Somerset Steam - Over the Quantocks to Watchet
13 people attending
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Steam trains are lots of fun and there have been many Outdoorlads walks along our preserved railway lines. What better way to end a walk over the Quantock Hills to the little historic port of Watchet than to take a steam train back!
We'll take trails that lead us up steep sided combes and along the high ground giving us some great views of the valley carrying the railway out to the Bristol Channel, with the sound of distant whistles never being far away. Eventually time will come to descend through the village of west Quantoxhead to finish along the shoreline catching some sea air. There should be time for a drink at the pub or some fish and chips before catching the train back at 17:08 which takes about 45 minutes to chug its way back up to Bishop's Lydeard.
The Quantock Hills are an area of wilderness and tranquillity. They are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which means that the distinctive character, natural beauty and cultural heritage are so outstanding that it is in the nation’s interest to safeguard them. Panoramic views lead you through exposed heathland summits, deep wooded combes, undulating farmland and attractive villages.
Watchet has a history dating back over 1000 years, during which time its harbour was in regular competition for trade with its neighbours. The West Somerset Railway has origins as a line to carry minerals from inland quarries, and later connected with Brunel's GWR line at Taunton. Today it carries over 200,000 passengers a year making it one of the largest attractions in South West England. There are some 50 paid staff and 900 volunteers.
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
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
We cannot guarantee that this route is dog friendly - there may be styles to carry your dog across.
Your dog needs to have the stamina to keep up with the group. This may be an issue on hot days.
What to bring
# Money: for the train fares
# 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, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
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 or shorts: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
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 and winter 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 unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Please bring a hearty packed lunch with you, lots of water and snacks too. We won't be passing anywhere to buy these.