/stile on your fields to pass through a bridle Lane (not signed) pass a farm right (the choice is yours). From gate into a track and out to reach on your left and, where the road the gate take the path to the right Thrupe Lane. bends to the right, cross the stile across the marshy area, over 4. Turn left, ignore the turning on your left, aim slightly right the small stone bridge and on to on your right to Dinder and just towards the second telegraph cross a stile into a field, go up before you reach the first farm on pole and on to the bottom corner the bank keeping the hedge on your left turn right into a hedged The Bull Terrier - Croscombe of the field to find and cross a your right to pass a defunct stile track (West Lane, not signed). - Formally called The Rose and stone stile. Cross two more fields then on towards a gateway you Follow the track as it twists and Crown. This pub is amongst to reach a wooden stile with Yew can see across the field ahead. turns for approx 1f2 mile and as the oldest pubs in the area, Tree Farm on your left. DO NOT Go over the stile next to the the track turns left and then right dating from the time of the cross the stile but turn right and gate then bear left to pass to the slightly downhill look for a stile prosperity for Croscombe in the follow the hedge on your left to left of the two large trees in the on your left, ignore this, and just woollen industry. This would reach and cross a stile at the top middle of the field, then over the round the corner on the right probably be 15th century and of the field, the path then drops stile you can see ahead to follow you will find a well-hidden stile, maybe older. The pub may have developed from the hostelry of down to the gate at the bottom the hedge on your left dropping cross this and follow the hedge of the hill. DO NOT EXIT THE down to a small gate at the a former Priory which this site on your right. At the end of the was part of. In the early 19th GATE but turn round and with bottom of the field. Go through hedge next to a large tree turn your back to the gate aim for the gate and follow the fenced century Rose Hodges was the right and aim to cross the stile landlady and in Pigots directory the top right hand corner to go path to your right to emerge onto next to the barn at the top of the of 1830 Elizabeth Hodges was through a farm gate, follow the a track, cross this and aim for hill, follow the path behind the given as the landlady. hedge on your left round to cross the small gate on the far side of barn and out to the road. Turn 5. Turn left towards Church another stile which takes you out the field, from here aim a little left along the road for roughly to the A37. to your right, cross the next field Street then turn left again into 1/4 mile to the first footpath on Pound Fold, at the junction with 3. Cross the road with the left, cross the stone stile then Rock Street turn left uphill, on care. DO NOT cross the the narrow field and stiles, after reaching Thrupe Lane go straight stone stile opposite but which you take the path to the ahead into Boards Lane, where turn right, after approx right aiming for the double stile in this drops downhill to the right 50 metres bear left into the top corner of the field. Once go straight ahead over the stone a drive and cross the stile over this follow the hedge on stile and follow the path downhill on your left into the field, your left (ignoring the gateways) into the valley. Go through the traverse this field slightly through three fields. The hedge metal gate ahead and, following downhill passing through then drops downhill to the left, the marked path, climb back up the large gap near the halfway down you will come to a 31 3 0 the other side to cross a stile at the Norman tower dates from AS - Fosse Way, Ham Woods, Windsor Hill. 7 Miles. the top of the hill emerging into a around 1381. The interior has A moderate walk following in the footsteps of the Romans field, aiming slightly left cross this several fine features including on the Fosse Way with fine views over Shepton Mallet from field, go over a stile then keeping walls of the original Saxon Downside, then onto Ham Woods with the old viaduct in the same direction cross two Nave, a Saxon Font, double and tunnels, up the side of the quarry to come back over more fields to cross a stile behind Piscina and an effigy of one Windsor Hill to Bowlish then back via the older parts of the farm. Turn right following the of the Mallet family who gave Shepton Mallet. This walk starts from the Mendip District fence round to cross a stile next Shepton the second part of Council car park, or from The Downside Inn on the A37. If to a gate going into the farmyard, its name. Probably the most starting from the Pub, start at No. 3. Always ask permission where you turn left down the famous is the roof of the to park. drive to reach the road. Turn clerestory. It has 350 panels right, ignore the lane on your carved with tracery designs, no 1. Leave the car park via the at a short marker post to reach left and where the road bends to two are the same and it has a footpath to the Town Centre, a stile with metal rails, cross the right cross the stile on your stone pulpit dated late 15th turn left then right into Collett this and follow the wall round left, take the path straight ahead Century. It is reputed to be one Park keep straight ahead, after ignoring the stile on your left, and cross the field to go over a of the finest church towers in approx 100 metres turn left into keep straight onto pass an old wooden and stone stile, keeping Somerset. a footpath taking you between stile through a gate, then follow the tennis courts and the bowling the fence on your right to cross on the same heading cross this Cross the road with care. Turn green to reach the A361. Cross a double stile you will see in the field to a stone stile next to a gate right, then left at the cross roads, the road into Frithfield Lane top corner of field, cross this and taking you onto Ham Lane. walk up the High Street and at and walk downhill passing the turn right, walk down the middle 6. Turn right and follow the lane the top cross Park Road to follow Prison on your left, on reaching of this field to a stone stile next down to the T-junction at the the paved path through the the road at the bottom cross to a stumpy tree, once over this bottom, turn right, then left at Council Offices and back to the to the footpath opposite down head for the gas pumping station the stop sign, at the end of the car park. the paved path to a road. Turn ahead to reach the Fosse Way. cottages follow the track round right and follow the road to the to the left through a kissing gate. Also called Martins Lane as junction with the A37. Cross with After two more kissing gates you it rises to the north out of care, turn right then turn left into emerge into a road, follow the Shepton. Like many Roman the lane to the right of the car road straight ahead, then take the Roads its course has shifted park, at the end of the tar mac first turning on your right. Follow slightly over the centuries and lane go straight ahead onto the this to a T-junction, turn right up here and there you can see the gravel track under Charlton Tipcote Hill to reach the main raised hump of the earlier road Viaduct, after which you turn left road, cross the road turn right in fields to the west of to walk up Town Street and on the present lane. The reaching the Market Place turn Roman invasion of left to reach the Church then turn AD43 began in South right and follow Regal Road to East England but its emerge onto the A361. effects were swiftly felt in the Mendip area. St. Peter and St. Paul's Church By AD49 the Romans - This church contains remnants of the Saxon origins whilst were mining lead in 3 33 2 13.11.12. the Mendips and3 the Fosseway The Downside Inn from its 4 had been built. The Fosseway structure would appear to served as a major strategic originate from the late 18th or communications line. The early 19th century. It would Romans had been getting have been likely to act as a pub lead from the Mendips from and small farm. In 1839 John before the invasion and one of Crew is listed as the landlord the first roads they built ran and in Kelly's of 1861 it is listed from Charterhouse towards as 'Henry Hutton, Downside Southampton. The strategically Inn and Cattle Dealer'. Dual important Fosseway was built occupations were very common soon afterwards, possibly as a for publicans in those days. frontier. 3. Take the footpath between 2. Turn left and follow the Fosse the barn and the Pub, go over Way uphill to eventually reach the stone stile heading straight Bolters Lane. Turn right, then towards the derelict farmhouse, first left into Yellingmill Lane. go straight through the farmyard Follow the lane for roughly 1Jz keeping in the same direction to mile, then as the lane bends to cross a stile, then straight onto the right go over the stile on your a stone stile onto a lane. Ignore left aiming slightly to your right to the lane ahead but turn right up reach a stone stile in the bottom the hill to take the next turning corner of the hedge on your on your left, on reaching a fork in right. Cross two fields to reach a this lane go right down towards wooden stile with Yew Tree Farm Windsor Hill Farm, pass through on your left, cross the stile turn the farmyard and at the derelict left through the gate then turn building turn right over a stile right following the hedge on your next to a gate then follow the right, over the ladder stile and out track to your left through another to the A37 via a stile. Cross the gate, walk down the middle of road to reach the Downside Inn . this field and, where this opens out to a large field, head towards the communication mast on Pen Hill. As you drop down the hill you will see a bridge to cross at the bottom, once over this turn left up the hill, ignore the old stile on your left but cross the one at the top onto the old railway track. The path to your left crosses the old viaduct, but we cross the track going over the stile opposite, the end of these bear to your A9 - Whitstone Hill, Doulting, Bodden. 7 Miles. left through a kissing gate and keep straight ahead across the A moderate walk with only one steep hill up and one down, follow the track along the river field with the wood on your left the views being worth the climb. We go under Charlton through two more gates after and after a few metres you will Viaduct, pass The Hundred Stone, & St. Aldhelm's Well, see a kissing gate on your left, which you turn right up some steps between some cottages to before coming back across Ingsdons Hill. This walk starts pass through this down hill to a from Mendip District Council car park, Cannards Grave stream at the bottom, you are reach the A371. Turn left, then after 100 metres left again into Road, or from The Thatched Cottage Inn on the A361 at now in Ham Woods. Cross the Pike Lane. At the end of the lane Charlton on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet. If you start stream following the path up the turn right up Zion Hill to reach from the pub please ask permission to park and start bank on the other side, continue the 83136. Cross the road, from No.2. along the well trodden path into enter the Great Ostry car park 1. From the car park take the road, cross with care and take the old Quarry. As you reach the via a gap in the wall to your right footpath to the Town centre into the first turning on your right far side the path starts to bend follow the road round to the right Park Road, turn left then right between a car park on your to the left, take the path straight to bring you into Town Street. into Collett Park, keep straight left and a wall on your right. ahead through the trees then Cross the Market Square, pass ahead passing the lake on your Look through the gate halfway round to the right to some steps the Shambles. right and the football pitches, along on your left at Mulberry up the side of the quarry. At the The name shambles came from now start to look for the exit into Gardens. Continue to the end of top follow the fence on your left the Anglo Saxon word 'scamel' Collett Avenue on your left. At the tar mac track keeping straight round two sides of this large field or 'little bench', and they were the bottom of the avenue you ahead onto a gravel path, take to a kissing gate onto a lane. originally on the North and reach the A361, cross and turn the path to your right and follow 4. Turn right past Rubble Lane South side of the Market Place. right take the footpath on your it passing under Charlton Viaduct. on your left, then go over the first The Shambles left on the North left that crosses the playing field This part of the second railway stile on your left, aim a little to side were actually taken down and aim for the bottom right line that served Shepton Mallet your right to a stile halfway along in 1912. There still remains a hand corner to exit onto the the Somerset and Dorset. the hedge at the bottom, cross small section of the Shambles The viaduct was opened in the next field to the stile ahead in the market place today. 1874 as part of the Somerset of you over this then follow the On through to St Peter's & St. and Dorset's extension from hedge on the left, over another Paul's Church, walk through the Evercreech to Bath. Railways stile, then half right to cross churchyard following the path first came to Mendip in 1858, a stile into a large field. Head round the back of the church, when the Bristol and Exeter downhill to a marker post near continue straight ahead to reach railway opened in Shepton a large tree then another post in the A361. Cross with care, turn Mallet, eventually running the middle of the field, turn left left and then right at the footpath from Wells, Shepton Mallet, here dropping down the bank to signed to Cannards Grave via Doulting siding and Cranmore go through a gate at the bottom. Collett Park. Once in the Park to Whitham. A second railway Turn right to reach Ham Lane, turn right and follow the path later ran through the town. The then turn left to a T-junction at back to Park Road, cross to the Somerset and Dorset Railway the bottom of the hill, turn right footpath opposite and back to (named the Slow and Dirty) then just before reaching the the car park. ran from Highbridge across the A371 take the turning on your levels to Evercreech and on to left to pass some cottages. At 3 37 6 the south coast. The railway 2. From the traffic lights follow didn't pay so an extension the A361 towards Frome for was built through Shepton, a few metres cross the road Maesbury, Binegar and on to into the No Through Road Bath. (Frog Lane), follow this over Keep going until you come to a the cattle grid into Bullimore I junction of paths, turn right here Farm following the track straight passing between a high wall on through the farm, after passing one side and a low one on the through the gate at the end follow other to emerge into Brewery the track as it bends slightly to Lane. Turn left then left again to the right, ignore the first gate on pass behind the art galley on your your left and head for the next right which brings you out onto one, once in the field follow the the Fosse Way. Turn right and hedge on your left to cross the walk through Charlton Trading stile at the top of the field down estate to reach the traffic lights at some steps and through a very the top, The Thatched Cottage boggy field still with the hedge Pub is on your right. on your left to reach a track via a stile, cross this and the stile opposite, then aim for the stile at the top of the hill, keep on up the hill to reach the summit. Have a rest and admire the view, the climbing is over you have reached the top of Whitstone Hill. Continue across the top of the hill to go over a modified gate onto The Thatched Cottage - It is a track, turn left and continue up not sure how long this has been hill to go over another modified a public house. It is not listed gate passing the Hundred Stone as such at all during the 19th on the way. Keep in the same century and it is not shown as a pub on the 1902 map. It is direction over the next three thought that it was originally stiles, ignoring the ones on your three separate cottages and the right, after the third stile turn half conversion to pub is relatively left and aim to the left of the farm recent. One of the very few house you can see ahead. Once remaining thatched buildings in across the field you will see a gate Shepton Mallet though the roof leading you onto a concrete track, evidence for many buildings turn right and follow this track shows that Thatch was once through Peacehaven Farm and widely used in the town. out to the road. 38 39 with metal rails, once over this and with the wood now on your keep straight ahead to a short left again, follow the path over marker post, turn right here to another stile down some steps another stile with metal rails then and out to the road. Go up the follow the wall on your left up steps opposite and follow the to a stile taking you under the path across the field to go over a viaduct into an enclosed path stile either side of the driveway, and out to the A37. Cross the now aim for the cottage off to road taking great care, turn right 14.15.16. your right, halfway across the then left at the footpath sign up 3. Turn left and follow the road your right to cross a stile at the field turn left and aim for a stile the steps under the old railway. crossing the East Somerset bottom of the hill. Turn right, in behind the large fir trees, follow When you reach a stile on your Railway at Bramble Ditch. front of you is St. Aldhelms Well. these to the next stile and then left cross this onto a drive, turn Continue up hill and as you come The railway starts at Cranmore onto a double stile a little to right then left behind the Brewery towards the top you will see a Station which was originally your left, cross the next field aim to cross the metal stile next to the small gateway on your right. If opened in 1858 on the slightly to your right where you gate on your right. Cross the field you wish to visit Doulting Church inauguration of the line will find a stile in the corner of to another stile and down the go through the gate and follow between Witham and Shepton a fence, cross this and aim for lane to reach Leg Square. Keep the path to the Church. Mallet. It was one of the first the gap in the fence ahead after to the right and go down Lower branch lines on the Great A minister church was which you turn right to reach the Lane, at the end of the wall turn Western Railway. The great Mr. founded at Doulting by St. fence at the bottom, turn left right into the footpath (Signed Brunei visited the line when Aldhelm in the 7th Century. and follow the fence to go over Fosse Way) then turn left under a it was being built. The goods This foundation may have a stone stile out to the road at small arch to follow the path up siding and engine shed were represented the bringing of an Bodden. some steps and over a bridge to built in 1862/3. It is once again ancient Celtic substructure. 4. Turn left and follow the reach Peter Street. Cross this into open to the public, re-opened Ministers were religious houses footpath through the farm gate, Church Lane and follow the flag by David Sheppard. The official with a mission to spread at the top of the track turn right stone path to the Church. Turn opening was by Prince Bernhard Christianity to the people living ignoring the kissing gate and stile left through the Churchyard, of the Netherlands. in the territory. on your left to follow the track ignore the path on your left and Keep straight ahead and where To continue the walk keep going through three kissing gates to keep straight ahead to reach the the grass verge widens look for uphill until you reach Rowan reach the top of Ingsdons Hill A361. Cross with care and turn a stile on your left, cross this and Cottage on your left, here turn with its' fine view to the coast. left, follow the road until you aim for the wall on the far side left into Beech Close then left Follow the path across the top come to a footpath on your right of the field. Go over the stone again to go up the left hand side of the hill to a kissing gate just signed to Cannards Grave via stile, follow the wall on your right of White Clover Cottage. Follow over the brow, then follow the Collett Park. Take this path back to a stile and the A361. Cross the footpath behind the school hedge on your left down the field into Collett Park then turn right with care, as this is a very busy to reach a field, continue straight to Bodden Lane, cross this via and follow the path back to reach road. Once across turn left until across this with the hedge on the kissing gates and go half left Park Road, cross the road to the you reach the speed limit signs, your left to cross a stone stile on through the orchard to a stone footpath opposite which brings turn right over the stile and walk your left, follow the path along stile, cross this onto the Fosse you back to the car park. down hill pass the old Lockup on the ridge to cross the next stile Way then the stile opposite, go straight across the field to a stile 40 17. AI0 - Barren Down, Beacon Hill, Darshill. 11 Miles. A hilly walk with superb all round views. This walk leaves Shepton passing the prison to climb Barren Down crossing the Fosse Way to reach the ancient Beacon Hill Wood, '" and then crossing the A37 to reach the hamlet of Thrupe. ~ passing Nancy Camel's Hole and the waterfall at Darshill to return via West Shepton. This walk starts from Mendip District Council car park, or from the Kings Arms in Leg Square. If starting from the Pub begin at No. 2. 1. Leave the car park via the clothes of the workers from footpath to the Town Centre, the nearby quarry in Quarr. turn left then right into Collett In 1794 J. Brown is listed the Park, after 100 metres turn left 'Victualler'. Looking at the into a footpath between the pub today it can be seen that it tennis courts and the bowling has incorporated a number of green to reach the A371. Cross small workers cottages into its into Frithfield Lane and on 'wings'. reaching the prison turn left into 2. Passing the pub on your left Gaol Lane following this as it go up the lane signed Quarry bends right downhill into Leg over the stile at the top crossing Square, cross the square towards the field to a metal stile behind the Kings Arms. the Brewery. Once over the stile turn left, on reaching the junction at the top turn right, then turn left up some steps into the wood where you follow the path round to the right under the old railway o arch and out to the A37 . Turn .s ~ left, when you reach the entrance § to Ivy House Farm on the 8 . £ opposite side of the road, cross "8 This is one of the oldest Public and walk through the farmyard ~ Houses in Shepton Mallet and closing the gates behind you, on fr '" would seem to date back at reaching the gates at the end, go least to the early 17th century through the one on your left and and possibly earlier being in the aim to pass through the gateway old heart of the Shepton Mallet in the hedge ahead, keep in the woollen industry area. Its nick same direction over a wooden name 'Dust Hole' is reputed stile then a stone stile still aiming to come from the dust on the in the same direction to cross a 42 43 stone stile at the top of this field, the farm buildings on your right hedge on your left round to cross Ham Woods to cross a stone now keep the wall on your right to cross a stile each side of a farm another stile and out to the A37. stile into the wood, follow this to reach a stile taking you onto track, follow the fence on your With care cross the road and the steep path down to the bottom the Fosse Way in the top corner right to cross the next stile then stone stile opposite, head straight only to climb up the path on the of this field. uphill to a stone stile onto Bolter's across this field to a stone stile, opposite side to reach and cross Lane. Cross the lane to a stile then across the next field to go a stone stile at the top. Keeping opposite, then straight up this over a stile onto a lane. the field edge on your right go field to the top left hand corner to 5. Once in the lane turn left, then uphill to pass through a farm reach the old Frome Road. right at the first junction, when gate after which you head across 4. With great care turn left and you reach a fork take the one to the field keeping Ham Western follow the edge until you reach the the right and follow it through Farm on your right, entering the entrance to Beacon Hill Woods, Windsor Hill Farm. At the derelict farmyard via a small stile next to roughly 100 metres. Keeping to building turn right over a stile a gate, follow the track round to the top path (do not drop down next to a gate, follow the track the left and out to the lane. the hill) follow it through the round to the left through another 6. Turn right down the lane woods until you reach a wide track gate and down the middle of ignore the turning on the left, 3 . Turn left along the Fosse on the far side, cross this path to this field. Where this opens out where the lane bends sharply to Way, after 100 metres turn right reach a viewpoint. To continue into a large field head towards the right take the stone stile on over a stile next to a gate, head the walk retrace your steps back the communication mast on your left, then turn right to cross across the field keeping the large to the wide track turn right and Pen Hill and as you drop down the stile in the corner of the field trees and water trough on your follow it as it winds downhill, on the hill you will see a bridge at make your way carefully down left to reach and cross a wooden reaching the bottom turn right the bottom. Once over this turn the steps to the track halfway stile, then a stone stile on the and follow a track out to reach left heading uphill to cross the down. corner into the next field, follow Yellingmill Lane. Turn right and old railway via two stiles, cross (The path off to the left takes us to the wall on your left until you where the lane bends sharply to this long field to pass through the site of Nancy Camel's Hole). come to a stile at the end cross the right cross the stile on the left, a double kissing gate, across Once there lived a small woman this then head half right across aiming slightly right towards the the next field to pass through with the name of Nancy Camel this field to cross another stile second telegraph pole and onto another kissing gate, then after and she was reputed to be a then onto a stone stile to reach the bottom corner of the field to the next field and kissing gate witch or wise woman. Not being a lane (Bodden Lane). Turn left find and cross a stone stile, cross turn half right through a farm very popular with the locals she along the road until you come to the next two fields to reach a gate and onto a stone stile, after sought refuge in a cave in the a gate on your right, go through wooden stile with Yew Tree Farm which you cross the next field woods known as Ham. On a this keeping the hedge on your on your left. Do not cross the stile heading towards the lone ash very tempestuous night during right until you enter the fifth field, but turn right up the field to cross tree to cross the stone stile close the thunder storm it is said loud go straight across this bearing the stile at the top. The path goes by onto Thrupe Lane. Turn left and terrible piercing shrieks to your left to a stile next to the down to the gate at the bottom and on reaching a barn on your were heard from this area also gate. Once on Kings Road turn of the hill. Do not exit the field right look for an oak signpost on the cracking of a whip and left, follow the road until you but with your back to the gate your left next to a gate taking you creaking of wheels accompanied come to a junction on your right, you go half right back up the hill down an enclosed track to cross by devilish laughter. Nancy here you turn left over the stile to go through a gate in the top a stone stile next to a gate, from Camel had disappeared and the next to a gate and aim towards right hand corner, then follow the here you drop down towards 44 45 20.18.19. remains of 'The Nancy Camel's you reach a fork turn left and All - BODDEN, CRANMORE, DOULTING. 10.5 Miles. Hole' with mysterious marks follow this path until you reach A hilly walk for the railway enthusiast. you climb to Barren upon the rock in front of the the B3136. Turn right along the Down crossing farmland to Bodden following the East cave are still to be seen today. road through the old railway arch, Mendip Way for a few miles to reach Cranmore Tower We continue down the slope to approx 10 metres past the arch before dropping down to Cranmore and the East Somerset reach a path at the bottom of go up a short track on your left Railway. On the way back you cross Ingsdon Hill with its the hill, cross this path and onto going behind the houses, then fine views. then pass through Doulting Quarry and back find a bridge over a large pipe, turn left to enter the housing to the start point via Collett Park. This walk starts from now follow the path between estate, follow the pavement on Mendip District Council car park Cannards Grave Road. or the pipe and a wire fence and your right until you come to from the Strode Arms. Cranmore. If starting from the pub at the end of the fence keep a tarmac path between house please ask for permission to park then start from No 4. straight on following the path out numbers 75 & 77 turn right up 1. Leave the car park via the the path off to the left but keep to reach the A371. Turn right this path signed Pilton 2 miles, path to the town centre into Park straight ahead up the field to pass down the road after approx 400 then left at the top to walk along Road, turn left then right into through the second gate on your metres at the entrance to the a tarmac path behind the houses. Collett Park. After 100 metres right to reach the A37. Where this path turns sharp left, sewage treatment plant look for turn left into the footpath taking 2. Be very careful crossing this turn left then immediately right a signpost and stile on the other you between .the tennis courts very busy road. Pass through the into Westway Lane, follow this to side of the road. Cross the road and the bowling green to reach kissing gate opposite keeping the T-junction at the top. Cross with care then the stile and head the A361. Cross the road and the wall on your left, head for Compton Road to enter the straight up the field to find a turn left, continue until you~ come the gateway in the next hedge footpath opposite follow this into marker post leading you up some to a path signed to the Parish line then cross the next field to the field keeping to the edge with steps by the side of the waterfall, Church, turn right and follow the a stone stile, once over this keep the hedge on your left, follow this cross the stile at the top of the hill path into the churchyard, pass in the same direction across this and keep straight on across this round to exit via a gate onto the behind the church to reach a gate field to reach a stone stile with field until you reach a track in the A371. Turn left for 200 metres, on your right, go through this metal rails cross this onto the middle, turn left and follow the look for the post box in the wall following the path out to Peter Fosse Way. Cross the stone hedge on your right, where this on the other side of the road, Street. Turn right down~ the hill, stile opposite and head a little to ends at a gateway next to a metal cross the road and enter the path at the bottom turn left into Lower your right towards the large trees stile, keep in the same direction to the left of the said post box. Lane and. at the end. of the wall where you will find and cross a to cross a stone stile in the corner Follow this round to a gate onto on your right, turn right over the small stone stile still in the same of the hedge ahead of you and a gravel path, cross the bridge River Sheppey and up the tar mac follow the enclosed path over the ahead following the path behind direction cross this field to go old stone stile at the end, cross some new houses, When you footpath signed Fosse Way. On •••• -""'-,-,re- -,---- two more fields to a kissing gate reach a gap in the wall on your reaching the top, cross the metal behind the houses. left go through this onto the old stile continuing straight ahead railway, cross this to enter Collett 7. Once through the gate turn to pass through the kissing gate Park following the path on the left right signed Old Wells Road and on your left at the top of the hill." on reaching the road turn right, round the park pass the children's Cross the old railway through walk along the road with care, just play areas and out to Park Road, the kissing gate opposite and before the farmhouse on the left cross to the footpath opposite head up the field to pass through and back to the car park. the gateway at the top. Ignore turn left into the R.U.P.P. When 46 47 21. over two stiles one each side of Ignore the stile on your right but 22. a track. From here head slightly cross the field keeping the large right downhill towards the large trees on your left to find and trees (keeping the bungalow on pass through two kissing gates to your right) where you will find a reach the lane at Newman Street. gate leading you onto Bodden Lane. Turn left up the hill to Bodden and on reaching the junction turn right. When you reach a house called The Hayloft turn left over the stone stile and follow the way marked "path" through the garden to exit into a field via a stile in the top right hand corner. Turn left down the middle of the field towards the 3. Turn right and after a few barns to cross a double stile, then metres turn left through a metal keeping the buildings on your kissing gate, go straight up right pass behind the farm over the slope passing the ring of fir trees on your left to go through two kissing gates, continue straight across the next field to go through a lift barrier and over a stone stile and then a kissing gate. Cross the next field in the same direction to go over a large stone stile onto a lane. Turn left, and then right at the lane opposite Temple House Farm, two more stiles to emerge into a follow this until you reach the field. Follow the line of telegraph main road. Cross over the road poles on your right towards a and stile opposite then follow gateway, to the left of which the track as it bears to the right you will find a stone stile. Cross then the left to reach a kissing this, the road and the stone stile gate at the top taking you into opposite, then cross the field a field. Keep straight on to pass towards a stone stile in the next through the gate on the far side boundary. Do not cross this but of the field ignore the path off to turn left following the boundary the left but keep straight ahead, on your right to the top of the and where the field narrows at field to cross another stone stile. the far end go through the kissing 48 49 23. gate in the corner next to a farm right and follow the well trodden the West Country, locally at right up the road and in a few gate. Now aim for the bottom path across this field to the far Cranmore, where this pub is metres take the footpath on your corner of the woods in the dip, bottom corner to reach Dallimore named after them. left passing the new workings at after which you climb up to the Lane via a kissing gate. Turn left 4. From the pub walk to the T- Doulting Quarry. Soon you reach kissing gate on the far side of downhill and on reaching the lane junction, and if you wish to visit a path off to your left taking you through the quarry workings to the field. Go through this, turn at the bottom, take the footpath the East Somerset Railway cross a stile, cross this, turn right, and left through the next kissing gate opposite, which bears to the left the road and enter via the car behind the houses to emerge into follow the path to aT-junction. then up a short track to reach a park. To continue the walk take Pawelski Close and the A361. Turn left through the woods to bridleway where you turn right. the No Through Road between Turn right along the main road reach a marker post next to a the car park on your left and the and just after the small church large tree, turn right to reach a sidings on your right, follow this on your right cross the road to track where you turn right again pass the station, cross the railway enter the footpath opposite. Go then in a few metres take the lines going into the sidings, half right across this field to pass path off to the left. Follow this keeping on towards the cottage through a kissing gate and still to pass through a squeeze stile at ahead. Just before you reach in the same direction cross the the end, turn left taking the path this look for a signpost on your next field towards the houses through the large bank ahead of Go through the gate passing the right, taking you up the side of passing through a kissing gate you and on reaching the other house on your right to reach a the wood over a stile into a field. on to the road. Follow the road side, turn right and follow the field, continue across three more Follow the wood on your left and to a T-junction, turn left and bank round to a marker post level fields via bridle gates to reach where this ends keep straight on reaching the bottom of the with the last house away to your Dallimore Lane. Turn left uphill ahead aiming for a stile in the top hill turn right. On your left is left, turn left across the field to follow the bridleway through right-hand corner of the field then Cranmore village pond with its cross a stone stile onto the road a small gate at the top, keep on to reach the A361. With care wicker fishermen and on your at Doulting. straight ahead and on reaching cross this into the road opposite a junction in the track next to right is The Strode Arms. (Tansey) then turn left into the a gate signed West Cranmore playing field either via the gate Estates. Private Woodlands, turn or stile, pass the tennis court on right. When you reach the gate your left aiming to cross a stile at the end go through this and in the hedge beyond, once over turn right again, following the this head in the same direction boundary on your right uphill. towards a gate, over the stile, Cross the track at the top passing and then on to cross a stile in Cranmore Tower on your left (do the top corner of the next field. not go to the Tower as this is a Once over this follow the hedge private residence). Still keeping On the outside of Shepton / wall on your right through a 5. Turn right, then take the the boundary on your right go Mallet church you can find stone squeeze, cross the next second turning left (Carey Close) straight ahead through the woods a plaque bearing the Strode three small fields and on reaching through the kissing gate at the to pass through a metal squeeze Arms. It records the building the fourth field turn slightly right end, keep straight ahead through stile into a field, head straight on and dedication of Edward aiming for the building in the top another kissing gate to reach downhill. After a few metres go Strode in 1699. The Strode corner, go over the stile, turn a junction of paths, turn left through the kissing gate on your family had many estates in left and out to the road. Turn passing behind the skateboard 50 park through a kissing gate into onto a track. Turn left and follow A12 - Burford, North Wootion, Croscombe. 11 Miles an enclosed path which takes the track through a kissing gate A hilly walk leaving via West Shepton crossing Knowle you behind the school to reach then a stone squeeze and another Hill to reach Burford, then following Folly Lane down to Beech Close, at the junction turn kissing gate to reach the top of North Wootton and onto climb Worminster Sleight before right following the lane downhill. Ingsdon Hill. crossing the old railway to then drop down to Croscombe (If you wish to visit Doulting 6. Keep straight across the top and back along the ridge to reach Shepton via Darshill. Church, when you reach The Old of the hill to follow the path as This walk starts from Mendip District Council car park Bell House, turn left through the it drops down to pass through Cannards Grave Road, or from The Crossways Inn at North gateway in the wall opposite). another kissing gate, then follow Wootton. If starting from the pub please ask permission to To continue the walk keep on the hedge on your left downhill park, then from the crossroads with your back to the pub down the lane to reach the to reach the lane via a kissing take the road signed Worminster, Dulcote, follow this for bottom, on your left you will find gate. Cross the lane through l,1t, mile to reach Sidelands Barn where you join the route St Aldhelms Well. the kissing gate opposite then at No. 3. This gushes clear spring water slightly left through the orchard the left and continue on to reach to start the River Sheppey to a stone stile taking you onto the road at the top, turn left over which flows under Shepton the Fosse Way. Cross this via the old railway bridge then turn Mallet. This stream once the stile opposite following the right next to the large stones worked many mills in the era path across the field to go over into Mill Lane (not signed). This of prosperity from the wool a stone stile with metal rails now can get very muddy in places. trade. This reputed to be one keep straight on to pass under On reaching the lane at the of Somerset's holy wells and Char/ton Viaduct and onto reach bottom turn left and follow the the water is said to hold healing the tarmac lane (Kidds Lane). road round to a junction, keep powers. Keep straight on along the lane straight ahead towards Knowle to reach the A37. With care 1. Leave the car park via the Keep straight on then just Farm. On reaching the end of cross the road, turn left uphill to entrance onto Cannards Grave the trees on your left look for and before the gate ahead turn right, reach a stone stile leading into Road, turn right then left over cross the stile on your left aiming following the path round the the school playing field cross this the pedestrian crossing, turn right for the house at the bottom of ponds to reach a stile at the end, to the stile at the top and on to and follow the pavement round the field, cross the stile onto the go over this ignoring the path the A361. Turn right, with care to the left into Compton Road, lane and turn right. On reaching off to the left, go straight up the cross the road and on reaching cross this into Kingsland Road Manor Cottage on your right, hill, On reaching the top keep Collett Avenue turn left to enter and follow it for approx ljz mile, turn left into the lane then once straight on towards the large tree Collett Park at the top, turn right on reaching Strode Way turn over the stream where the lane in the boundary straight ahead, and follow the path pass the lake right and follow it under the old turns left, go straight ahead up next to which you will find a well and the play areas to exit onto railway arch along Kent Lane the steps and over the stile into hidden stile in the hedge. Once Park Road, turn left then right to reach the B3136. Turn left the field where due to a spring over this follow the hedge on back to the car park. and carefully follow the road for rising here it is always wet. From your left uphill until it becomes 200 metres to turn right into the the stile aim straight up the hill a wire fence where you will find R.U.P.P. just before the remains to reach a double stile at the top, and cross a stile, now aim for of the old railway arch, follow this this is a good place to stop for the gate a little to your left at the as it changes from track to path. some refreshment both liquid and top of this field which takes you At the junction follow the track to visual. 52 53 24. , (the house to your right is Burford House). Keep in the same lrection down the field to pass to the left, here turn right into through the gate at the bottom the driveway of Bark Mill, on nd onto the road. Turn right and reaching the bridge turn left follow the road uphill until you across this and then the orchard come to the crossroads at the to cross a stile into the field, top. Turn right and still following follow the hedge on your left the road (with good views both round two sides of this large field North and South) for approx to cross a smaller field over a stile onto a lane. Turn right and where 1/2 mile. Just after the junction on your left and where the road the road bends to the right go bends to the right continue straight ahead pass the workshop on your right and up some steps straight ahead into the bridleway ~ to go through the garden, then e (Folly Lane). Keep on along the track to pass through a bridle follow the fence on your right to gate at the end into a field, follow a stile leading you into a field. the hedge on your left cross this Head straight across the field to field pass through the gate at a stile next to the gate, once over the end and keep straight on, this keep straight on towards the '" the hedge is now on your right, wood ignoring the small gate on your right as this is private. Enter follow this through the next gate the wood via a drunken stile and and round two sides ofthe next exit via a sober one into a field, field to pass through the gate follow the wood on your left until into a track. Continue along the you come to a small marker post track until you reach Folly Lodge pointing you down to the end of on your left, opposite which you the wood at the bottom of the cross a stile, now head for the hill, follow the wood on your right telegraph pole in the middle of round to pass through a gate the field then onto cross the stile onto a concrete track, turn right in the hedge at the bottom onto and just after the stream cross the a lane, turn left towards North stile on your left aiming for the Wootton. If you started from the barns at the top of the hill. Go pub keep straight on to return to through two farm gates to follow the Crossways Inn. 54 3. On reaching Sidelands Barn ss take the lane on your right and follow this until it bends sharply 25. =- a fence on your left through a climb up these to cross the stile at through a kissing was thought to be at the end metal gate and down to reach the the top, then head for the far left . n the tar mac track of its use, but during the war road at Worminster via a smaller hand corner of the field to cross ugb lwo more kissing gates the Doomsday Book was kept gate. Note the ancient cross on another stile, our path now drops lo reach a road, go straight on there. The British Army used your right. downhill to the houses below, following this road until you reach another part of it as a Military keeping these on your right the T-Junction with Cowl Street. Detention barracks, followed 4. Turn left up the road, where it bends to the left go up the steps go over the stile and down the 6. Turn left uphill over the small later by the Americans. The British Army returned at the in the bank on your right to cross concrete track to reach the road, roundabout, under the old arch continue down the road to reach and on reaching No 56 turn right end of the last war where it the stile at the top, cross the field continued being used until early the River Sheppey into a footpath to reach and cross to go over the stile in the top left 1966 when again its usefulness Waterloo Road. Turn right then hand corner onto a track, turn 5. Do not cross the bridge but came in to doubt. Then in June left and follow this track until it turn right in front of the houses left up the steps to enter the field of that year the gates shut on turns right, keep straight ahead following the path round with the t the top, now turn right and 25 civilian prisoners and so it through a gate (ignore the next river on your left to cross a stile follow the wall across the field to once again came into its own gate on your left) cross the field at the end of the last house, aim reach a metal stile, cross this and and it is still used today for keeping the hedge on your left for the large tree next to which follow the tar mac path downhill, nearly 200 'lifers'. Just before you reach the bottom. (with good views across Wells) to you cross a stile, continue up the Cross into the footpath opposite look for a small archway on your pass through a gate into another hill to a stile in the fence on your pass the bowling green and tennis right, go through this and follow field. Follow the path through left cross this, down the bank, courts to enter Collett Park, turn the path up some steps over the middle of this field to drop then follow the path across this right and follow the path out to the bridge to reach Peter Street, down to cross the old railway field to the stile you can see in Park Road, turn left then right to cross into Church Lane, follow via the kissing gates into a field. the distant field boundary. Once reach the car park. Pass the small copse on your left over this pass the large tree on the path up to the church, do not to cross a stile behind it taking your left then follow the hedge enter the church-yard but turn you into an enclosed path to on your right, where this ends right following the path round to emerge into Churchill Lane. At cross the gap to pick up the pass in front of the of the church, the top of the hill keep straight hedge again (often muddy here). then turn left into a path passing ahead following the road to a At the end of this hedge next to the church on your left follow the crossroads, cross over into the a metal gate and stile cross the path round to the right then turn lane signed Croscombe. Follow field to go over a stone stile on left to emerge into Goal Lane, this downhill and on reaching a the corner into an enclosed path. keep straight ahead to reach cottage on a sharp bend to the Go over the old stone stile at the Frithfield Lane, turn right uphill to reach the A361. left, go straight ahead into the end, then cross two more fields track passing the cottage on your to pass through a kissing gate. H.M.Prison - This is the oldest left, follow this sometimes muddy Ignore the path on your right working prison in the country track until you reach a lane, turn but go straight ahead behind the and was erected in 1627 at a right uphill to a T-junction, Turn houses to eventually reach St. cost of just £230. The stately left and with care follow the road Peter's Road, follow this down to looking entrance is in Town until you come to a junction, look the A371. Cross with care into Street. Many people were hung for a signpost on your left, next Forum Lane then turn first right in this prison for petty stealing. to which you will find some steps, following the cottages on your In 1930 it was closed and it 26. Al3 - CHELYNCH / DOULTING / SHEPTON . 5 miles. A pleasant walk that takes in the Pochers Pocket at Chelynch where refreshments are available. The walk leaves Shepton via the Frome road, along the old Fosse Way and through fields to Chelynch, returning through Doultinq along the top of a wooded quarry. 1. Commencing in the centre of end, closing behind you any you Shepton Mallet, walk along the open. After the last gate walk Frome road to the traffic lights diagonally up across the field to just past the Thatched Cottage another gate. Go over or through Inn. Turn left by the Turn Pike the gate, walk along the top of House down the original Fosse this field to the end. Carefully get Way (now called Martins Lane). under the temporary barbed wire Proceed down the road through fence. You are now on another the two halves of the Charlton farm track, follow this to the end. • Estate (right of the Charlton Take note of the beautiful views Doulting. Keep going to the end the bank on your right. Walk Brewery). On the right, just on the way. At the end of the between the cottages, then turn across the field, keep to the wall before reaching the gate, are track you will come to Bodden right to make your way back to at the end where you will find 1I some stone steps set into the Lane. Turn right and follow the Shepton Mallet. stone stile to go down the short bank. Go up the steps, follow the road to Chelynch. Turn left at the 4. Go down the hill to the path to the Old Fosse Way. Turn path and climb the stone stile into end of the road and the Poachers left, go up the road to the tram the fields. Cross the field to the Pocket is just a few yards away. bottom, you are now at the source of the River Sheppy or lights, turn right and follow the stile by the footpath sign, climb 3. After any refreshment, retrace road back to the town centre over this and turn left. Doulting water as it should be your steps back down Bodden known. Take the footpath on 2. Up the lane for 70 yards (60 Lane. Approximately 80 yards the right, you will come to two meters) on the right you will down the lane on the left is a ponds, these were built by one of come to a track. Walk along the footpath sign and some steps in the Fussels (a relation to the Mells track and follow the country code the bank. Climb these and follow Fussels) who had an iron works by climbing any gates the hinge the path along the top of one of and edge tool business here in 0------, Doulting's old quarries, now Doulting. Keep on the path up wooded. Keep on the path the steps and over the stile into past the paddock on through t he field. Turn left and follow the the next field and into hedge of the fields, along the river, Doulting School. Keep to the over the stiles. Keep going until footpath behind the school, you come to the farm gate. through a lovely kissing gate 5. You will now retrace your made of wrought iron and a curved wall of Doulting steps down the farm track to the stone. At the end of this lane. Turn left and walk 70 yards you will come to a lane in to the footpath sign and stile up 58 27.