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Somerset
offers everything a walker could wish for! Follow the exciting
footpaths and lanes described in these books to explore this
magic county's richly varied countryside and I am sure you
will agree.
The dramatic coastline rises to over 1,000 feet, the highest
cliffs in England. Five ranges of hills, the Mendips,
the Quantocks, the Poldens, the Blackdowns
and the Brendons provide wonderful walking and spectacular
views. A great plain known as The Levels - one of
Europe’s most important wetlands - forms the heart of
the county.
In the west Somerset can claim a very different landscape
as most of Exmoor, still a wilderness of heather-covered
uplands and deep leafy combes, lies within its bounds. Wildlife
flourishes on the Somerset hills and Exmoor and the Quantocks
are famous for their ponies and herds of red deer. But Somerset
was always a predominantly farming county and still is today.
The most fertile area is the Vale of Taunton. From the hills
you can look down on this lovely vale dotted with small towns,
scattered villages and apple orchards – a world of cider
and cream!
Romance, history and legend are so closely linked in Somerset
that it is sometimes impossible to disentangle them! One of
the most exciting walks takes you to Cadbury hill fort. Its
mighty ramparts guarded the headquarters of a 5th century
warrior chieftain. Was this Arthur? Another walk crosses the
Levels to the Isle of Athelney where King Alfred sought refuge
from the Danes. There much more to discover in this magical
county!
All
the walks are circular and the directions are accompanied
with maps. I have chosen the pubs carefully for their special
character, warm welcome and good food and drink. Opening times
and telephone numbers are included in the pub details. In
the more remote areas many are small family-run houses so
it is wise to contact them beforehand if you intend a group
visit.
In the Quantock Hills
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Ridge Path in the Quantocks |
View of the Levels from Ebbor Gorge |
Just
a few of the places you can visit on these walks
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