Back in August this year I spent 5 days in Somerset near Minehead, staying
at the Camping and Caravanning Club campsite above Minehead which was
wonderful, the staff were very nice and helpful and the facilities first
rate. Only down side being located on a hilltop nearly 200m above sea level
(and of course, the town).
My first walk on arrival was up Selworthy Beacon where I took some wonderful
pictures of the views and the sunset from there.
On the second day I walked down into Minehead and over Periton Hill which is
mostly Forestry Commission woods, winding muddy tracks and full of annoying
flys which I spent most time beating away with my hat.
The scenery was good but it was then down to Wootton Courtenay where I sat
outside the church and ate lunch washed down with cold cider purchased from
the Post Office/local shop. Then it was down and up to Dunkery Beacon via
Brockwell along the Macmillan Way. The views are stunning from the top,
shame about the crowds of people who obviously park on the nearby road and
wander up.
From the top I went down via a little path along the side of the hill and
came out on the road at SS903433 which I followed down to 'Webbers Post' and
took the track north-east to Luccombe. My OS map showed a pub there but it
appeared to have closed before map was printed. From there it was along a
backlane to join the A39 at SS924457 and followed that for nearly 3km to
take a lane northwards at SS943458. I do not recomend doing this as the A39
is a very busy single carriageway road with limited space along the edge for
ducking into.
There is a lovely ford at Bratton which I cooled my feet in and just up the
hill is a very sturdy stonebuilt barn, said by a local to be 500 years old.
He helpfully advised me to head north along a cart track from the crossroads
to Bratton Wood SS945467 where I turned right and then followed the zig-zag
path uphill thru the woods. I had my doubts about this route as he claimed
to walk it twice every day in just 30 minutes with his dog and was
personally considering getting a cab from Minehead back to the top as it was
getting late in the day. But I took a chance and it only took me 40 minutes
which, after a long days hike, I was happy with.
At SS948474 there is a small junction of footpaths which was fairly
confusing but I took a chance and followed what looked like a lesser used
track uphill to find myself on the road at SS953474, from where it was back
along the road to the campsite, my tent, a cool beer and a hot shower in
that order!
Nick