A Winter Walk on the Quantock Hills | Lydeard Hill, Wills Neck and Great Wood Circular

This is an 11 mile walk around the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), perfect for anyone new to hiking or who wants to enjoy an afternoon out on the hills with like-minded folk.

Walk description:

Following some brief introductions and safety talks we will begin our walk - there will be plenty of time for everyone to get to know each other as we progress through the day. 

From our starting point at Lydeards Hill car park we will take a steady walk up to Wills Neck (384m), the highest point on the range. If the weather is clear we'll get stunning views north towards the Bristol Channel and Hinkley Point. From here we will drop down the northern edge of the hills past Triscombe Quarry to the tiny hamlet of Triscombe, then climb up Triscombe Combe to join the Macmillan Way West. This wonderful wooded track will take us to Crowcombe Park Gate where we will turn east and drop down into Great Wood via Ramscombe.

If anyone needs the loo we can divert down to the middle of Great Wood where there are toilets. Our group walks are designed to offer a zero-stress day and have the atmosphere of friends talking a walk together, so please feel able to communicate whenever you want to stop for the loo or a drink or snack.

Heading on, we will climb to the norther edges of Great Wood and stay high through Seven Wells Wood, then follow undulating trails south west to Triscombe car park. From here we'll press on along a quick stretch of quiet road before moving into perhaps the most peaceful stretch of the walk through sweet-smelling pine forests. The path gently climbs uphill until we pass through a gate and enter into Aisholt Common, leaving the ever-green forest behind. 

The final stretch of the walk takes us around ridge with views stretching east over the surrounding Somerset countryside, and join back onto the path we took earlier that day to reach Wills Neck. We will retrace our steps for half a mile until just before reaching the car park, we'll head off on our final small ascent to the top of Lydeard Hill (365m).

If we are back at the car park by 3pm there will the opportunity to regroup and end the day over tea and cake at 'The Pines', a local cafe just down the road from the Lydeard Hill car park. 

NB: This walk is suitable for anyone new to hillwalking who wants to get their body moving and explore a new area.

Whether you attend alone or with friends/family, you'll soon get to know everyone in the group and enjoy a stress-free day.

Walk length: 

Approx. 4/5hrs for 11 miles

Date and time:

Sunday 17th November 2019 | Start at 10:00am - meet around 9:45am 

Start/finish location: 

OS Explorer 140 GR 181 338

Getting to Lydeard Hill car park: 

There are two ways to get to Lydeards Hill, depending on which direction you are travelling from. Coming from the west you will pass Tilbury farm and then reach a sharp bend in the road. This is Birches Corner and the small track on the left climbing north will take you to the car park. Coming from the east you will need to turn at Park End Lodge and follow the roach uphill to Birchest Corner, taking the track on the right climbing north to the car park. There is no charge for the car park but cars are left at owners own risk.

Toilet stops:

There are no toilets on this walk so if you get caught short at any other time, wild wee's will be required! There are loos in Great Wood however so if enough people need to go we can divert the route.

Media: 

By signing up to a walk with us you are giving us permission to take photos for promotional use across our website and social media pages. If you specifically do not want media taken with you in it, please do feel able to get in touch. We encourage you to take photos during your walk but ask you to be sensitive to other members. Also, we'd love to have a copy of any you are particularly proud of so we share it too!

Accidents and Incidents:

All of our team are qualified first aiders and will carry an appropriate first aid kit. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify our staff as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let a member of staff know.

Due to the nature of walking in an outdoor area there is often a level of risk. You will need to take responsibility for your own actions, health and involvement during the walk and will be expected to exercise judgement based on your fitness levels as to whether you can complete the walk. Any queries please get in touch. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by our staff and have a duty to exercise judgement regarding your own personal safety and that of other members of the group. If you choose to ignore safety instructions we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

Cars are left at owners own risk.

Weather:

The weather can play a major role in our enjoyment of a day's walking, and in some cases can present a real danger. We always review the weather forecast in detail the day before and will send you an email if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please do check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! If you need a kit list or gear advice, please get in touch.

Please note that all walks are weather dependant. Should the forecast present any danger, we will endeavour to review our plans and offer alternative routes.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk other than a few spare snacks and water if needed in an emergency. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for the day. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch.

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD and Song Thrush Productions have been set up in order to inspire and motivate followers to head outside for the benefit of mental and physical health. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure space for anyone walking out a journey of freedom from addiction and substance abuse and as such have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on our walks and camping events.

Cancellations:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel and event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund.

By You: We require 14 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 50% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 14 days to 48 hrs before your scheduled arrival.

-100% of of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 48 hrs.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via the 'contact' page.