This walk has everything: flat coastal path, sea, views of welsh Wales, moorland, possible fossils - and a cream tea to finish.
(To see what a great time we had last time we did this walk - in glorious Autumnal sunshine, please click here - and see the video when The Press were licked).
Kilve is a few miles west of Hinckley Point power station on the road from Bridgwater (Junction 24) to Williton and Minehead. As you can see right the coast is an amazing sight of geological art forms, so bring your hammer and rucsac to carry any ammonites your hound can sniff out - though being around 80 million years old perhaps the truffle smell may have diminished by now.
Please let me know if you intend coming - just bring some lunch and bonios - and for those who nearly drowned in the storm last month - you will pack some waterproofs, won't you?
To find the start (10.30am)
Most will perhaps leave the M5 at Junction 24. Follow the A39 signed to Cannington, Williton and Minehead skirting around Nether Stowey (Coleridge: "Water, water everywhere . . . ). The Quantocks will always be above you on your left, with the sight of the sea and Welsh Wales beyond.
After passing the village of Holford - most of the pretty village is off to your left - go round a sharp left-hand bend, drop down into the valley and the next village is Kilve. In the centre take the road to the right (Sea Lane) by Kilve Stores (photo right), next to the Hood Arms. Drive here 200 yds past the Chantry Tea Gardens (later we'll eat their cream tea) to the car park at the end of the road (fee £2.50 payable.) Ignore the first entrance to the car park and either take the next one or drive right to the end when you'll see the retort - GB's first oil refinery. (see below).The sea is a few yards beyond.
Our walk: a smidgeon under six miles, half of which is definitely down-hill.
We take the coast path along to East Quantoxhead - frolic among the curious rock pools - then across the A39 carefully and soon tackle a steepish 200yds up to the shoulder on open moorland that leads steadily up to just below the ridge of the Quantocks to hopefully enjoy spectacular views across the Bristol Channel. From the top it's downhill all the way licking our lips for the scrumptious tea that awaits.
The postcode is as near as I can make it: TA5 1EG, or map ref ST144 442. |
Curious cliffs at Kilve
Turn right here off the A39 if coming from J24 (M5) by Kilve Stores
Map of start (click on map to enlarge)
Beach at East Quantoxhead, above. Bristol Channel below.
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