- circuit, Philippa Reader

Route Summary

Stunning route from low down in Withycombe valley up onto The 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 coastline and .

Once you meet The Coleridge Way you pass through some beautiful woodland before continuing up onto a ridgeline of the 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 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 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