Winter Walks
We have put together a selection of walks across Somerset accessiblie by bus which are on the under threat bus routes.
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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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)
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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
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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.
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)
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.
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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)
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)
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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
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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
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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
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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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