Head for the Combes

This route extends the Head to the Combes walk we did earlier this year to an exploration of the head sections of eight of the NE combes of the Quantock Hills. It includes 5 ascents and approximately 8 stream crossings. 12km (approximately 7.5 miles) of walking and over 550m of ascent. We've allowed plenty of time for this social Saturday walk for you to relax into the combes of the Quantock Hills.

Early in the walk we will get a good sense of the landscape and trace the several fingers of the combes reaching up from their wrist at Holford, before we take the plunge into our first combe and begin the series of down and ups that make this walk a challenge well worth accepting.

The route is full of interest at all times of the year and although successive heatwaves and drought mean that it may not be so obvious that these combes have harboured vestiges of temperate rainforest there is still a lot to enjoy. Not least, here’s your chance to put a face to those features on the maps with such intriguing names as Lady’s Fountain, Lady’s Edge and Slaughterhouse Combe.

It can be easy to lose yourself in this set of Quantock Combes so here is a chance to join other intrepid explorers and head for the combes.

What to wear/bring:

Please check the weather forecast for the day and come equipped for all that a British early Autumn day can bring. Sturdy footwear and a rain coat/trousers are advised, our walks can sometimes be wet and muddy in the Autumn with mixed terrain. Please also bring a packed lunch or snacks and plenty of water for the duration of the walk (1L recommended).

Dogs:

Dogs are welcome, however, please notify us if you plan on bringing your dog/s. We ask that where there are livestock grazing, and fields, dogs must be on leads. Please observe the Countryside Code, and please respect other dog owners and fellow walkers. We cannot guarantee that every stile is suitable for dogs.

For more information abut this walk, please contact our Community Engagement Officer Jon Barrett at jonathan.barrett@somerset.gov.uk

Please also see https://www.quantockhills.com/attending-an-event

Maximum number in group – 15

Meeting at Dead Womans Ditch:

Grid reference - ST 161381 (Grid Reference Finder | OS Map)

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