Area: Somerset

'Enjoy a walk around one of our nature reserves - our top ten walks are available to download ...'

'Barrington has an extensive network of public rights of way / footpaths which are maintained by a small group of volunteers ... Maps of the footpaths can be found in the church and a large display can be found outside the church and at the village hall. A number of circular walks from Barrington with maps can be accessed ...'

'Making the most of our beautiful natural habitat.'

'We have two regular Sunday walks, each usually of about 5/6 and 10/12 miles and some midweek walks during the day or in the evening in the summer. Non-members are most welcome to come on rambles. After two walks we would invite you to join the Ramblers’ Association.'

'The aim of the U3A Walking Group is to enable those members who are fit and able, to get out and enjoy the Somerset Countryside ... Unless stated all walks average 5 to 8 miles over a variety of terrain. Leaders have discretion to vary the route.'

'We are a unique club for young(ish) people in Bristol & Bath who love getting outside on the weekend, enjoying our fantastic countryside and meeting like-minded people.'

'Cheddar is world famous for its cheese and stunning gorge, but many visitors are unaware of the rich diversity of landscape and walking country we have here. Through the Walkers are Welcome scheme, Cheddar promotes itself as a walker-friendly destination offering a number of walking routes of varying grades, starting from the village centre. We hope you enjoy your visit!'

Visitor information for Clevedon, including access to PDFs of two Heritage Walks: [1] Beach, pier and conservation area - - - : [2] St Andrew's Church and Poet's Walk

'In 1861 Parliament passed the Clifton and Durdham Downs (Bristol) Act securing both the same Downs to be open and largely resorted to as Places of Recreation for the Inhabitants of Bristol and its Neighbourhood for time immemorial.'

'Dunster is England’s largest medieval village, it boasts over 100 Conservation Grade 1 and 2 listed buildings, with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. However, it’s not just the beauty of the buildings that makes Dunster so welcoming, it’s also the gentle rolling hills and forests of the enticing Exmoor countryside ... The village has been accredited by Walkers are Welcome and there are some wonderful walks from the village, such as those on the Dunster Estate.'

'The Exploration Group of North Somerset ... are a friendly, informal walking group with members from around the Bristol/Bath/North Somerset area. We have a mixed membership of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. New members, 18 years or over, are always welcome.The aim of the group is to provide a full and varied programme of local walks, hill-walking, mountaineering and occasional other outdoor activities ...'

'Whether you are an experienced walker or someone who prefers a short stroll, Exmoor National Park is the ideal place to explore the outdoors on foot. With over 1000km of footpaths and bridleways, through woodlands, by tumbling rivers and on open heather covered moorland, the variety is vast.'

'Discover Somerset and loose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away ...'

'Providing a service for walkers with organised walks in the Bath and Bristol area, and leaflets for individuals and groups who wish to go-it-alone, thus enhancing the profile of Keynsham. This will benefit the residents and traders alike. All the walks will emanate from or include, the town.'

Held Mid June.

'This is one of England’s most special places – the limestone Mendip Hills with the lakes of the Chew Valley is a stunning landscape of steep slopes and undulating plateau punctuated by spectacular gorges and rocky outcrops. On the hilltops there are hundreds of ancient monuments, whilst on steeper slopes flower rich grasslands and wooded combes offer varied habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.'

'The Mendip Hills are found in the northern part of the historic County of Somerset and only 15 miles from the City of Bristol ... A programme of heritage walks and visits is on offer, each chosen to highlight the amazing historic interest of the area. Included is a selection of heritage walks around local towns and the Roman mining remains at Charterhouse ...' Latest Dates 11-14 September 2014. [Seems not repeated ...]

'OutdoorsWest is a project set up by the Councils in the area, that's Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council. Whilst we were preparing a Rights of Way Improvment Plan, we were told that people wanted more information, and if there was a website with information on walks, rides and cycle routes they'd use our paths more. So, here's the product.'

information on where to go and what to do on paths in the West of England, whether you want to walk, run, go cycling or ride a horse. - See more at: http://www.outdoorswest.org.uk/Home/#sthash.oI6LUbMJ.dpuf

'Porlock’s surrounds contain everything for the walker, starting with the long shingle bank curving across the Bay ... Everywhere there are numerous footpaths well maintained and sign-posted by the National Trust and the National park, in fact so many that none of them are ever crowded.  In addition walkers have a wide choice of excellent refreshment stops in Porlock itself and in most of the surrounding old attractive hamlets ...'

'Craving crisp air and wide open spaces? Views that stretch for miles and miles? Wooded combes with babbling brooks? Uninterupted heathland? Wild jurassic coast? Better get your walking boots on then ...'

'Somerset Area Ramblers covers an area from Frome in the East of the County to Minehead in the West, from Clevedon in the North to Yeovil in the South. We have a large section of the coastal path stretching from Minehead to Clevedon, The Quantocks, parts of Exmoor, The Black Down Hills and The Mendips. Somerset Area Ramblers is the co-ordinating body for 8 of the Ramblers local groups.'

'There is no need to join before walking with us – why not try us out a few times before deciding? We are a friendly and sociable group who share a love of the outdoors and we would be pleased to hear from you.'

'Getting Started ... Walking Safely ... Walking for All ... Walking for Health and Fitness ... Where to Walk' ALERT Website Link changed.

'We organise walks in most parts of the county including the Quantock hills, Exmoor, Blackdown hills and Somerset levels meaning it is ideal for people living in Taunton, Yeovil or Bridgwater. Most of our members are in their 20s, 30s and into their 40s. We are a very active group of around 70 members ...'

'6 circular walks within the parish which have been prepared by members of the Footpath Committee with the help of volunteers under the Parish Paths Partnership Scheme (P3).'

Download PDFs of over twenty circular walks, including a location map of each of the walks. Also access details of a number of 'related services'.

'The compact nature of Bath makes it ideal to explore on foot, with many of the city's most iconic sights all within a short walk of each other. The Kennet & Avon Canal path and surrounding nearby countryside offers the perfect setting for walks all year round – immerse yourself in the breath-taking scenery taking a picnic with you on fine days, or get cosy during the winter months at one of the many country pubs that line the routes ... '

'North Somerset Walking for Health welcomes over 300 regular walkers in and around Clevedon, Nailsea, Portishead, Weston-super-Mare, Winscombe and Yatton. Our health walks last about an hour with the option of a shorter distance of up to 30 minutes.  We welcome all abilities.'

Somerset Walks to download and print FREE - categorized around and about some two dozen places ranging from Bath to Yeovil. ALERT At Review, this Website was inaccessible.

'For now, public access to the reserve itself is limited to our guided walks in order to give you the best possible experience, and provide protection to ground-nesting and over-wintering birds. We'll send you full directions to the reserve itself when you book onto a guided walk. If you can't join us on a guided walk, there is an excellent network of footpaths west of Curry Rivel that provide superb views over the reserve.'

'Wiveliscombe is an ancient town, full of unexpected and surprising discoveries from an architectural and walking point of view.' Note that - at the time of Review [24 November 2015] - the 'Wiveliscombe Walking' Website could not be raised.

'The Full Circle will take 4 to 5 hours. You can of course join or leave the route at various places ... ' ALERT The Website originally cited here has closed. So I have replaced the Link.

'Walks in or around the Exmoor area. They are grouped in rough areas with details of location, parking, length and type of walk.'

'The Balsam Centre is owned and managed by a charity (Wincanton Community Venture) set up by local people in 1999 with the aim of supporting the health and wellbeing of people living in Wincanton and the rural area and settlements around it. Overall it provides a wide range of services and activities that are easy to access, enjoyable and that have lasting benefits.

'These Webpages contain a wide variety of information about public rights of way and outdoors access; including walk leaflets, online mapping, how to report a problem, legal orders, consultations and the Joint Local Access Forum.'

'Explore the Bath Skyline along six miles of way-marked footpaths.'

'Circular route taking in the iconic Bath Two Tunnels. The route also uses National Route 24 and National Route 4, along the Kennet & Avon Canal back in to Central Bath ... Both tunnels are well lit, have a sealed surface and are wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists to comfortably use the route in harmony.'

'The walks are a selection from around the Parish of Beckington. All are assumed to begin from The Woolpack, a fifteenth century coaching inn, at the junction of the Warminster and Frome Roads'.

'Local nature walks and wildlife interest including Bleadon Moors, Hills, West Mendip Way, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and public footpaths, rights of way & bridleways throughout Bleadon.'

Details of seven walks around and about Brent Knoll: 'Somerset is a pleasant place to walk in the South West of England. There are many pleasant walks around our village of Brent Knoll. Most of them are gentle and easy to follow but others present more of a challenge.'

'The 15 mile long canal path between Taunton and Bridgwater has been developed as a multi-user route to encourage walking and cycling. It forms part of the Sustrans cycle route 3. The canal path is an ideal way of passing through lowland Somerset, seeing areas of historic interest and natural beauty.'

'Connects six pubs owned by Butcombe Brewery. The trail runs from Hinton Blewett through Priddy, Axbridge, Bleadon, Rowberrow, and Compton Martin.' ALERT Formerly referenced here as the Mendip Pub Trail. Details of the Trail no longer seem accessible on the Butcombe Brewery Website; nor of the Booklet produced by the Brewery. So I have replaced the Link (and changed the Title of the Entry).

'At almost 400ft (122m) deep and 3 miles long, this is England’s largest gorge, and with its weathered crags and pinnacles, one of our most spectacular natural sites. It plays host to a varied community of  specialized plants and wildlife, many of which you’ll get to spot on this exhilarating circular walk.'

'Chew Valley Lake was built to provide water for Bristol. Water is pumped to our Barrow treatment works on the outskirts of Bristol and from here we supply much of the southern part of the city. The lake also supplies water to areas like Shepton Mallet, via the nearby Stowey treatment works. '

'This walk was first invented by Rowland Janes in 1986 as a linear walk from Maes Knoll to The Oozles (Blackberry Hill), via Knowle Hill, relying on the regular bus service along the A37 to return walkers to their starting point. It was published in "The Natural History of The Chew Valley" (1987) ...'

'Circular walk in the north eastern Blackdown Hills.'

'In partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, the University of Bath has established the Walking Network; a series of scenic and accessible walking routes linking the university campus with locations around Bath.'

'In the Footsteps of the Romantic Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772 - 1834), walk 36 miles through the stunning Somerset countryside of the Quantock Hills, the Brendon Hills and Exmoor, a landscape that inspired Coleridge to produce some of his best known work.'

'The Colliers Way - Route 24 of Sustrans National Cycle Network - is a recreational path extending 23 miles through beautiful rolling green landscape. It starts just outside the Georgian City of Bath and extends from the Limpley Stoke Valley at the north, to the Frome Valley at the south.'

'The Community Forest Path (CFP) was devised in association with the Forest of Avon with the avowed intent of leading people out of the city into the countryside ... The original map of the Community Forest Path is now out of print, so these maps, which have more in common with vector diagrams than they do with conventional plans are offered as a substitute, pending a new official leaflet.'

'Here are some suggestions for circular walks from Cranmore Tower starting and ending in the scenic Cranmore Woods and taking you through the beautiful East Mendip Somerset countryside ... Cranmore Tower is an old folly prominently sited on a high point of the East Mendip range in Somerset.'

'An introduction to the main points of interest in the town centre.'

'Runs from Forde Abbey on the Somerset border in the west, across Dorset to Bokerley Dyke in the north-east on the Hampshire Border. It avoids existing trails and popular rights of way and seeks out little known paths in order to open them up for all to enjoy. The Trail winds through quiet villages, passes rural churches and offers extensive views over the rolling downs and secret valleys that make Dorset so special.'

'The Dunster Mill Tea Rooms and Gardens in Mill Lane are set idyllically alongside the river next to the historically important mill where stone ground flour is produced and on sale. The owners specialise in home baking, everything is home-made and of course you find a cup of Twinings tea.'

However, the original Link for this Walk seems to have disappeared.  So I have replaced it with a Link to ExploreMoor which has details of Walks around and about Dunster.

'Situated on the north eastern edge of Exmoor National Park, along the West Somerset coastline.' ALERT Unfortunately, at Review I could no longer discover any recent information about the Dunster Estate on the Crown Estate's Website.  So I have had to replace the Link used here.

'On 10 July 2014 the Secretary of State announced his decision to approve a stretch of the England Coast Path in Somerset between Brean and Minehead ... On 15 January 2016 the Secretary of State announced her decision to approve proposals to change the previously approved route for this stretch of coast in 2 places: Dunball Wharf and St Audries Bay ... New access rights will come into force along the route and adjoining spreading room on 15 March 2016.'

'Whilst Exmoor National Park, the Quantocks Hills and the North Devon Coast are easily accessible and offer fabulous terrain for visitors of all abilities, we would always advise walkers to be fully prepared.  Weather conditions on the moors can quickly change at anytime of the year. We would recommend that any group has a 1:25000 map of the area, a Compass and the knowledge to use it, suitable clothing, plus food & drinks to suit the chosen route. We also advise carrying a torch & whistle, first aid kit and emergency shelter if venturing further afield. Mobile Phone reception is extremely variable across the moors, even on the main road networks.'

'Walk around the Gordano Valley; taking in the coast path between Portishead and Clevedon, a route along the Tickenham Ridge and exploration of the Wraxall, Abbots Leigh and Portbury areas.'

'A walk of approx 15 miles through the beautiful countryside of NE Somerset, and its border with Wiltshire. The trail takes in the valley containing the geological "Hardington Fault" from which the ancient churches take their collective name. A section follows the Macmillan Way and the river Frome.'

'In the early days many rich Sephardic Jews came to take the waters for their health and to effect easy introductions amongst high society in the social mix and informality of Bath that they could not obtain at home. Jewish visitors came from as early as 1730 and lodged for periods in Bath ... It is interesting to note that the pattern of settlement was very similar to that other spa town of Richmond in Surrey, in both period and type. Early Jews in both places were rich Sephardim who came with both health and social agendas to fulfill.'

'Runs from King Alfred's Tower in Penselwood to Ham Hill Country Park ... The Leland Trail links with the Monarch's Way at Ilchester and the Liberty Trail and the River Parrett Trail at Ham Hill.'

NOTE that at Review the Links to the 'References' in the Wikipedia article seemed to be broken; but Somerset County Council write that 'a guide to the Leland Trail is available from South Somerset Tourist Information Centres'.

'Trail between Ham Hill in Somerset and Lyme Regis in Dorset, England.'

'From Castle Cary in Somerset to Barnstaple in Devon. It is one of the Macmillan Ways and connects with the main Macmillan Way at Castle Cary.

'Long distance path in 9 legs using public footpaths and other rights of way to follow as closely as possible the boundary of the Somerset (UK) local government district of Mendip'

'Footpath across the Mendip Hills from Weston-super-Mare to Frome. It is divided into two sections. The West Mendip Way was opened in 1979 and starts at the Bristol Channel at Uphill Cliff. It climbs the Mendip escarpment affording views over the Somerset Levels. It then crosses the central Mendip plateau leading down to Cheddar Gorge and on to Wells ... From there the East Mendip Way continues through Shepton Mallet to Frome. The Mendip Way connects with the Macmillan Way, Monarch's Way, and Samaritans Way South West.'

'In the lovely valley of Limpley Stoke, just three miles from the City of Bath, the village of Monkton Combe nestles harmoniously into the south-facing slope of a tree-studded hill, commanding some spectacular views ...'

'North Somerset Life is our multi award-winning magazine which we send out across the district every month ... Every issue of the Magazine features a local walk (and sometimes a cycle ride) that varies in length and difficulty.'

'Opened in 2001 and consists of two routes. The northern route is 31Km (20 miles) and the southern route 29Km (18 miles).' Crowcombe is the start/end of the Northern Route; the Southern Route starts/ends at Broomfield, situated about 5 miles north of Taunton.

'A walk in the Quantocks can offer a surprising variety of secenery in such a small area. From farmland to shady combes and the open heathland of the ridge. Within 3hrs all of these aspects can be explored on foot, whilst there is still plenty of scope for more wide-ranging, day long tours.'

'Passes through the historic harbour village of Pill, the spectacular Avon Gorge, the modern city and ancient port of Bristol, the beautiful countryside where the Avon Valley meets the Cotswold Hills and ends at the famous Pulteney Bridge in the Georgian city of Bath. Although the Trail goes no further, the river continues upstream to its source near Sherston in the Cotswold Hills.'

'The parish of Ruishton, Thornfalcon and Henlade is on the eastern outskirts of Taunton, the County town of Somerset. There has always been a vibrant community spirit which can be seen as you look through the site. Welcome to our parish website.'

About half a dozen short circular walks around and about Sampford Brett: 'The village is ideally placed for those interested in walking and outdoor activities in general, being close to the Quantock hills and Exmoor. The Coleridge Way footpath passes through the village'.

'There are a number of interesting walks in and around Shepton Mallet, taking in many of the historical and industrial features which make the town so special. A selection of walks are listed ... '(which can be downloaded as PDFs).

'This Forum meets at least twice a year and covers the area of Somerset, with the exception of Exmoor National Park, which has its own forum. There are 16 members of which; 14 are members of the public and 2 are elected members from Somerset County Council and of the District/ Borough Councils. The members are representatives of 3 main fields of interest related to access to the countryside namely users, landowners and other interests such as tourism, economic regeneration, health and education. They are selected from applications received by us and have a 3 year term of office.'

'Somerset is a wonderful county full of contrast and there is no better way to absorb its beauty, variety and history than through the Public Rights of Way network. The county has over 9000 rights of way totalling 3808 miles (6129 km). The extensive path network is varied ranging from long distance routes such as the South West Coast Path and the River Parrett Trail, to a number of promoted circular routes and local country paths.'

'Sculpture trail model of the solar system, located in Somerset, England. The model uses the towpath of the 22-kilometre (14-mile) Bridgwater and Taunton Canal to display a model of the Sun and its planets in their proportionally correct sizes and distances apart. Unusually for a solar system model, there are two sets of planets.

'One of the best walks in the world, where else can you walk along 630 miles of such superb coastline? The heritage, wildlife, geology and scenery along the way are truly inspirational. This Trail really is the walk of a lifetime. The Trail has its own Website full of information - visit it here.'

'Bridleway takes you through a wide variety of landscapes ... Gravelled forest roads, stone tracks, grass fields, some steep slopes.' Neroche was 'a partnership for forest, land and people in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. Note that the Neroche Website which was originally referenced here (and elsewhere), seems to have disappeared.

'Mainly traffic-free with no steep gradients and takes in a variety of landscapes from the flat marshes and cider apple orchards around Yatton, steep wooded valleys and a tunnel through the Mendips, to historic Axbridge and the spectacular Cheddar Gorge.'

'Starting on Congresbury Bridge over the River Yeo follow the Two Rivers Way through Somerset to Keynsham on the River Avon. The walk passes through Chew Stoke, Chew Magna, Compton Dando and Pensford with sections along the River Yeo and River Chew to enjoy ... '

The Two Rivers Way – A linear walk (Yatton Ramblers, revised edition 2011)

'A series of ten healthy walks around and about Uphill. Explore the wonderful fauna and flora around Uphill as well as going for a purposeful walk to improve your health.'

Hemyock to Staple Hill 'This Walk skirts the valleysides of the three rivers which define the Blackdown Hills – the Culm, the Otter and the Yarty.'

'Experience dramatic and expansive 360 ˚views of Somerset and beyond from six hill-tops around the Somerset Levels.'

Kings Byways 'Ivor King's Country Rambles around Pill': Six walks ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 miles.

'Runs from the hamlet of Steart to the coastal resort of Minehead and passes through the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Coast Path links the River Parrett Trail to the South West Coast Path National Trail. The path also joins the Coleridge Way and Quantock Greenway just south of the A39 near East Quantoxhead.'

'6 circular walks to help you discover the countryside around Yeovil.'