Withycombe - Luxborough circuit, Philippa Reader Brendon Hills
Route Summary
Stunning route from low down in Withycombe valley up onto The Coleridge Way in the Brendon Hills
Route Overview
Category: Walking Length: 15.710 km / 9.82 mi Last Modified: 13th July 2020 Difficulty: Medium Rating: Unrated Surface: Rough Date Published: 12th July 2020
Description
This circuit starts in the pretty village of Withycombe and climbs up through open farmland with fantastic views of the Somerset coastline and Quantock Hills.
Once you meet The Coleridge Way you pass through some beautiful woodland before continuing up onto a ridgeline of the Treborough Parish in the Brendon Hills. The views are superb.
After descending into the valley of Luxborough you again climb up Monkton Hill, this time in pine plantation before reaching a junction of trails at the top. Withycombe Common is off to your right as you descend back off the Brendons.
The final section brings you out of the woodland and onto common land with more fine views of the coast.
Waypoints
Start point (51.16243; -3.40906) Park in the village, roads are a bit narrow but there are some wider spots further down the village
Turn left onto the Macmillan Way West (51.16151; -3.40919)
1 / 4 Cross the ford and walk up the road
Turn right (51.16054; -3.40642) Follow Macmillan Way West up and over farmland
Cross road (51.14544; -3.39364) Head down to Golsoncott Farm
Turn right onto footpath (51.14240; -3.39235) Follow up through valley to Croydon Hall
Bear left (51.13879; -3.40351) Navigate around Croydon Hall along driveway
Turn right (51.13774; -3.40160) Follow hedge to corner of first field
Turn right again (51.13639; -3.40132) Tur just before barn and cross field to Greenland Lane
Turn left onto Greenland Lane (51.13634; -3.40406) Head down past houses and onto rough track that takes you all the way to Washford River
Cross road and pick up The Coleridge Way (51.13036; -3.40160) This bridleway takes you up through Langridge Wood before it breaks out into farmland and continues to climb up onto the ridgeline
Turn right at the road (51.12239; -3.42453) The path meets then turns away from the road and continues along the ridgeline, fantastic views. Follow all the way to Kingsbridge in the parish of Luxborough
Turn right onto the road
2 / 4 (51.12872; -3.45230) Follow road around bend
Turn left (51.13128; -3.45088) Head up towards pine plantation ahead of you
Turn left onto forest track (51.13200; -3.45076) and start climbing! The track goes up past Monkham Wood to a very obvious track junction on the top at Withycombe Common.
Cross over the track junction (51.14450; -3.45423) and now head back down the hillside with Withycombe Common on your right and a mix of deciduous and coniferous woodland on your left. Enjoy the views!
Follow bridleway around to the right (51.16167; -3.44273) and break out onto open bracken covered heathland of Withycombe Hill.
Left onto track (51.16167; -3.43432) Track climbs a little way across the flank of Withycombe Hill
Follow bridlepath off right (51.16208; -3.42973) Bridleway soon descends back to Withycombe
Return to Withycombe (51.16097; -3.40969) Turn left back into village
3 / 4 4 / 4