southwold (yate) group logo

Southwold (Yate) Group

We are the Southwold (Yate) Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

Setting off from the quaintly named village of Norton Malreward, we will climb up to the ancient hill fort of Maes Hill before heading for Northwick to descend on the Three Peaks Walk towards Chew Magna and lunch in the churchyard Stanton Drew. We then follow the River back towards Pensford before climbing back to the start point.

There are 2 ascents, the first, up to and then over Maes Hill, is quite steep, but you can walk round rather than over the hill itself, if preferred. The later ascent is longer but the gradient is less steep.

The walk is mainly on footpaths and tracks , but there are a few stretches of road walking to provide a break from expected muddy bits. There are very few stiles on the route. 

Weather permitting, there should be good views over the valley to the Mendips and I always like the stretch along the River on the way back.

 

Sunday, 4 January 2026
Start time:
10:00 am
Estimated finish time:
2:30 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
12.9km / 8.0mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
circular

Sunset is 16.15 on the day, so I expect the pace to be brisk. There are no public toilets or refreshment available directly on the route, though in extremis, we can detour to Chew Magna or Pensford. Bring food and drink for the day. 

 

Features

  • Car parking available

Starting point

Grid reference:
ST 60232 65364
Nearest postcode:
BS39 4EY
what3words:
strong.crab.manual
Start time:
10:00 am

Norton Malreward is off the A37 just as you leave Whitchurch. Turn right by the playground onto Norton Lane; after about 1.3 miles turn left onto Church Road and park near the top.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking