A good pub walk might be something that’s on your list for when you’re down in Somerset on your large group holiday. We’ve picked out 5 of our favourites that are on the doorstep or within a few miles’ drive of our luxury holiday houses and our local town of Ilminster. Feel inspired, pack your walking boots and your rucksack!
A walk in the country is always good, but it’s even better it there’s a pub at the end of it. A rewarding pint of the local ale or cider, a chilled glass of wine, tasty home cooked food –the perfect way to round off a stroll through gorgeous Somerset countryside. So come with us on a round up of 5 good pub walks that we’ve tried and tested too many times to count!
Cricket Malherbie to Dowlish Wake
No need to get in the car for this one– stride out right from the doorstep of Beaverbrook 20 or Churchill 20 and climb over the stile just across the lane. It’s a short stroll of a couple of miles and doesn’t have any steep ascents, so it’s one the whole family can do quite easily. Follow the footpath through the fields, into the woods and over the stream; in late spring the woodland floor is awash with bluebells so if it’s that time of year you’ll want to stop to take pics. Carry on out into the open fields, bearing right to come out on the lane, then right again at the T junction and into Dowlish Wake. Look out for the signpost to The New Inn, all very traditional country pub style, serving home cooked pub grub and chef’s specials, along with local ciders and real ales.
Herne Hill, Ilminster
Head into Ilminster, park up and head up through the Recreation Ground to Herne Hill, a dedicated nature reserve that’s popular with the locals. Follow the short Nature Trail, the longer Mitchells and Herne Hill path (2.75km), or venture further and pick up the Stop Line walk that follows the route of a disused railway. Puff your way to the trig point at the top, admire the views over the open countryside and the town, stroll through deciduous and conifer woodland with bluebells on the lower slopes. Look out for the tree stump inlaid with 2p pieces, and of course keep an eye out for wildlife. Factor in a lunch break or a drink at The George Inn at Donyatt before heading back to town, or if you don’t mind a café, go to No 57 or Ilminster Arts Centre.
Chard to Ilminster Cycle Line
Okay, so officially a cycling trail, but you can walk it too (lots of people do). The route follows a disused railway line passing by a reservoir, WWII defences, and the platform at Donyatt Halt. The entire route is 5-6 miles, so do as much or as little as you like, starting from the Ilminster end. It’s a good one for families as the walking is level and its mostly traffic free; if you fancied something more strenuous you could divert across the fields to Herne Hill on the way back. Pubs enroute (kind of) are The George Inn at Donyatt and the Stonemasons in Ilminster where there’s usually some kind of offer on food.
A Stroll Around Hinton St George
This one’s a further drive (only 6 miles) but it’s worth it because Hinton is such a pretty village. Take a short wander around the streets, lined with gorgeous Hamstone houses and cottages; think roses clambering up the walls, flowers scrambling over the walls and lavender lined garden paths. If you want to give your legs a good stretch do the Hinton to Over Stratton (9.44km) circular or the Merriott, Lopen and Hinton St George walk (11.4km). Amble along steeply sided old lanes, through woodlands, orchards and farmyards, and if you’re out for the day, pick up the River Parrett Trail and go further. Back in Hinton, the Lord Poulett Arms serves excellent food or is nice for a drink in the garden when the sun is shining.
Ham Hill Country Park
A lot of the buildings in Ilminster and the surrounding villages, and in fact, far further, are made from golden Hamstone – and Ham Hill is where it comes from, in fact stone was quarried here for over 2000 years and before that it served as an Iron Age fort; when you see the views you’ll see why. There are several car parks and you’re free to explore the ramparts as you please, or follow one of the footpaths across the fields to Norton Sub Hamdon or Montacute. There’s a very short (1km) walk out to the viewpoint and a circular trail of just over 2 miles taking in the tower at St Michael's Hill. The footpaths around Ham Hill link up to The Monarch’s Way and the Leland Trail so you can amble as far as you like. When you get back head to The Prince of Wales for refreshments and absolutely staggering views from the beer garden.
Wander where you will, come back for a very relaxing evening at your holiday house; a splash in the pool, a soak in the hot tub, a sauna session, a marathon in the games room, or a snuggly movie night. Tumble into bed to dream the night away – all that fresh air and exercise will have done you the world of good and will help you sleep well.