Somerset Coast Path - Bridgwater to Cannington

A walk along the banks of the River Parrett from Bridgwater to Cannington

This 9 mile walk is part of the Somerset section of the England Coast Path and follows the defence banks of the River Parrett from Bridgwater to Cannington. Although the village of Cannington is not exactly on the river, it does provide a public transport link back to Bridgwater and there are clear paths and tracks that link the trail to the village.

The River Parrett at this point is a wide tidal estuary with long slow winding bends in its course as it navigates to the sea. WWII Pill boxes sit around each bend, strategically placed to guard against the threat of German invasion up the river. The fields on either side are pastureland for cattle and sheep and once beyond Dunball there is little sign of civilisation. The river is notable for its lack of craft, the docks of Bridgwater and Dunball, collectively known as the Port of Bridgwater, are now long gone so no commercial traffic utilizes the water course. Even pleasure craft are notable by their absence.

It should be noted that at the time of this walk report, September 2018, there was a series of works along the river bank necessitating marked diversions. According to the order notices these works will be in place until mid 2019. The diverted paths are not immediately clear and one should follow the roped lines and the seemingly out-of-place red road signs that direct pedestrians.

The route from the defence banks to Cannington uses a footpath clearly marked on OS Maps. It should be noted that this path is a some distance beyond where it is marked on the map and one should continue to the field boundary where there is a stile, then follow the farm track.

As with many defence paths, the grass banks in this instance were in particular need of a trim. Overnight rain had left the vegetation sodden resulting in very wet feet. No matter how many times boot manufactures indicate their footwear is waterproof, experience proves that no boot is completely waterproof. Just remember that it is only water and feet and boots soon dry out. Just enjoy the walk, the seclusion and the landscape.

Read More

Somerset Coast Path - Brean to Bridgwater

A walk along the Somerset Coast from Brean to Bridgwater

This walk starts by taking one of the many paths from the coast road through Brean to the broad sandy beaches that dominate this area. In this instance it uses the path opposite the Unity Holiday Camp, the name being taken from the former farm whose land it sits upon.

The England Coast path uses the beach all the way through to Burnham-on-Sea passing the iconic low lighthouse, a wooden structure that sits on stilts on the beach at the north end of Burnham. It is just past this landmark that one may find the path cut off by the tide. Don't attempt to go through to the sea wall ahead as there is no public access. Instead, take the path through the dunes and follow the track indicated on this route.

From Burnham the path follows the estuary of the River Parrett which rises some 37 miles away at Chedington in Dorset and is tidal for the majority of its course to the sea. All along this coast are the reminders of an industrial past. Burnham pier, which is no more than a stump these day, once was the railway terminus where both freight and passengers could be loaded onto ships. Burnham station was just across the road and what is now Marine Drive was the route of the od railway line from Highbridge. Reminders still adorn the roadside. The station sign. The old signalbox. A semaphore signal.

Soon after, as the path negotiates the marshes around the River Brue there are more reminders of the railway. This area was the Highbridge Wharf and used to house the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway locomotive works. The works closed in 1930 and the Wharf is now no more than moorings for pleasure craft.

From this point there is a lengthy section following the winding estuary river where little is seen other than the wide open landscape. Make sure you have plenty of water and food. The grass river banks provide plenty of opportunity for a picnic.

Bridgwater town cannot be seen until one is in the town, its presence maske by the industrial outskirts. Dunball presents the first encounter of urbanisation where the path enters the old Dunball Wharf area and more reminders of its railway history with lines still sitting in the concrete ground. This was once a busy area and part of the Port of Bridgwater. As one will notice during this walk, the river is devoid of craft in the modern day and the docks and the railways are all just another chapter in history.

Read More

Somerset Coast Path - Cannington to Watchet

An extensive hike along the Somerset Coast path from Cannington to Watchet

This is an extensive 20 mile hike along the Somerset coast from the village of Cannington on the Parrot Estuary to Watchet, sitting under the Quantock hills on the coast. The extent of this walk is down to the lack of public transport in the area making it difficult to walk smaller sections without some kind of personal transport or taxi assistance to link up the ends. Even this walk is limited by the fact that there is only a single bus journey each day and that only runs weekdays during college term, departing at 7:40 from Watchet railway station.

Having outlined the negative aspects then it should be stated that this is an outstanding walk over varied terrain. The walk begins along the River Parrett and heads out alongside the marshes towards Steart Point. There is an option to continue to the point although this would add an additional 4 miles to the distance. This route follows a short cut to omit this, and cuts across to the coast up to Hinkley Point Power Station.

At this point there is a long term diversion in place due to the building works for the construction of Hinkley Point C, the first UK nuclear power station to be constructed in many decades. The diverted paths are well maintained with convenient waymarkers in place throughout the 3 mile diversion. The site is extensive with some massive earth works being undertaken and all the noise and hubbub associated with such sites.

On the western side of the power station the landscape changes as the path negotiates the coastal section at the foot of the Quanktock hills. Cliffs and valleys are encountered and two beach sections need to be negotiated, one at St Audreys Bay and another at Helwell Bay, where fossils can be easily found amongst the large stones and pebbles. Do take note of the tide times as access to both beaches is limited by the tide which makes both beach routes impassable. During high tides a marked alternative inland route is provided and there is ample signage to warn the walker of progressing along the beaches during such conditions.

Read More

Somerset Coast Path - Minehead to Watchet

An easy ramble along the Somerset Coast Path between Minehead and Watchet

This is a scenic and easy walk along the Somerset Coast Path between Minehead and Watchet with connections between the ends provided by either bus service or the heritage railway that follows the route.

Parking in this area of Somerset is expensive and an alternative is to make use of the ample free parking along the coast road at the hamlet of Blue Anchor, midway along the route.

The walk encompasses a varied scenery from the flat open areas of Dunster Beach to the rolling hills between Blue Anchor and Watchet which require a little effort to ascend but are nothing too challenging. There are some beach sections although a cycle track provides an easier option from the hard going across the large pebbles

It must be noted that on this instance of the walk during September 2018 there had been cliff fall just beyond the Blue Anchor pub at the eastern end of the hamlet of the same name which had blocked the path. This necessitated following a waymarked diversion along permissive paths that follow the roadside then descend down to the cliffside through the woods known as Three Acre Covert. A stroll that made a pleasant change of scenery.

Read More