We are the West Mendip Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
West Mendip Walkers moderate 9 miles walk. Several gates and no stiles. Start at Sumerlin Drive, Clevedon. Parking is limited. Daniel Close round the corner might offer extra parking. We find a safe place to cross the Northern Way, then it is farmland. After crossing another road, we return to the flat open fields parallel to the rhynes of Tickenham. No stiles, but plenty of accessible gates. Sometimes there are livestock, and if so, dogs must be on a lead. If lucky, we might see deer leaping across a rhyne. We enjoy a short rest in the porch of the historic church of Quiricus and Julietta before crossing the busy Tickenham Road. We climb up to Cadbury Camp, the Iron Age Hill Fort of the Dobunni tribe. There are 2 distinct concentric circles of the Hill Fort, from which there are fabulous views including the Somerset Levels. There is an information board to read, before finding a tranquil spot for a lunch stop. We exit the Hill Fort, and descending, we join the bridleway of Cadbury Camp Lane. We pass the expensive houses of the rich and famous, (locally known as Millionaires Row), cross the pedestrian bridge over the M5, and enter the pretty woods of Clevedon Court. Look for the fascinating Keepers Cottage. At All Saints church, Clevedon, we are almost back at the cars. The Old Inn is a very short drive round the corner, and has beer, loos and a car park.
Dog friendly, but dogs must be on leads if there is livestock in the fields. Sometimes there are temporary electric fences. In January and February, with all the rain, the route was very soggy/muddy. The path up to the Hill Fort was very muddy and slippery, unpleasant and hazardous. Normally it is all very pleasant and walkable. I will check again nearer the time. No stiles. Plenty of good quality gates, many of which were installed by local Ramblers groups. No loos, but enough suitable vegetation to hide behind. The Old Inn round the corner from our start/finish, will be open. [NB Out of fairness to everyone, regular walkers with the West Mendip Walkers are asked to take their turn in leading walks, typically around two a year].
Sumerlin Drive Clevedon BS21 6YW
