I wrote this series of walks in the autumn of 2011 and here are the original notes (but see update below)
AUTHOR’S NOTES
Following the moderate success of “Somerton Strolls” and “From the Bus-Stop…”, I have researched and written this new series of walks based on travelling by the bus 377 which runs roughly hourly (less frequently on Sundays) from Wells to Yeovil via Glastonbury, Street and Somerton. Timetables are available at www.firstgroup.com
Each walk will take 2½ to 3 hours or so – maybe slightly less if you walk quickly or maybe a little longer if you amble or stop to admire some of the wonderful views. Some changes (hopefully improvements!) from Somerton Strolls are:
Many of these routes will involve the possibility of muddy sections in the winter (or indeed any particularly wet spells!) and seasonal growth such as nettles and brambles in the summer. Generally, I tend to walk in shorts but with knee length socks and lightweight walking boots – I find those with a breathable membrane do tend to keep the feet dry except in extremely wet conditions. Sometimes, I use walking sandals, which are ideal in dry conditions (as long as you don’t mind the odd nettle sting or scratch from brambles).
As usual, many thanks go to the group of friends with whom I walk most Sundays, for bearing with me whilst trying out the routes described – in order to ensure accuracy (hopefully). Thanks to Somerton Tourism & Heritage Partnership for their support and a special thanks to Nancy Langmaid for her general encouragement on these projects.
Last, but not least, thanks to my wife, Sue, for the helpful (sometimes!!) suggestions and continuous coffee.
I do hope you enjoy these walks. If you have any comments, suggestions or corrections, do let me know by e mail [email protected]
Martyn Smith April 2011
UPDATE December 2022
The 377 route has now been renumbered 77. It still runs approximately hourly, but there is now no Sunday service on the route
UPDATE October 2023
All of these routes (except Walk 4) have been updated in 2023. Mostly, the changes were fairly minor, but before you set off, it's always worth looking at the Somerset RoW map roam.somerset.gov.uk/roam/map to check if there are any obstructions/overgrowth etc
UPDATE September 2024
All rewalked within the last year and frequently reviewed. The old 77 bus has now been renumbered 376 and still runs to Wells, but many services continue to Bristol. I'd love to update these to include walks from bus stops between Wells and Bristol - perhaps in 2025!!
Each walk will take 2½ to 3 hours or so – maybe slightly less if you walk quickly or maybe a little longer if you amble or stop to admire some of the wonderful views. Some changes (hopefully improvements!) from Somerton Strolls are:
- Larger font size (for ailing eyes)
- The grid reference at (or near) the start on the OS Explorer sheets 129 &141 (1:25000).
- A possible shorter walk.
- For car travellers, indication of where parking may be possible.
- Notes on some items of interest along the way.
- An indication of the total ascent/descent on each walk.
- The URL of “Map my Run” where each walk is available to view in either street map or satellite map. There is also the facility to “fly over” the route.
- The distance accurately computed using “Map my Run”.
- Potential refreshment stops - but do check opening hours first.
Many of these routes will involve the possibility of muddy sections in the winter (or indeed any particularly wet spells!) and seasonal growth such as nettles and brambles in the summer. Generally, I tend to walk in shorts but with knee length socks and lightweight walking boots – I find those with a breathable membrane do tend to keep the feet dry except in extremely wet conditions. Sometimes, I use walking sandals, which are ideal in dry conditions (as long as you don’t mind the odd nettle sting or scratch from brambles).
As usual, many thanks go to the group of friends with whom I walk most Sundays, for bearing with me whilst trying out the routes described – in order to ensure accuracy (hopefully). Thanks to Somerton Tourism & Heritage Partnership for their support and a special thanks to Nancy Langmaid for her general encouragement on these projects.
Last, but not least, thanks to my wife, Sue, for the helpful (sometimes!!) suggestions and continuous coffee.
I do hope you enjoy these walks. If you have any comments, suggestions or corrections, do let me know by e mail [email protected]
Martyn Smith April 2011
UPDATE December 2022
The 377 route has now been renumbered 77. It still runs approximately hourly, but there is now no Sunday service on the route
UPDATE October 2023
All of these routes (except Walk 4) have been updated in 2023. Mostly, the changes were fairly minor, but before you set off, it's always worth looking at the Somerset RoW map roam.somerset.gov.uk/roam/map to check if there are any obstructions/overgrowth etc
UPDATE September 2024
All rewalked within the last year and frequently reviewed. The old 77 bus has now been renumbered 376 and still runs to Wells, but many services continue to Bristol. I'd love to update these to include walks from bus stops between Wells and Bristol - perhaps in 2025!!