Great Wood to Crowcombe - Quantock Greenway

Parking

To reach the car park, travelling on the A39 from Bridgwater towards Minehead. About
2 1/2 miles from the end of Cannington by-pass there is a garage on your left. Continue along a straight section of the A39 for 1/2 mile until reaching a nasty bend in the road. Immediately after the bend take the lane that forks off to the left, opposite the Cottage Inn (ref 211 391).

After 1 mile you reach the end of the road, go straight ahead at the crossroads and take the second turning on the left, signposted to Ramscombe. After 1/2 mile the lane becomes a dirt track - keep going until you get to the car park (ref 174 373).

If you are in need there are public conveniences 1/4 mile further up the track that you drove in on.

Route

Head east, taking the track parallel to the one on which you reached the car park (pic 3). The track swings to the north-east and climbs fairly gently uphill. After 1/2 mile, shortly after a bend to the east, the Greenway heads off into woods on your left (pic 5). Having followed the edge of the wood for a little less than half a mile you will emerge into the grounds of Quantock Lodge.

Fancy a quick dip or a spot of circuit training? Parts of Quantock Lodge were formerly a school and the first buildings you meet are modern dorimitory blocks immediately followed by a swimming pool. The pool, which is well used locally, is open to the public.

Follow the tarmac drive for a short distance until the Greenway (also signposted Pepperhill Farm) goes off to the right beside another drive that leads to the Lodge. At the top of the slope the way passes through a farm gate and in front of the impressive Lodge itself (pic 1). Go through the iron gate (it's got quite a fiddly catch). Stroll into the estate's parkland and after a short distance you pass the old drive that leads to the gatehouse on your left. Just after the old drive this northern route joins the southern route and the Greenway heads south-west along Keeper's Combe
(ref 190 374). If you missed the sign you can hardly miss the cedar tree next to the path!
(pic 8)

Rather surprisingly, just as you are heading into the woods, you must pass through a small farmyard. The deciduous trees at the fringe of the wood give way to forestry plantation and the Greenway follows the forest road in a general south-westerly direction climbing steadily, but not too steeply, all the time. One and a half miles after passing the cedar tree the path joins a single track road leading to Triscombe Stone. Go straight ahead for 1/2 mile to the car park at Triscombe Stone. The footpath is just to the side of the road (pic 11). (ref 164 359)

Through the first car park and over the cattle grid you will find Triscombe Stone itself. Head downhill in a south-westerly direction for 1/2 mile along the track that leads to Triscombe (and the Blue Ball Inn! pic 14, ref 156 355) Thus refreshed (assuming the timing was correct) we continue on our way. The Northern Route continues down a lane opposite the entrance to the Blue Ball in a north-westerly direction, after 1 1/4 miles of splendid views towards the Brendon Hills you reach Crowcombe. The lane carries little traffic but is narrow and with some tight bends - keep children and dogs under control! There is another pub, the Carew Arms, as well as a car park in Crowcombe.

Pic 1
Quantock Lodge