Cadbury Castle, and the Corton Ridge

Join us on this 11 mile circular walk taking in the delights of Cadbury Castle (Iron Age Hill Fort), and Corton Ridge, and the surrounding villages with some outstanding views over the countryside reaching far beyond as we endeavour to explore more of Somerset and Dorset verging on their neighbouring borders.  

We will start our walk in the village of South Cadbury a stones throw from the A303 near Sparkford on the junction for the A359. From the village we will ascend to this Iron Age Hill Fort from where we can take in some outstanding panoramic views, which on a clear day from this vantage point are mightyly impressive.

The back story regarding this site of Arthur's court of Camelot (and, indeed, the very existence of the semi-mythical king himself) is among the greatest and most romantic mysteries of a Dark Age Britain however Cadbury Castle has a better claim than most. Excavations in the 1960s show the hill was extensively refortified around AD500 about the time when a great British chieftain possibly King Arthur was leading the resistance to the Saxon advance in the Southwest. Whether or not this was the case Camelot the site is an impressive one and the views are not only superb though also extensive.

After taking in the Hill Fort we will return back to the village of South Cadbury, and we will embark walking along a mixture of narrow lanes, quiet bridle tracks, whilst taking in the view of the imposing hill fort on the hill. We will pass through the village of Sutton Montis whose church has a fine 13th century tower and normal chancel arch. Then proceeding onward to take in the view of Corton Hill.  Then toward Parrack Hill and the Corton Ridge, where again we will take in some extensive views across the lush meadows, fertile farmlands, and beyond the Somerset Levels. Eventually we will loop around in our walk to pass through the village of Corton Denham returning homeward back to our original point of departure, being South Cadbury.

Please note we shall be walking on quiet lanes, bridle paths, meadows, orchards, and crossing farmland with both arable and livestock mainly, cattle, horses, and sheep. The terrain could be uneven in parts so walking boots should be considered a key and essential part of your kit. It will also be slightly muddy in parts if we have experienced any rain. Yes, this is the season for wearing a pair of shorts though be warned we will be going through a field of rape, and some slightly overgrown pathways have not been fully cleared of stinging nettles, so please take note. Be  aware there are only about three ascents to negotiate, two of which are gradual so thankfully this walk is relatively on the level. There will also be a number of stiles to negotiate and some not in the best of condition. In passing the only reason why this this walk has been graded 'moderate' is due to distance we will cover, being around 11 miles.  

Don't waste that space!

Spring and Summer walks mean lots of new and existing members excited to be getting out more. Please only book if you know you can make it. Should your plans change please free up the space immediately for someone else who could attend.

Is it dog friendly? 

Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but we do ask the following:
Please appreciate the fact that not everyone is a dog owner or lover- especially when we stop to eat
Remember we will encounter livestock and horses, and land owners and authorities have clearly signposted  their expectation of the integrity and assurity they require  of any dog owner, and their dog whilst on their farm land.
Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times - see (Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control)
If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour.

 New Members

Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions, then feel free to message me or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".

Image / photo credits: 

All leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.

My other walks for 2023:

Magnificent Mendips – 13th August
https://www.outdoorlads.com/events/magnificent-mendips-230813

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.