Quantock Hills Explorer
18 people attending
2 places left
The Quantock Hills are within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty characterised by exposed heathland summits and deep wooded combes leading to pretty villages. Settlements date back to the Iron Age.
Starting through a picturesque wooded area our route steadily winds its way up onto the ridge. Keep an eye out for deer, woodwarblers and three types of woodpecker. After the wooded area we reach a clearing where we make our final ascent to the Quantock Hills. Here roaming sheep keep sentry, along with wild horses and ponies.
We continue on the high ground with fantastic views right across the Bristol Channel and into Wales. After lunch we descend a bit to “Dead Womans Ditch” where we enjoy the sounds of another babbling brook, passing unique fir trees, we then take a path upwards a little for some excellent views of Bridgwater Bay and beyond. Continuing by “Great Bear” to arrive in Holford Combe.
Dogs will be made most welcome on this day walk!
What to bring
Water: 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 and designed for hiking
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
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 warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy days
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
There are some shops en route in Bridgewater if you forget anything (Sainburys and Morrisons) otherwise you will have to have everything you need before we start walking. Please bring plenty of water as well as a packed lunch, which we will be eating en-route.
There will be an optional pub stop for a drink and food at the end of the walk for those who want to take part before heading home.