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Winter Walks

Have you eaten too much turkey, mince pies, Christmas cake, and

other delicious treats over Christmas and now feeling the need to

walk it off? The bus is a great way to explore the beautiful countryside

in Somerset and can help you exercise.

We have put together a walks across Somerset accessiblie by bus.

 

These walks only scratches the surface. Armed with an ordinance

survey map (whether paper map or via your phone) and bus timetable

(preferably on a smart phone – because then you can usually see

geographically how close you are to a bus on Bus Times map, using

the map tracking facility on https://bustimes.org ) there are unlimited

bus/walking possibilities.

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We would like to expand this section so if you have a walk that can be

accessed by bus we would very much like to add it to our page, please

contact us

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SOUTH SOMERSET


 

 

Compton Dundon Circular
 

To reach Compton Dundon, take the 77 bus operated by First West of England and got off at the main stop in the village, Ham Lane/War Memorial. From here you follow Ham Lane and after some time you will see a footpath heading off to the left in a diagonal direction crossing a wide open field. You follow this footpath as it crosses through a farm and then through a tunnel of trees. The path starts to slope upwards and you keep walking until you get to a wider path where you turn left and are greeted with a gate and a small bit of information about Dundon Beacon.

After a short climb, you will see a very steep permissive path which will take you up to the top of the Somerset Wildlife Trust run Dundon Beacon Nature Reserve. 

To quote from the Somerset Wildlife Trust’s website, this is… “A mosaic of calcareous grassland, scrub, ancient oak woodland, secondary woodland and conifer plantation. The top of Dundon Hill features significant archaeological remains with a hill fort, Bronze Age round barrow and ancient quarry…”

The Trust is in the process of creating a balance of ancient oak woodland combined with managed coppice and restored grass downland. And I have to say it is a fabulous place…

The hilltop is dominated by the an Iron Age fort and hilltop settlement, and a tumulus where a kneeling skeleton was excavated in the early 19th century. At one time Dundon Beacon was part of a communication chain linking other beacon hills at Ilminster, Shepton Mallet and the Mendips.

So, after taking a turn around the historic and wildlife rich hilltop we made our descent down another steep path which took us to the public right of way that runs east to west from the main village of Compton Dundon to the school and the church at Dundon. 

You could turn right here if you wished so that you could visit the Castlebrook Inn down on the main road, or walk up a second hill called Lollover.

 

As you walk back down Dundon Beacon, you get to a small car park with a small school adjacent. You continue to walk along a tarmac road until you hit a larger road called Peak Lane. Straight ahead, you will see a public footpath ascends away from the village in a westerly direction to climb magnificent Lollover Hill. At just under 100 metres, this might not be a mountain, but Lollover really does have that sense of being magnificent because it rises so steeply, straight out of the dead flat Levels. A wondrous fact which you will be able to enjoy once you’ve climbed to the trig-point at the summit.

Strange name, by the way… Some locals believe Lollover comes from ‘Look Over’ referring to the fact that locals went up the hill to watch the 1685 Battle of Sedgemoor which so infamously and bloodily took place about eight miles away across the Levels. 

The hilltop is overseen by English Heritage as a nature reserve which helps preserve the traditional hillside farming techniques (lynchets) and the wild orchids which grow around the steep flanks. Not that we saw any during our warm and sunny walk a couple of weeks ago - it was February, after all. 

There are many vantage point around the Somerset Levels, but the top of Lollover has to be one of the best there is. The flat green ocean seems to spread forever into the haze, but you will see the distant Quantock Hills far to the west and I’m told you can spy Hinkley Point nuclear power station, although why you’d want to do such a thing I can’t imagine. 

After you’ve been suitably wowed by the views, carry on along the footpath which descends as it heads west boards Bartletts Farm. Before it gets there the path veers to the left and now head south towards the large sheds of Upper Hayes Farm, but before it reaches this busy looking place there’s a chance to turn left again and now head back east towards the village along a track which traverses the lower flanks of Lollover. 

There’s no phone reception in the area of Compton Dundon next to the main road so prepare your directions beforehand. Wether that’s a paper map, or a downloaded version of Google/Apple Maps.

 

BY BUS: First West 77 bus (Monday to Saturday). Timetable: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/77_77A_Yeovil_v2_0.pdf

Nearest bus stop: Ham Lane / War Memorial (Compton Dundon)

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Templecombe to Horsington

 

Going north, past the new Slades Hill housing estate, turn off the road before climbing the hill out of Templecombe and go through a gate. Follow the hedge up the sloping field, keeping left. This bit of path isn’t on the OS map but it is sign-posted. At the top of the hill (100 yards or so) you can see Horsington church and the path leading to it across the 2 fields (sometimes with friendly cows). Cross the fields and follow the old path by the church into Horsington. To reach the Horsington bus stop, head to Duck Lane (Horsington) then turn left up the lane to the main road (A357). Catch the Buses of Somerset 58 bus from Mill Cottage bus stop. About 45 mins.

 

BY BUS

Buses of Somerset (Monday – Saturday) Timetable: https://bustimes.org/services/58-yeovil-sherborne-wincanton

Start of walk: Nearest bus stop: Station Road (Templecombe)

Nearest bus stop: Mill Cottage (Horsington)
 

 

 

 

Templecombe to South Cheriton.

 

Going north, past the new Slades Hill housing estate, turn off the road before climbing the hill out of Templecombe and go through a gate. Follow the hedge up the sloping field, keeping left. This bit of path isn’t on the OS map but it is sign-posted. At the top of the hill (100 yards or so) you can see Horsington church and the path leading to it across the 2 fields (sometimes with friendly cows). Cross the fields and follow the old path by the church into Horsington.

 

Carry on northwards through Horsington along Lower Road, past the village hall and school etc, eventually to Cheriton White Horse pub (usually open Thursday and Friday lunchtimes, maybe earlier, but check first).
 

About 1 hour 15min

 

BY BUS

Buses of Somerset (Monday – Saturday) Timetable: https://bustimes.org/services/58-yeovil-sherborne-wincanton

Start of walk: Nearest bus stop: Station Road (Templecombe)

Nearest bus stop: White Horse Inn (Cheriton)

 

 

 

 

Templecombe to Henstridge

From Templecombe walk down Temple Lane (going east, towards Buckhorn Weston) 300 yards or so and turn right (south east) into a footpath which continues to Henstridge, running parallel with the main road (which is no fun to walk on, so avoid it). About 1 hour.

 

Bus back from Henstridge. The Virginia Ash pub has fairly broad-minded opening hours if there’s a long wait for a bus. The Bird in Hand, further into Henstridge, is a more traditional pub.

BY BUS

Buses of Somerset (Monday – Saturday) Timetable: https://bustimes.org/services/58-yeovil-sherborne-wincanton

Start of walk: Nearest bus stop: Station Road (Templecombe)

Nearest bus stop: Various

Near The Bird in Hand: Blackmore Lane (Henstridge)

Near The Virginia Ash: Virginia Ash or Village Hall (Henstridge)

 

 

 

 

Templecombe to Milborne Port.

From Templecombe walk westwards, along Bowden Road, past Newleaze Farm, Bowden House, a couple of sharp left and right turns, through Henstridge Bowden (small community - a farm and half a dozen houses) keep going, you’ll meet horses probably, along the ridge with great views overlooking Milborne Port, or else if it’s ok underfoot go down the Old Bowden Way the other side of the solar panel farm. Either way end up in Milborne Port. About an hour and a half.

After your walk why not drop into the Tipping Philosopher for a drink or we would recommend their breakfast (excellent)  which is not far from the bus stop.

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BY BUS

Buses of Somerset (Monday – Saturday) Timetable: https://bustimes.org/services/58-yeovil-sherborne-wincanton

Start of walk: Nearest bus stop: Station Road (Templecombe)

Nearest bus stop: Queens Head (Henstridge)
 

 

 

 

The Newt, near Castle Cary
 

The Newt in Somerset is a working country estate with acres of farmland, woodland, orchards and gardens. The gardens are open daily for visitors to explore and enjoy our restaurants, farm shops, Cyder Cellar and The Story of Gardening experience. 

 

​For more information: https://thenewtinsomerset.com/

BY BUS

South West Coaches 667 service. You might be able to ask the driver to drop you outside The Newt otherwise nearest bus stop is a short walk away at Shepton Montague The Montague Inn.

Timetable (Monday - Saturday): https://images.southwestcoaches.co.uk/images/pdfs/service667sept2020-public.pdf

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MENDIP
 

Mells Walks

If you plan to walk around Wells and on some of the footpaths it’s worth downloading the Ordinance Survey app in advance or buying a local map.

There are some lovely walks through Mells especially around the Mells Estate via a bridle path. You can walk along the Mells River and see a small waterfall. Only a short way down the path are some ruins of Fussell’s old iron works (https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/.../Industrial.../fussells.html ). While some of these are now out of bounds many of the old works can still be explored.

After all that exercise you might be ready for something else to eat. You can eat at the Mells Café. Our you could go to The Talbot Inn (https://www.talbotinn.com/) – a stylish 15th century former coaching inn or grab a bite to eat at The Walled Garden Cafe (https://www.thewalledgardenatmells.co.uk/cafe ). The Walled Garden Cafe offers a good selection of pizzas (cooked in a wood-fired oven), sandwiches, salads and other light bites. This is a plant nursery, so there are plenty of great things to look at and buy.


By Bus 

Libra Travel's 184 (Monday - Friday) Timetable: https://www.libratravel.co.uk/

Nearest bus stop: Gay Street (Mells) 


 

 

 

Walks via the First Bus D2 route 


Midford to Bath: Full walk information can be downloaded here: https://www.rodevillage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Original-size-BUS-WALKS.pdf

Nearest bus stop: Hope and Anchor (Midford)

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Norton ST Philip to Hinton Charterhouse: https://www.rodevillage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Norton-to-Hinton-Walk-3-fold-1-1.pdf

Nearest bus stop: Fleur De Lis / The George Inn (Norton ST Philip)


Circular Walk around Norton St Philip: https://www.rodevillage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Circum-Walk-around-NSP-3-fold-1.pdf

Nearest bus stop: Fleur De Lis / The George Inn (Norton ST Philip)

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Walk around Norton ST Philip: https://www.rodevillage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Norton-to-Mount-Pleasant-Hassage-Baggeridge-Walk-3-fold-1.pdf

Nearest bus stop: Fleur De Lis / The George Inn (Norton ST Philip)

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By Bus

First West D2. Timetable (Monday to Sunday including evenings): https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/D2_D2x--A4_Timetable_Bath_Web%20%281%29_0.pdf


 

 

 

Walks accessible by the First Bus D2 & Faresaver X34
 

Walk around Rode village: https://www.rodevillage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/A-walk-around-Rode.pdf

Nearest bus stop: Rode Baptist Church


Rode to Frome walk: https://www.rodevillage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Original-size-BUS-WALKS.pdf
Nearest bus stop: Rode Baptist Church


By Bus

First West D2. Timetable (Monday to Sunday including evenings):  https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/D2_D2x--A4_Timetable_Bath_Web%20%281%29_0.pdf

Faresaver Buses: x34 (Monday - Saturday). Timetable: https://www.faresaver.co.uk/timetables/64f567bf680df.pdf


 

 

 

Royal Victoria Park, Bath

 

Just a short walk from the Bath city centre is this beautiful area of 57 acres. There are masses of open space for family games ou may well see hot air balloons launching early morning and evening. It’s also home to beautiful botanic gardens, a fantastic adventure playground for kids, mini golf, tennis courts and more. Plus you can see the magnificent Royal Crescent.
 

Website: Royal Victoria Park

 

By Bus:

First West: Take the 173, 174, D2 to Bath then either walk or catch the bus 4, 4a, 4b, 21, 39 and X39 all stop right outside.

 

 

 

Other walks in Bristol and Bath area

 

First Bus have a series of walks on their website but mainly accessible from the Bristol area: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/bristol-bath-and-west/plan-journey/bus-walks

 

 

 

SEDGEMOOR
 

Walks along the NEW 126 bus route

 

Sandford to Cheddar along The Straweberry Line
 

The Strawberry Line takes its name from the delicious cargo this former railway line carried from the strawberry fields of Cheddar.

The line was well used for nearly a century until its closure in 1965 and since then a wealth of wildlife habitats have been allowed to flourish.
 

Volunteers from the Cheddar Valley Railway Walk Society began converting the line into a walking and cycling route in 1983.

 

If you catch the First Bus 126 to Sandford you can walk along the Strawberry Line to Cheddar a 5.4 mile route and pick up the 126 in Cheddar. 

At Sandford to access The Strawberry Line you have a short walk to Hapil Close near the old Railway Station at Sandford where you can start your walk from. The path passes through wooded valleys, thourgh tunnels under the the Mendip hills and into historic Axbridge. At Cheddar we think that the Strawberry Line will finish near Travis Perkins, Valley Line Industrial Park, Cheddar BS27 3EE. The nearest bus stop is The Kings of Wessex on Station Road or Union Street or Church Street (for the 126). For location inforamtion: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Travis+Perkins/@51.2753741,-2.7831298,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x48721dd3a5171135:0x94c0514ada6c5c48!8m2!3d51.2754211!4d-2.78512!16s%2Fg%2F1tdqgy5r?entry=ttu

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By Bus:

First West:  First Bus 126 (Monday to Saturday). Timetable: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/126%20map%20and%20timetable.pdf

Nearest bus stop: Mead Lane (Sandford)

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Cheddar Reservoir

 

Get to know this 7.6-km circular trail near Cheddar, Somerset. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 33 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

An easy-going route which is suitable to most abilities, so a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors. The reserve is beautiful with a flat trail around it. It is worth noting that you can always park on the site of the reserve for free, which cuts out some of the road part and Cheddar itself, but may be worth doing as the highlight is certainly the reserve. Enjoy reconnecting with nature!

About 1 h 33 min

 

 

BY BUS

First Bus West of England Timetable: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/126%20map%20and%20timetable.pdf

Libra Travel 668 (Monday - Friday) https://www.libratravel.co.uk/

 

Start of walk: Nearest bus stop: Parkfield (Axbridge) or Tweentown (Cheddar)

Cheddar Gorge Trail

 

Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge. Explore one of the country's most spectacular sights along this trail, where you'll discover weathered crags and pinnacles, alongside a wide variety of plants and wildlife that call this landscape home. A moderate 4-mile walk along paths with some steep climbs. For further details, please see Terrain section.https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/cheddar-gorge/cheddar-gorge-trail


By Bus:

Somerset Council 48 (Tuesday & Friday only) https://bustimes.org/services/48-burnham-on-sea-cheddar
First West:  First Bus 126 (Monday to Saturday). Timetable: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/126%20map%20and%20timetable.pdf
Libra Travel 668 (Monday - Friday) https://www.libratravel.co.uk/

Nearest bus stop: Tweentown (Cheddar)

Mascall's Wood, Cheddar

Mascall's Wood comprises of an area of broadleaved ancient woodland on very steep slopes with a great diversity of woodland flora and lower slopes. For more information: https://www.somersetwildlife.org/nature-reserves/mascalls-wood

Location: 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mascall's+Wood/@51.277629,-2.7732708,16z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x48721e6463e22a47:0xd287ae375bcb8fd3!8m2!3d51.2798047!4d-2.7614551!16s%2Fg%2F1tf6lnp3

Footpath map: https://footpathmap.co.uk/map/?zoom=15.8&lng=-2.77294&lat=51.27884
 

BY BUS

Somerset Council 48 (Tuesday & Friday only) https://bustimes.org/services/48-burnham-on-sea-cheddar
First West:  First Bus 126 (Monday to Saturday). Timetable: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/126%20map%20and%20timetable.pdf
Libra Travel 668 (Monday - Friday) https://www.libratravel.co.uk/

Nearest bus stop: Tweentown (Cheddar)

Burnham-on-Sea Circular

Burnham-on-Sea sits at the mouth of the River Parrett and the end of the second longest strip of sand in Europe.

 

Burnham-on-Sea sits at the mouth of the River Parrett and the end of the second longest strip of sand in Europe. It is a town of surprises from its independent shops to its short pier and three lighthouses. There is an information centre on the Esplanade and a choice of places for refreshment. Suitable for all walkers.

For more information click here.


BY BUS

First West (Monday - Sunday) https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/20_Weston_Web_0.pdf

Buses of Somerset 21/21A (Monday - Sunday): https://bustimes.org/services/21-taunton-bridgwater-burnham-on-sea

Somerset Council: 48 (Tuesday & Friday) https://bustimes.org/services/48-burnham-on-sea-cheddar

Mendip Community Transport (Monday - Saturday) https://www.mendipcommunitytransport.co.uk/route-67

Nearest bus stop: Old Pier Tavern (Burnham-on-Sea)

Apex Park, Burnham-On-Sea (TA8 3YY)
 

Take a stroll through this award-winning park, suitable for all walkers.

 

This award-winning park is a gem with 42 acres of land including lakes, wildflowers, trails and play areas for emd from former clay pits. This walk is ideal for everyone.

Click here for more information.

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BY BUS

Buses of Somerset 21/21A (Monday - Sunday): https://bustimes.org/services/21-taunton-bridgwater-burnham-on-sea

Mendip Community Transport (Monday - Saturday) https://www.mendipcommunitytransport.co.uk/route-67

Nearest bus stop King Alfreds School (Highbridge)

Berrow Beach Circular

 

This walk is tidal - please check tide times before setting off. Suitable for all walkers.

 

Berrow is part of one of Europe’s longest strips of sand and there are dunes which growing rarer. They occur when sand, dried out at low tide, is blown inland and forms mounds that become anchored by grass growing on them. This walk is tidal - please check tide times before setting off. Suitable for all walkers.

Click here for more information.

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BY BUS

First West (Monday - Sunday) https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/20_Weston_Web_0.pdf

Nearest bus stop: Manor Way (Berrow)

Berrow Dunes Nature Reserve

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The Berrow Dunes Nature Reserve walk is suitable for all walkers.

 

There is plenty to see all year round but an ideal time would be on a warm, windless day in June or July. Public transport by bus is available from Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-Super-Mare. Suitable for all walkers.

Click here for more information.

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BY BUS

First West (Monday - Sunday) https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/20_Weston_Web_0.pdf

Nearest bus stop: Dunes Edge (Berrow)

Bridgwater Docks & Town Circular


The walk around historic Bridgwater fittingly starts and finishes at the Docks because thanks to its position on the tidal river Parrett, the town has always been a hive of industry. Its colourful past is reflected in its many notable buildings. The earliest evidence of settlement here was the discovery of thousands of worked flints indicating a ‘factory’ site from around 6800 BC.

Today it is a fascinating town to visit with plenty to see, including museums reflecting its manufacturing and military heritage.

For more information click here


BY BUS

The Bridgwater bus station is about a 10minutes walk from the start point of the walk. For location of the bus station: https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Docks/@51.1317338,-3.0045684,17z/data=!4m7!3m6!1s0x4872087d1aeae8d1:0xa27e21ba3ae9f56b!4b1!8m2!3d51.132259!4d-3.0092515!16s%2Fg%2F11vd687m7p?entry=ttu

 

Buses from Bridgwater bus station

Buses of Somerset 14 (Monday - Saturday) - https://bustimes.org/services/14-bridgwater-canniongton-nether-stowey
Hatch Green 16 (Monday to Saturday) - https://hatchgreencoaches.co.uk/pdfs/2023/16-mono-updated.pdf
Hatch Green 19 (Monday to Friday) - https://hatchgreencoaches.co.uk/pdfs/2023/19-mono.pdf
Buses of Somerset 21/21A (Monday to Sunday including evenings) - https://bustimes.org/services/21-taunton-bridgwater-burnham-on-sea
Buses of Somerset B1 (Monday to Saturday) - https://bustimes.org/services/b1-penlea-estate-sydenham-estate
First West 75 (Monday - Saturday) https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/75_Somerset-WEB%20%281%29.pdf

SOUTH WEST AND TAUNTON

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Taunton Heritage Trail

There are some beautiful, original heritage sites in Taunton, many of which are marked on the Taunton Heritage Trail. By using the leaflet you can visit the historic sites and properties on a self-guided tour.

The circular tour starts at the historic Market House, before guiding you to the magnificent Museum of Somerset and St Mary Magdalene Church amongst other locales. The stunning Vivary Park and the atmospheric Almhouses require a slight detour off the circular route but they are certainly well worth it!

Pick up your free copy of the Taunton Heritage Trail from the Taunton Visitor Centre; download it from the homepage of the Visit Taunton website

By Bus:
Various buses go into Taunton Town Centre including the Park and Ride. The old bus station on Castle Way is a 3 minutes walk away from the Market House.

A Criss-Cross of Bridges

 

Take in a lively stretch of the River Tone, a new wildlife mural, and the Mill Stream running through Goodland Gardens. Visit by day you’ll see Little Egrets hunting for fish, and at dusk you might be joined by bats who are out hunting for their supper.

Start: River path outside Viridor House
             Priory Bridge Road
             TA1 1AP

Distance: Approx 2km

Approx time: 25-30 mins (with extra 15 - 20 min loop / 1.6km if desired)

Download your free copy  HERE 

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BY BUS:

10 - 15 minutes walk from Taunton's Bus Station / Castle Way / town centre. Five minues walk from train station. 

Hamilton Gault Park / Black Brook Meander

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A gentle meander alongside Blackbrook and around pleasant Hamilton Gault Park. The stream is a traffic-free
route for wildlife in and out of the town, including otters and water voles. Come out on a summer evening and
watch bats flying above your head catching insects.

Terrain: Tarmac (with optional dirt path)
Walkers need appropriate footwear

Distance: 2.6km (with optional 500m point of interest)

Approx time: 25-30 mins

Download your free copy HERE

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BY BUS

Buses of Somerset 21/21A (Monday to Sunday including evenings) https://bustimes.org/services/21-taunton-bridgwater-burnham-on-sea

Hatch Green 51 (Monday - Saturday)  https://hatchgreencoaches.co.uk/pdfs/2023/51-mono.pdf

Buses of Somerset 54 https://bustimes.org/services/54-taunton-yeovil

Nearest bus stop Rose Inn (Taunton)

Creech St Michael Walk

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Take the Taunton to Glastonbury Buses of Somerset 29 Bus out to

Creech St Michael. Get off the bus at Corner Cottage / Mill Lane

bus stop, Creech St Michael. Take a short walk into the village

towards Creech St Miachel Canal Bridge. At the Canal Bridge

you have the option of several walks.

 

You can walk along the canal towards Taunton (4 miles) or

Bridgwater (10 miles a catch the Buses of Somerset 21 bus back

to Taunton). 

Or you have the option of a circular walk:

https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/somerset/taunton-canal-creech-st-michael-river-tone-circular.

 

Below is a map of the area showing you some of the walking route options.

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More information: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/bridgwater-and-taunton-canal

 

BY BUS

Buses of Somerset 29 (Monday to Saturday): https://bustimes.org/services/29-taunton-parade-glastonbury-town-hall

Nether Stowey: Castles & Coast Way

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The walk links The Coleridge Way in Nether Stowey and the England Coast Path and can be completed as a day walk or in sections which lend themselves to easier circular walks. The route is well signposted and waymarked with the Castles and Coast Way logo.

On the route from Nether Stowey to Stogursey, as you walk by rivers, ditches, lakes or ponds, you might spot a kingfisher - a neon flash of this bird as it darts by is a sight to remember. Barbastelle bats are also known in the area.

The route mostly follows public rights of way and crosses a wide variety of terrain and farmland. Please remain on the public footpaths at all times and do not deviate onto private land. There is no access to any of the woodlands in the vicinity of the walk.

For more information click here.

 

BY BUS
Buses of Somerset 14 (Monday - Saturday): https://bustimes.org/services/14-bridgwater-canniongton-nether-stowey

Nearest bus stop: The Library (Nether Stowey)

Dunster Circular - Dunster, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6SE

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This walk takes you from the shingle beach at Dunster up to the magnificent medieval village with its yarn market and topped off with a castle. Originally “Dunn’s Torre”, a craggy fortification overlooking the Bristol Channel, the settlement was given by William the Conqueror gave to the powerful de Mohun family to build a castle to protect the coast. In 1375 the feudal barony was purchased by the Luttrell family who owned the Castle until 1976 when it was gifted to the National Trust. Having explored the streets and shops, the walk takes you past the heritage railway station back to the beach along the riverside.

Click here for more information 

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BY BUS:

Buses of Somerset 28 (Monday - Sunday including evenings) https://bustimes.org/services/28-taunton-bishops-lydeard-williton-watchet-minehe

Atwest - 198 (Monday - Saturday) https://www.atwest.org.uk/198-bus/

Nearest bus stop: Dunster Steep (28 or 198) or High Street Newsagents, Dunster (198 only)

Watchet to East Quantoxhead Circular

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This stretch of the coast path from Watchet to East Quantoxhead has everything from quintessential English villages to historic churches, wonderful wild flowers to geological marvels and is a great walk for families, keen walkers and nature lovers.

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Things to look out for include stunning geological wonders like the limestone pavements, red rock formations and amazing coastal views.

The walk takes in the foothills of the Quantocks – the first place in England to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and walkers are in with the chance of spotting rare flowers like Pyramid and Bee Orchids and birds including Oyster Catchers, Dunlin and Peregrine Falcons.

Click here for more information (please note Visit Somerset start the walk at Doniford but the nearest bus stop is Watchet which is about a mile away.) Location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Doniford,+Watchet+TA23+0TQ/@51.1796021,-3.3316469,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x486de4fe9044044d:0xc3c25d163ee165c4!8m2!3d51.177827!4d-3.306241!16s%2Fm%2F03mdp12?entry=ttu
 

BY BUS:

Buses of Somerset 28 (Monday - Sunday including evenings) https://bustimes.org/services/28-taunton-bishops-lydeard-williton-watchet-minehe

Nearest bus stop: Watchet

Watchet to St Audries Bay Circular

The circular walk centred on St Audries Beach is ideal for families as it has plenty to stir the imagination with interesting rock patterns – natural and man-made – an incredible waterfall, fossils and sea creatures.

 

Look out for the Blue Lias pavements and Devonian red sandstone. It is important to be aware of the tide times when planning a visit.

For more info click here (please note Visit Somerset start the walk at near Doniford but the nearest bus stop is Watchet which is about a mile away.)

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BY BUS:

Buses of Somerset 28 (Monday - Sunday including evenings) https://bustimes.org/services/28-taunton-bishops-lydeard-williton-watchet-minehe

Nearest bus stop: Watchet

Watchet, Washford along the Old Mineral Line

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The Watchet to Washford walk along the Old Mineral Line is ideal for keen walkers and families. This is a moderate to difficult walk in places, with steps, steep climbs and some uneven surfaces, although it is stile free.

There is loads to see and do in beautiful Watchet, including taking a trip from the town’s picturesque station on the West Somerset Railway. Museums include the fascinating Market House Museum with its tales of kings, queens, murderous knights and pirates and the Boat Museum which houses an intriguing collection of local flat bottomed boats. The town is also packed with independent shops and art galleries including Contains Art, a gallery and studios in converted shipping containers on the quayside.

For more information click here.If you don't wish to walk the whole walk you can catch the 28 bus at Washford.

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BY BUS:

Buses of Somerset 28 (Monday - Sunday including evenings) https://bustimes.org/services/28-taunton-bishops-lydeard-williton-watchet-minehe

Nearest bus stop: Watchet

Minehead Walks

Visit Minehead have put together walking information on Minehead: https://www.mineheadbay.co.uk/walking
 

BY BUS

Atwest 10: https://www.atwest.org.uk/10-bus/

Ridlers Coaches 10: http://www.ridlers.co.uk/bus-timetables/

Ridlers Coaches 11: http://www.ridlers.co.uk/bus-timetables/

Buses of Somerset 28 (Monday - Sunday including evenings) https://bustimes.org/services/28-taunton-bishops-lydeard-williton-watchet-minehe

​Suggested bus stop: W.S. Railway Station

Dulverton and Tarr Steps Circular Walk

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For the more adventures there is a 12 mile circular walk which takes 5 to 6 hours from Dulverton to Tarr steps https://exmoorwalks.org/Classics/dulverton-and-tarr-steps

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BY BUS

Busees of Somerset 25 bus (Monday - Saturday) https://bustimes.org/services/25-taunton-dulverton

Please note:

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All walks are undertaken at your own risk. Somerset Bus Partnership accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
 

Walking routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
 

Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.

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