Quantock Hills Day Walk
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Come and enjoy this mixed forestry and moorland (10 mile) day walk of fantastic views in the Quantock Hills. From here you can see right across the Bristol Channel and into Wales. This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty characterised by exposed heathland summits and deep wooded combes. Dogs will be made most welcome on this day walk but please be aware there will be sheep and wild horses! From the village we'll proceed to a picturesque wooded area, walking alongside a meandering stream. Keep an eye out for deer, woodwarblers and three types of woodpecker, as we ford our way along. After the wooded area we reach a clearing where we make our ascent to the Quantock Hills. We continue to Halsway Point then to a local beauty spot for a lunch stop, passing spectacular views of the South-West and South Wales. After lunch we descend to “Dead Womans Ditch”, where we enjoy the sounds of another babbling brook, passing unique fern trees, we then take a path upwards where we are rewarded with excellent views of Bridgwater Bay and beyond. We then take a path by “Great Bear” and arrive in Holford Combe. At the end of the walk there will be a chance to have a drink at The Plough Inn.
What to bring
Boots: Hiking boots that are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support, are important as soon as you encounter any mud. Cross trainers may suffice in good weather and flat routes.
Socks: Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.
Walking Trousers: (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than Jeans which are heavy and cold when wet. From April to October shorts are usually a better bet.
Waterproof Trousers: essential in any significant rainfall. Breathable ones are best.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, and in cooler weather an outer layer consisting of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece.
Waterproof Jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather. You get what you pay for with these. Breathable fabrics are advisable.
Hat: essential both in mid winter to preserve heat and in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Gloves: essential in frosty weather.
Rucksack: One that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.
Sunglassses: comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye
Water: even in winter one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water but higher maintenance.
Food: a packed lunch will be required unless otherwise stated. In addition carry energy bars or similar to counter 'sugar lows'.
Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these.
Food & drink
There are no shops en route so you'll have to have everything you need before we start walking. You will need a minimum of 1 litre of water as well as a packed lunch, which we will be eating en-route. There will be an optional pub / tea shop stop at the end of the walk for those who want to take part before heading home.