Hills by Night - Astronomical Spring

Join Iain our Quantock Hills National Landscape Manager, as he explores Cothelstone Hill at night to discover what animals use the hill deep into the winter.  With favourable cloud conditions and the moon hiding behind the earth we may get some great views of the night sky to coincide with the start of Astronomical Spring.

This walk is part of our Lide & Seek events programme running throughout March. It's a time of year where we start to seek out signs of spring, however, the dark evenings also offer us a new perspective and vantage point for considering the countryside. Learn about the creatures that keep the countryside active by night and if we're lucky, enjoy some serene stargazing with us to see in spring! This walking route is an introductory pace and difficulty, however, walking by night presents new challenges - enjoy the sensory side of spring.

What to wear/bring:

Please check the weather forecast for the day and come equipped for all that an English end of winter/early spring day can bring.  Warm clothing, a hat and sturdy footwear and rain coat/trousers are advised. Please also bring a snack and a drink if required for the duration of the walk.

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

Terrain:

The walk will be approximately 4km (2.5miles) on footpaths and small tracks with some slopes including cross-slopes so please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the terrain and weather conditions on the evening.

Safety:

Participants are responsible for their own health and safety in preparation and taking part in the event. If you are unsure, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions and share details about the walk quantockhills@somerset.gov.uk

Participants are responsible for wearing suitable footwear & clothing for the environment. Participants are responsible for assessing their own risk, the safety of themselves and the suitability of any equipment used during the walk.

Any medical conditions that may affect the participants during the walk should be notified to the walk leader prior to the start of the walk.

Please meet Iain in the car park at Cothelstone Hill at 7.20pm ready for the 7.30pm start.

Grid Reference: ST2004332817 (Grid Reference Finder | OS Map)

What3Words: ///cattle.mole.afternoon (https://what3words.com/cattle.mole.afternoon)

No Dogs on this walk please.