Imagine a hill side carpeted in this rich combination of heather and gorse.
Over the past couple of years I have been nibbling away at walking the Somerset Coast Path between Bristol and Lynton and now I am nearing the end of this trail. Looking back, it seems a long time ago that I set out on a very warm summer’s day this year to walk the section west of Minehead.
My original plan had been to walk west from near Quantock’s Head to walk the section to Watchet then return over the Quantock Hills but this meant some beach walking and only accessible at low tide and todays timings meant that this wouldn’t be feasible. Another section from Watchet to Minehead I had reserved for a winter’s day as it was low and flat.
Walking west from Minehead towards Selworthy on a very warm day.
Another section of the coast appealed to me was to do a circular walk west of Minehead over Selworthy Beacon and this is what I opted to do.
From a glorious warm and cloudless morning, the coastal fog was hugging the coast as I neared Dunster. It was the only area for many miles around where there was cloud and this was just the area where I intended walking. I drove into Minehead and was just into the murky area. Parking up in Alexandra Road I opted to walk the inland part first which looked much brighter. Setting off through Minehead it was a road walk via Irnham Road, Friday Street and The Parks by which time the sun was braking through. I was glad to get off the roads as the latter had no pavements and I found a good path to follow south of Woodcombe. I found a seat in the shade for my morning break before setting off again. The path towards Bratton seemed a good option and was well defined and shady, and for much of the way ran through woodland. The sun was already hot by the time I’d reached Bratton. Here I joined a lane running north then west passing historic Bratton Court which dates from the 14th century. I next continued on a field path which later ran along the northern side of Little Headon Plantation – a very pleasant route with views to Selworthy Beacon and the woodland also gave me a bit of welcome shade. To reach Selworthy I joined an exceedingly narrow lane and despite being marked as ‘yellow’ on the Ordnance Survey Map a sign at the end of the lane stated that it was unsuitable for motor traffic and I could see why. It was a pleasant lane to walk and ahead of me, the coastal fog still hung to the hillside above Porlock Weir. Selworthy Church which mostly dates from the 15th century was gleaming white in the bright sunshine but I didn’t stop to go in today but continued on to the National Trust village. The ‘chocolate box’ cottages made for some good photographs in this very picturesque location and there was hardly anyone around and the whole place seemed almost deserted. I wandered down through the village which was originally re-built as a model village to provide housing for the aged and infirm of the Holincote Estate.
This narrow lane leads down into Selworthy and I am just glad that there is no traffic. Note the last of the coastal fog clearing from the hill west of Porlock.
The historic Selworthy Church gleaming white in the strong sunshine.
The picturesque village of Selworthy minus its tourists on this fine sunny morning.
The Packhorse Bridge at Allerford. – A picture often seen on calanders and boxes of chocolates.
To reach picturesque Allerford I followed an enclosed track and paused at the medieval bridge which spans the stream in the village. This bridge together with the attractive house behind appears on many calendars. Just west of Allerford I branched off to join a woodland path through the bottom of Allerford Plantation before walking down through West Lynch then along the lane into Bossington, another very attractive village. En route, I passed the Lynch Chapel of Ease which dates from 1530 and was used by monks from Athelney Abbey.
Another pictureaque village as I wander through Bossington.
From Bossington, I now headed out towards the coast and Hurlstone Point following a woodland path at first. I was glad of any breeze as I neared the headland. I now skirted around on a coastal path before ascending steeply to the ridge on the northeast side of Hurlstone Combe. What was of note was the fine display of purple heather and yellow gorse and what a colourful and somewhat unreal combination. At a high point on some rocks I stopped for lunch with a glorious view along the Somerset coast. The coastal fog had all gone and there was a real thundery heat in the sun.
This was my lunch stop on this very colourful hillside with a view west along the Somerset coast.
The Rugged Coast Path – a quieter route along the northern edge of Selworthy Beacon but a hot one today. Over three miles i saw only one other couple.
Rather than following the South West Coast Path eastwards over Selworthy Beacon I decided to take the path along the northern slope of the hill. It was called the Rugged Coast Path with
no escape for three miles. It was a delightful path to walk crossing the upper end of East Combe and Henners Combe on this remote section of coast but today it was perhaps a little hot with all the ascents and descents. The valleys were real sun traps and I was glad of any breeze when I reached the headlands. Over three miles I met only one couple coming the opposite way. Later I had to cross Grexy Combe and the ascent on the far side proved rather hot. On North Hill there was a choice of paths and my intention was to follow the South West Coast Path into Minehead. The route wasn’t clear and I ended up much too high but at least the path was through pleasant woodlands. Later, a zigzag path led down to the town just southeast of the harbour. The town was full of tourists and several people were in the sea despite the tide being well out. Near the West Somerset Railway Terminus I found a cafe selling ice creams so it was time for a short break. It was then just a short walk via roads back to the car after an excellent walk.
Now what’s this!. The view towards Butlin’s as you descend from the woods into Minehead towards the end of my walk.