STROLL 1
GROVE LANE & BANCOMBE

Distance: 9.0km/5.6m
A gentle amble via Ricksey Lane and Bancombe Road to Etsome, returning via the Cary valley
Due to poor drainage, the sharp bend in Ricksey Lane can become flooded after heavy rain
www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5883036856/
Comments to [email protected]  Updated January 2024

Leave car park and turn R along West Street. After 50m by the post box, fork L along Sutton Road. After 700m go over the railway bridge and pass into open countryside (take care along this section without pavement). After 300m, turn R by seat into Ricksey Lane (7.5t weight restriction). At the next junction bear round to R to cross railway bridge, from where there is a view of Somerton tunnel. Continue along tarmac road, at first alongside railway and then round a sharp L bend and continue 750m to reach Langport Road. Turn L, cross with care and turn R into Cartway Lane. Taking great care (since this is the main vehicle route to the Trading Estate) continue to the mini-roundabout at Bancombe Road and turn L. Go downhill with views of the Polden Hills and after 900m turn R into Slippery Batch. Follow round sharp L bend and after 150m opposite telegraph pole turn R along track. Ascend gently at first then more steeply and almost at the top of the sharp incline turn L (SP Etsome ¾m) and follow this track with pleasant views of the Poldens and Lollover Hill for 1.3Km to reach a tarmac road. Turn L downhill and after 150m R at junction to pass Etsome Dairy Farm. Follow this road (Barpool Lane) 1.7Km running along the Cary valley and soon Somerton and the Viaduct come into view. Pass the sewage treatment works and just before the road starts to climb, turn L along a track towards Viaduct Fisheries. After 400m at the end of the tarmac surface, turn R through gate up a steep enclosed path. At the top, do not go up steps but turn L and follow path along the bottom of the grassy slope and under the railway line then ascend gently to emerge at a mini-roundabout. Go straight ahead, with care, into North Street and follow into Broad Street and bear R at the Market Square into West Street and back to the car park.