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Walk 1, HAWKERS LANE - WEST HORRNGTON - HAWKERS LANE Starting from the top of Hawkers Lane by the "Beryl" sign climb over the stile and walk diagonally across the fields to the far corner and the metal gate.
Walk up the path, which can be muddy after wet periods and continue uphill into the small wood. Continue through the wood on the path until a stile is reached at the top end of the wood. Cross the stile and turn right to walk on the clearly defined path running around the field.
Depending on the time of year, this field may be ploughed or growing crops and although the official footpath line is across the field, please walk around on the obvious route. Continue around the field until you come across a track running down to the right. There are two tracks within twenty metres of each other - take the first one - it is the least overgrown. Walk down this track which narrows to a path and which can also be very muddy. Take extra care as the path drops down towards the stream which is soon reached and crossed via the wide, stepped stone and concrete footbridge. Follow the path up the bank to a large stile/gate at the top and go through keeping to the right of the field for approximately 40 metres to a metal gate which is climbed over. Cross the field keeping slightly to the right but make for the gap between the side of the field and where the woodland edges up from the stream. Continue along this path until you reach a bench. Those who have brought some refreshments will not find a better place to sit for a while and take in the peace and quiet. Depending on how fit you either are or feel you can drop down the steep path to the stream or take the more gentle option on the wider path. If the first option is taken, the path drops down to a footbridge, crosses the stream and a left turn is taken to make your way back to the first footbridge. The second option drops more slowly to the stream and this can be crossed by either the obvious stepping stones or simply jumped across. Down this route you will see what appears to be a family of giant whicker statues amongst the woodland. At first sight this can be quite eerie but the more you are aware of them the more effective and natural they become.
Like the shorter option turn left on crossing the stream and follow it back to the first footbridge. A word of caution - this path can be rough under foot and can be very wet and muddy after any rainfall. Retrace your steps from the first bridge back up the hill and around the field but do not climb the stile just yet. Carry on for an extra 20 metres to the field edge to the obvious break in the hedge for a dramatic view of Wells, Glastonbury Tor and the Somerset Levels across to the Quantox Hills and, on a clear day, Exmoor. Walk back to the stile, down through the woods and return across the fields to the starting point at the top of Hawkers Lane.
Length - 5km/3 miles approx. Time - As long as you like but can be done comfortably in less than 1.5 hours. Conditions - Can be muddy in the places mentioned in the description as well as rough under foot. This walk is best done in late April/early May when the woodland sections are carpetted in bluebells and wild garlic.
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