New Years Day Walk | Explore The Quantock Hills

Walk Description:

This 9.5 mile walk takes in some of the best walking on the Quantock Hills AONB.

Starting at Lydeard Hill car park (which can be busy, so get there as soon as you can!), we will follow a broad and muddy path along the Macmillan Way West up to Wills Neck, the highest point on the hills at 386m. Here we can take in 360 views - rolling hills, coastal waters and unbroken swathes of forest.

We will then follow the Way under ancient beech trees to Crowcombe Park Gate car park, before ascending slightly to the weathered trig point at Black Hill, 358m. Then, turning sharply east, we will make our way past Wilmot’s Pool, past Dead Woman’s Ditch (storytime here!), then down into Great Wood.

At Rams Combe there is a picnic area with benches, and should enough be free for our group, we will stop here for a lunch break. There are also public toilets although it is unknown whether these will be open on the day.

The next leg of our journey will see us tackle the steepest ascent of our walk - up Quantock Combe to Aisholt Common. Here there are often Exmoor Ponies wandering about, so we will take our time and keep our eyes peeled.

Before long we will find ourselves looking around onto familiar territory, back onto the Macmillan Way West which will take us back to the cars at Lydead Hill.

Happy New Year everyone!

Places are always limited on our walks, so do book on as soon as you can! A minimum of 5 people are required for this walk to go ahead. We will be in touch 2 weeks before the start date if we need to rearrange. Please note - this has not yet ever  had to happen!

Walk length: 

9.5 miles

Date and time: 

Saturday 1st January 2023. Meet at 10:15am, start walking at 10.30am

Start/finish location: 

Lydeard Hill Car Park, Taunton TA4 3DY

Getting to the car park:

Best to use GoogleMaps for access.

Cars are left at the owner's own risk.

Toilet stops:

There are public toilets in Great Wood, around half way on this walk. Although what with it being a bank holiday we will not know whether they are open until we get there. Best to come prepared for wild wees!

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 them too!

Weather:

All of our walks are weather dependant. 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 days before and will send you an email and text if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! You should come fully kitted out for a full day's hike in the walking area.

Accidents and Incidents:

Abbie and our walk leaders are all qualified first aiders and will always carry an appropriate first aid kit. We will have always created a risk assessment before your event takes place to mitigate any issues that might arise.

Honesty is essential to staying safe. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify Abbie or other walk leaders as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let them know. Please use the booking form and the paper disclaimer you will be given on the day as an opportunity to raise anything sich as previous medical issues or injuries that may affect your experience. Abbie is also a qualified and insured Mountain Leader.

By joining this event you understand that:  walking in nature in an outdoor area brings with it 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. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by Abbie and her team 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.

By joining this walk you are also acknowledging that you have read our Safeguarding Policy and agree to it.

Any queries please get in touch.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk except emergency rations. 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.

Dogs:

Well behaved dogs are welcome on this event but they must be kept on a lead at all times and able to work well with other dogs. Please email at time of booking to confirm that you are bringing a dog: admin@spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD has 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 an event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund.

By You: We require 30 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 75% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 30 days to 7 days before your scheduled arrival.

- 100% of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 7 days.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via the 'contact' page. You will be supplied with a contact number for emergency use on the day of the walk in your booking package.