Woodland Hill circular walk
Take a step back in time and look for signs of our ancestors in this mysterious wood. Disappear into the mixed woodland and climb high onto protected heathland with fantastic views and the chance to encounter some native wildlife.
Near Fyne Court
This walking trail is 9 miles from Fyne Court.
Total steps: 8
Total steps: 8
Start point
Woodlands Hill car park, grid ref: ST158406
Step 1
At the car park, facing the road (A39), head left along the path. Bear left at path junction with road (leads to lay-by).
Step 2
At the end of the path turn left through a wooden gate and enter Woodlands Hill. Walk straight up into the forest (also part of Coleridge Way).
Step 3
At the path junction, continue straight ahead, keeping the stone wall on your right. During the wetter months, a pool of water gathers on the left-hand side of the track and it's used as a wallow by deer. The gradient gradually increases to a moderate level as you approach the woodland edge.
Step 4
Emerge into the open heathland. On the right, look across the wooded valley of Holford Combe, with Longstone Hill in the distance. Keep left at a fork in the path. From this point you're treated to wonderful views of the Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills, Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons in South Wales, on a clear day. Keep your eye out for a hidden stone seat ideally positioned to enjoy the views.
Step 5
At the path junction, with a stone cairn (mound of rock) on your right, turn left and head downhill. Before turning take in the view straight ahead towards Dowsborough, an Iron Age hillfort.
Step 6
Continue straight along the path into Shervage Wood (take care of exposed tree roots). Bear right through a break in an old field boundary (earth bank) into the woodland. On the woodland floor next to the path look out for wood ants' nests.
Step 7
After roughly 328 yards (300m) look out for an arrow pointing left carved into a dead tree (difficult to spot). Turn left and follow this path down a steep slope until you reach a fence line. Walk quietly as you may startle some grazing red deer along the woodland edge.
Step 8
When you reach the fence, turn left and follow it along the edge of the mature section of oak woodland. Keep the fence on your right and follow it around two corners until you reach a latched gate.
End point
Woodlands Hill car park, grid ref: ST158406
Trail map
More near here
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This wildlife-rich walk takes you through woodland, up Beacon Hill and back through lowland heathland. After taking in views across the Quantock Hills, look out for red deer, skylark and Dartford warbler.
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A 3.5-mile walk around some of the quiet and scenic parts of Somerset's Quantock Hills, taking in ancient trackways used by humans for centuries.
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