Cadbury Castle, Seven Wells and two counties (nearly)
4 people attending
11 places left
Join us on this 11 mile circular walk taking in the delights of Cadbury Castle (Iron Age Hill Fort) 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 mightily 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 footpaths across the rolling dry-valley landscape to Charlton Horethorne.
After a lunch break we then venture south-westwards via Seven Wells (the source of the River Yeo) toward Corton Denham, Corton Hill and Parrack Hill, where again we will take in some extensive views across the lush meadows, fertile farmlands, and beyond to the Somerset Levels.
Eventually we will loop around in our walk to pass through the village of Sutton Montis, whose church has a fine 13th century tower and normal chancel arch, returning homeward to our original point of departure of South Cadbury.
Please note we shall be walking on a busy road (for a very short distance), quiet lanes, bridle paths, meadows, orchards, and crossing farmland with both arable and livestock (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.
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.
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.
What to bring
Note that the kit list below is only a broad general guide and you will need to consider the weather forecast and specific conditions when deciding what to wear closer to the time.
Water: Without fail bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable boots and designed for hiking. Walking boots/shoes are highly recommended for this walk.
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Hat or cap: stay shaded in summer
Sunglasses & Suntan Lotion: for sunny days, your shades and some UV protection.
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch, snacks, and at least 2 litres of water as we anticipate the heat of summer.