 The Story
The escape of Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
For six exciting weeks, and hotly pursued by the Parliamentary forces under Oliver Cromwell, he travelled first north towards Wales, then south through the Cotswolds and the Mendips to the South Coast, and finally along the South Downs to Shoreham where he made his escape to France.
Loyally supported by his followers, many at great risk to their own
lives, he was given shelter in places both great and humble, many of which
still exist today.
Courtesy: The Monarch's Way Association
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The Walk
This long distance walk (615 miles) using footpaths and bridleways
closely follows the route taken by Charles and enables you to visit many
historic sites and buildings, maybe only previously known to you through the
history books. It also takes you through two World Heritage
Sites, one National Park and six Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty plus some of the
finest scenery in western and southern England.
The walk is waymarked and is shown on the latest editions of the Ordnance Survey's Landranger and Explorer maps. The route is described in detail in three books by Trevor Antill, published by Meridian Books. Each book is divided into sections so enabling you to pick out suitable day walks if you are not intending to follow the complete route. - More information is available on other pages. |
Courtesy: The Monarch's Way Association
Mudford to Montacute, Somerset
(9 miles)
1 May 2013
(9 miles)
1 May 2013
A walk of just under nine miles along country lanes, field and woodland paths and farm tracks, passing through some delightful countryside. Easy walking with little in the way of ascent or descent. Quite a number of stiles, mostly in good condition, although a few were a little overgrown; none were impassable, however.
I completed this as a linear bus walk, parking the car in The Borough, Montacute and catching the bus from there to Yeovil (hourly service) and another from Yeovil Bus Station to Mudford, The Half Moon. There was ample time to enjoy a coffee in the café at the bus station!
The Way is fairly well waymarked. Setting out from Mudford in a westerly direction past the church, the first section of the Way is part of the 'cross-over', where the east- and southbound routes follow the same road (in opposite directions) for about half a mile - almost as far as West Mudford. Take care to follow in the right direction!
The route follows the lanes to the tiny village of Ashington with it Manor Farm and church with its unusual steeple and notice welcoming to their one service a month.
A few yards past the church the Way leaves the lane on the right and crosses the meadows to rejoin the lane again before crossing more fields and meadows to Limington.
The Way continues to Ilchester, Lindinis Roman Town, turning south to Montacute, passing Sock Dennis Farm, Cole Cross and Windmill Farm on the way.
I completed this as a linear bus walk, parking the car in The Borough, Montacute and catching the bus from there to Yeovil (hourly service) and another from Yeovil Bus Station to Mudford, The Half Moon. There was ample time to enjoy a coffee in the café at the bus station!
The Way is fairly well waymarked. Setting out from Mudford in a westerly direction past the church, the first section of the Way is part of the 'cross-over', where the east- and southbound routes follow the same road (in opposite directions) for about half a mile - almost as far as West Mudford. Take care to follow in the right direction!
The route follows the lanes to the tiny village of Ashington with it Manor Farm and church with its unusual steeple and notice welcoming to their one service a month.
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| Ashington Church |
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| Limington Church |
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| Ilchester Marketplace |
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| Montacute House from the parkland |
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| Montacute |
The Monarch's Way then makes its way in a western direction to Ham Hill, where refreshments are available at the popular Prince of Wales public house.
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| View from The Prince of Wales public house terrace |
The Way then turns in a southerly direction along the road for about a 150 yards and, after passing the lane on the right, follows the way-mark, up the bank and along the narrow path at the edge of the car park. At the junctions of the paths (ST480160) we missed the way where the path heads down the hill towards Ham Hill Road and Little Norton.
At Little Norton (ST479157), we left The Monarch's Way and followed the Liberty Trail up the lane; then the footpath through the field, passing by the site of the medieval village of Witcombe, described on the panels beside the path at the top of the field. We then returned to Montacute along the footpath parallel to Hollow Lane, then down Townsend and back to The Borough.
The total walk is approximately 5 miles.
Little Norton to Rushy Wood Farm(Approximately 4.5 miles)
29 August 2013
29 August 2013
A 'panhandle' walk starting in the village of Norton Sub Hamdon. Please park considerately if parking here.
From Norton Sub Hamdon follow the lane to the tiny hamlet of Little Norton (where there is no parking). This is where I rejoined the Monarch's Way from the previous walk (see above).
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| Little Norton |
The Way follows the country lane almost as far as Chiselborough, with its Cat Head Inn and the church of St Peter and St Paul. The Monarch's Way, however, does not pass though the village; instead it heads in a south-westerly direction, crossing a country lane and heading towards the main A356 road.
Follow the footpath parallel to the road, but on the opposite side from the road before turning left towards West Chinnock and then on to Rushy Wood Farm.
Almost a year previously I had walked the section south from Rushy Wood Farm, so I retraced my steps towards Middle Chinnock and then following the Liberty Trail back to Norton Sub Hamdon. The total walk is approximately 8.5 miles.
to Thorncombe, Dorset (10 miles)
Wyld Warren to Bowshot Coppice
(3 miles)
04 April 2012
Wyld Warren (SY349979) to Bowshot Coppice (SY351956) (3 miles).
A circular walk from the car park in the Wootton Hill woodland (SY355970). There are no public transport links for this walk and there are no refreshments en route.
Return to the road and turn right (north). Follow road for about 750 yards and turn left on the footpath to Dodpen Farm (SY357975). Follow the path past Ridge Farm to join the Monarch's Way at Wyld Warren. Continue on the Way to the ford by the old mill to the east of Bowshot Coppice (SY351956).
The return to the car park is by the trackway and footpaths to Champernhayes Cross, Champernhayes Cross and Spence Farm.
Total distance walked: 7.6 km (5 miles)
Bowshot Coppice to Charmouth
(2 miles)
26 February 2012
Bowshot Coppice (SY351956) to Charmouth (SY365936)
A circular walk from Charmouth. Car parks in the village (charges apply) or it might be possible to find street parking. There are frequent bus services linking Charmouth with Bridport, Weymouth and Dorchester and Exeter, Lyme Regis and Axminster. Charmouth offers opportunities for refreshments and replenishment of supplies.
My route to join the Monarch's Way was along the road towards Lyme Regis, then taking the footpath alongside the cemetery, past Hogchester Farm to Westove Hill and Thistle Hill, then taking the footpath north through the woodland and down the steep hill, to join the Way at the old mill. An alternative route might be to follow Mill Lane.
Total distance walked: 6.9 km (4 miles)
Monarch's Way - East
Charmouth to Bridport Brewery
(8 miles)
19 March 2012
Charmouth (SY365936) to Bridport Brewery (SY465922)
Charmouth (SY365936) to Bridport Brewery (SY465922)
A linear walk from Charmouth to the unique partly thatched Palmers Brewery at Bridport; returning home on foot. I caught the bus from Bridport to Charmouth for the start of the walk.
The Monarch's Way follows the South West Coast Path from Charmouth to West Bay. This is a beautiful stretch of coastline with stunning views - on a good day - towards Portland in the east and Start Point to the west.
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| Golden Cap from Langdon Wood with Seatown in the valley |
The Monarch's Way turns inland at West Bay, where there are shops, pubs, cafés and many seasonal refreshment kiosks.
The Way leaves West Bay through the Parkdean Holiday Park, heading north across the meadows, passing under the main A35 road before reaching the Palmer's Brewery, with its water wheel, on Skilling Hill Road.
The Way leaves West Bay through the Parkdean Holiday Park, heading north across the meadows, passing under the main A35 road before reaching the Palmer's Brewery, with its water wheel, on Skilling Hill Road.
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| East Cliff, Burton Bradstock from West Bay |
Note: The South West Coast Path is currently (May 2013) diverted between Charmouth and Stonebarrow because it is unsafe due to serious subsidence on this stretch. Check the South West Coast Path Association web site for further details. The diversion is by means of Stonebarrow Lane to the National Trust car park on Stonebarrow Hill. This is a rather long uphill stretch on a metalled lane. There is no convenient alternative route.
Total distance walked: 16.6 km (10 miles)
Bridport Brewery to Pymore
(2½ miles)
11 May 2013
Bridport Brewery (SY465922) to Pymore (SY469941)
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| Palmer's Brewery, Bridport |
This walk was close to home, so I completed it as a circular walk.
The football club car park (charges apply) in Skilling Hill Road (SY464922) is convenient for the start of the walk.
The Way passes between the brewery buildings, underneath the overhead gantry, heading towards the cross roads and the Morrison's superstore. The Way initially follows the bank of the River Asker through Askers Meadow before turning east and crossing the main road to the residential area of Bothenhampton, following Pasture Way, Crock Lane and Lower Walditch Lane. It is well worth short diversion from the Way through the delightfully named Jellyfields Nature Reserve. The path brings you out further down Lower Walditch Lane, which the Way leaves at the narrow footpath behind the houses at the outskirts of Bridport.
When I passed by this way, a couple of children asked me if I wanted to buy a crown! I wonder if they knew that this was the Monarch's Way?
Leaving the path at the northern end, one crosses the main road and, passing the end of King Charles Way, continues along Lee Lane, turning down the residential Jessopp Avenue with its neat 1970's bungalows. Take care to turn right off of the 'main' Jessopp Avenue in a couple of hundred yards, down the side road of chalet bungalows to the footpath at the end.
The Way leads down through the field to cross River Asker on the hump-back footbridge before heading across the flood plain, following beside the Lidl's store car park and across the road, up the narrow footpath to Watton Hill. The Way leads round the hill and down through the fields to join Pymore Road at Gypsy Lane.
This is where our circular walk leaves the Monarch's Way: turning left along Pymore Road, which becomes Victoria Grove to Bridport's West Street. Turn left here and at the Town Hall, turn right down South Street. Leave South Street at St Mary's Church, turning right to cross River Brit on the footbridge and then left beside the river, returning to the car park. The walk total is about 4 miles.
Watton Hill to Venn Farm
(4 miles)
25 May 2013Watton Hill (Pymore) (SY470942) to Venn Farm (SY419947), North Chideock
The beginning and end of this section of the Monarch's Way are within easy walking distance of regular linking bus services, making this an option for a bus walk. The total bus-walk distance from Bridport West Street to Chideock is approximately 6 miles.
From the foot of Watton Hill the Way follows on a tarmac footpath that runs parallel to Pymore Road. In about 200 yards the Way takes the left fork through Pymore with its mixture of old and new housing.
From the foot of Watton Hill the Way follows on a tarmac footpath that runs parallel to Pymore Road. In about 200 yards the Way takes the left fork through Pymore with its mixture of old and new housing.
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| Pymore |
The Way continues past a row of older terraced cottages to the farm buildings at the end of the lane, heading towards Middle Pymore Farm. Take care here! The field to the east of the Middle Pymore Farm is used for flying model aeroplanes: walkers are asked to keep off of the landing strip: please try to keep to the public footpath.
The signed path passes to the north and west of the farm buildings - not between them as shown on the current maps. The Way then continues across the fields in a westerly direction, crossing the B3162 to continue in more or less the same direction along Bilshay Lane, passing Bilshay Farm and crossing River Simene by the gated footbridge. At the time when I walked this section work a new footpath was being built between the river and near to Ebb Plantation. When this is completed it should be possible to avoid a boggy patch below the Plantation.
The signed path passes to the north and west of the farm buildings - not between them as shown on the current maps. The Way then continues across the fields in a westerly direction, crossing the B3162 to continue in more or less the same direction along Bilshay Lane, passing Bilshay Farm and crossing River Simene by the gated footbridge. At the time when I walked this section work a new footpath was being built between the river and near to Ebb Plantation. When this is completed it should be possible to avoid a boggy patch below the Plantation.
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| Colmer's Hill from Bilshay Lane |
Continue on the Way past Axen Farm, turning right at the end of the track and after about 200 yards taking the metal gate on the left into the field on Henwood Hill, climbing a little before descending through the fields down to Venn Farm.
Venn Farm to Broadwindsor
(8 miles)
With careful planning this section could fairly easily be completed as a linear walk, using the bus to get to Chideock (frequent services from Bridport), about a mile from Venn Farm and from Broadwindsor (up to four buses a day to Bridport, but check current bus service details).
I completed this section, however, in three circular walks. Due to my misunderstanding of the route, though, I did these walks in the 'wrong' direction!
Venn Farm to Shave Cross
(3 miles)
23 May 2012
Rather more of a 'panhandle' walk rather than circular! Car parking may be possible at the side of the road near to the Shave Cross Inn. From the junction by the Inn follow Bluntshay Lane in a southerly direction, past Crabbs Bluntshay Farm and take the bridleway, forking left just after passing Middleside (at SY415967).
The field bridleway meets the Monarch's Way in about ¼ mile, which continues in a southerly direction, passing Coppet Hill and Wormstall Coppice before reaching Venn Farm. Return to Shave Cross by following the Monarch's Way, passing on the way Purcombe Farm and Buckett's Farm. The walk total is approximately 6 miles.
The field bridleway meets the Monarch's Way in about ¼ mile, which continues in a southerly direction, passing Coppet Hill and Wormstall Coppice before reaching Venn Farm. Return to Shave Cross by following the Monarch's Way, passing on the way Purcombe Farm and Buckett's Farm. The walk total is approximately 6 miles.
Shave Cross to Pilsdon Pen
(3 miles)
11 May 2012
A figure-of-eight walk starting at the Lob Gate car park (ST414009).
Starting from the car park head down the lane in a westerly direction to pick up The Jubilee Trail at Templeman's Ash (ST408010) which joins the Monarch's Way at the lane below Pilsdon Cottages. Continue on the Monarch's Way, past Pilsdon Manor, and take the footpath (left) towards Gerrard's Farm at SY418989 before heading to Kitty's Farm (SY420981), where you turn right along the lane to the Shave Cross Inn.
Starting from the car park head down the lane in a westerly direction to pick up The Jubilee Trail at Templeman's Ash (ST408010) which joins the Monarch's Way at the lane below Pilsdon Cottages. Continue on the Monarch's Way, past Pilsdon Manor, and take the footpath (left) towards Gerrard's Farm at SY418989 before heading to Kitty's Farm (SY420981), where you turn right along the lane to the Shave Cross Inn.
Turn right at the Inn and follow the lane north-west for about 300 yards to the Monarch's Way footpath which heads across the fields in a north-easterly direction to Blackcroft Coppice. The walk retraces steps back past Pilsdon Manor, follows the lane to a footpath which climbs through the fields to Pilsdon Barn. Here the Way passes though the delightfully enchanting gardens of the Barn before emerging on the lane, which takes one back to the car park at Lob Gate.
The total walk is about 6 miles.
Pilsdon Pen to Broadwindsor
(2 miles)
09 May 2012
If this section is not completed as the linear walk from Venn Farm to Broadwindsor, it can easily be completed as a 'pan-handle' walk either from Broadwindsor or the car park at Lob Gate (ST414009).
Setting out from Lob Gate, follow the Way in a northerly direction up Pilsdon Pen, one of the numerous hill forts in West Dorset. The Monarch's Way joins the Wessex Ridgeway and descends on the eastern flank of the hill to the lane. Cross this lane and continue through Lower Newnham Farm and on to join another country lane at Burstock Grange. Follow this lane down to Broadwindsor.
When I did this walk, I did so in the 'wrong' direction. At Burstock Grange a dog tagged along with me - and stayed with me all the way through Lower Newnham Farm to the lane at the foot of Pilsdon Pen. As there was a bull in the field at the time, I felt that (especially with the accompanying dog) it would be unwise to cross the field, and, instead, took the lane south to Cockpit. From there I took the road towards Broadwindsor and then Sheepwash Lane towards Burstock Grange. As I neared the Grange the dog wandered off and I saw him no more! He must have been with me for a good two miles!
The total walked was about 4 miles.
For an excellent circular walk which includes this section of the Monarch's Way and also part of the Jubilee Trail, see the Great Walks in Britain's walk: Broadwindsor, Lewesdon Hill and Pilsdon Pen.
Broadwindsor to Buckham Down
(3 miles)
04 July 2012
A short section of the Monarch's Way from Broadwindsor (ST437026) to Buckham Down (ST477034), walked linearly along Common Water Lane, finishing at the picnic area on the Wessex Ridgeway (ST485034) and returning by the same route. The total distance walked was just over 6 miles. A damp day during a very wet summer.
A linear walk in an easterly direction from Broadwindsor, without the need to retrace one's steps, would be possible -using the 47 bus, which serves Bridport, Beaminster, Crewkerne and Yeovil as a link between both ends of the walk. One option would be to use the bus between West Coker and Broadwindsor, walking on the Way as far as Hardington Mandeville and then the additional mile or so by lane and footpath to the bus at West Coker. The total distance for this walk would be about 21km/13 miles. It may be possible to find some on-street parking near the end of your walk.
A somewhat longer alternative might be to continue on the Way to Turner's Barn Lane (on the southern edge of Yeovil, where on-street parking should be possible). The 47 bus passes along the nearby West Coker Road and there is a bus stop at Windermere Close. This walk would be about 26km/16 miles. Be warned, however, the 47 service is infrequent and some careful planning may be needed; also check the current service: things change!
Buckham Down to Beaminster Down
(2.5 miles on Monarch's Way; walk total 4 miles)
12 July 2012
A circular walk from the small car park and picnic area (ST485033) just off of the unclassified road between the A3066 (Beaminster Tunnel) and the A356, where the Wessex Ridgeway heads to Beaminster.
From the picnic area head back to the road and then turn left, following the road for just short of half a mile, then taking the farm lane towards North Buckham Farm on the right. In about 600 yards, where the farm lane bears left, take the bridleway and continue heading in roughly a northerly direction, past Cowleaze Coppice.
About a quarter of a mile after the Coppice, at the bridleway crossing (ST474048), turn right, cross the stream and where the bridleway meets the path from Chedington Lane (ST477047), turn right and head in a south-easterly direction, passing Chapel Marsh and West Axnoller Farm, following The Monarch's Way onto Beaminster Down.
On Beaminster Down, either take the farm lane or the bridleway across the field back to the road at Mintern's Hill, turn right down the road and return to the picnic area.
On Beaminster Down, either take the farm lane or the bridleway across the field back to the road at Mintern's Hill, turn right down the road and return to the picnic area.
Beaminster Down to Winyard's Gap
(Monarch's Way: 2 miles; walk total: 5 miles)
21 October 2009 and 03 March 2011
This section was completed as part of other circular walks on a number of occasions.
The section between Beaminster Down (ST499042) and about 500 yards south-west of Weston (ST502054) was walked as part of a published walk from the book Forty More Pub Walks in Dorset by Mike Power (Power Publications) (Walk 44: Winyard's Gap Inn, Chedington). In order to complete the short section from Beaminster Down (ST495038) to the point where the book walk joins the Monarch's Way (ST499042), I had added this as a 'there and back' section to the walk from Buckham Down to Beaminster Down (see above).
This walk continues on to Weston Manor Farm, Home Farm and Crook Hill; returning to Winyard's Gap.
The section from above Weston (ST502054) and Winyard's Gap was completed as part of another published walk (Automobile Association, 1001 walks, walk 118).
Winyard's Gap, Dorset to Hardington Marsh, Somerset
(Monarch's Way: 3 miles; walk total: 7 miles)
30 July 2012
This section was completed as a lopsided 'pan-handle' walk, starting from the small layby to the south of the Winward's Gap Inn.
The Monarch's Way follows the lane opposite the Inn, in northerly direction, turning north-east at Pretty Box Farm. The Way leaves the lane to pass north of Crock Hill before heading down the farm lane to Wyke Farm. From Wyke Farm the Way continues through the meadows and woodland to Whitevine Farm, crossing the railway line and heading for Hardington Marsh.
From Hardington Marsh I retraced my steps and then crossed the railway bridge to head towards Hows Coppice and Pear Tree House. I had intended to follow the public access route as marked on the map, but this was so overgrown as to be impassable at ST511083 that I was forced to return to just south of Hows Coppice and go by the farm buildings to the east before joining the lane near Pear Tree House, which I followed until just before Sydney Farm, where I took the bridleway and then the field path towards Wyke Farm, retracing steps to Winyard's Gap.
Hardington Marsh to Coker Court Park, Somerset
Monarch's Way distance: 3.25 miles; walk total approximately 6.25 miles.
08 September 2012
A circular walk from Hardington Marsh to Coker Court Park via Hardington Mandeville.
The return route to Hardington Marsh follows the footpath from Coker Court Park at ST536124 across the parkland, through Sleight Plantation, passing Isles Farm and reaching Pendomer Road at the sharp bend. Continue down the lane to Pendomer and then take the footpath (left) to Grove Farm and back to Hardington Marsh.
Coker Court Park to Yeovil, Turner's Barn Lane, Somerset
Monarch's Way distance: 2.40 miles;
walk total approximately 4.25 miles.
Coker Court Park to Yeovil, Turner's Barn Lane, Somerset
Monarch's Way distance: 2.40 miles;
walk total approximately 4.25 miles.
18 September 2012
A walk from East Coker to Turner's Barn Lane along The Monarch's Way, returning by means of an alternative route.
Street car parking may be available at East Coker. Alternative street parking should be possible at or close by Turner's Barn Lane.
From East Coker, passing Pavyotts Farm and Patchlake Cottages to Turner's Barn Lane.
My return route commenced along East Coker Road, Lower East Coker Road and Yeovil Road, taking the left fork at the junction at the edge of the housing (ST546140) and turning right at the stile after about 100 yards. Follow this path across the fields to Patchlake Cottages, briefly following the Monarch's Way in a southerly direction before turning west-south-west past Redlands towards Trellis Cross, then taking the footpath across the fields towards East Coker cemetery with its small chapel. Return to the village along the lane.
Yeovil, Turner's Barn Lane, Somerset to Sherborne, Checcombe Lane, Dorset
Monarch's Way distance approximately 10 miles;
Total walking distance approximately 11.5 miles.
23 April 2013
Monarch's Way distance approximately 10 miles;
Total walking distance approximately 11.5 miles.
23 April 2013
A linear walk using a combination of car and bus to get to the beginning of the day's walk.
Firstly, I drove to Sherborne and parked the car at the roadside at the eastern end of Bradford Road (ST627165), just a short walk from the Barton Gardens bus stop. From there I caught the First service 57 bus to Yeovil bus station and then the Stagecoach 99 bus to the Windermere Close stop, just about a five minute wal to the beginning of the walk in Turner's Barn Lane.
The walk continues east initially along lanes before heading north to pass through Yeovil Country Park. The way was not clearly way-marked when I did the walk and some fairly careful navigation was needed to avoid missing the way - which I did on a couple of occasions. The first of these was on the stretch from Two Tower Lane, down the slope and into the valley alongside the stream. The second time I missed the way was where the Monarch's Way heads north-west (ST562158) to the road. Instead I carried on to towards the main A30 road near to Pen Mill Station, and then headed north-west to rejoin the official route at the southern end of St Michael's Avenue.
The mile or so of St Michael's Avenue is residential of residential properties. At the southern end, they struck me as being predominantly Edwardian with more modern suburban-type developments further along the road, eventually emerging at Mudford Road (A359) at the Fleur-De-Lys public house. The Way goes east along the main road before heading out into the countryside, in a northerly direction along Stone Lane, zig-zagging its way between the buildings of Mudford Sock, passing Sockhill Farm. At West Mudford the eastern route joins the southern route; between here and Sandford Orcas both routes follow the same path: in opposite directions, of course!
The Monarch's Way leaves Mudford on the northern end of Mudford Bridge and follows the River Yeo across the water meadows for half a mile or so before heading across the fields to Trent. The map shows the footpath heading straight across the fields, to the footbridge and the railway bridge. The landowners, however, prefer walkers to follow alongside the river bank from the weir and then the field hedge to the footbridge, instead.
Trent seems a completely different world from that of Yeovil, yet the distance, as the crow flies, is a fraction over two miles. Charles II stayed at Trent House for several days during his escape to France in 1651. Here there is the church and a school - and refreshments may be found at the Rose and Crown public house.
The Monarch's Way continues in an eastward direction, following Lowsome Lane past Down House Farm and entering the broad valley marked 'Shelners' on the large scale Ordnance Survey map. The route carries on, climbing out of the valley, being joined by Oatcroft Lane before taking a sharp turn to the north at the junction with Checcombe Lane (ST615179). Here I left the Monarch's Way and headed straight ahead, down Trent Path Lane, across the main A30 road and to the car.
Firstly, I drove to Sherborne and parked the car at the roadside at the eastern end of Bradford Road (ST627165), just a short walk from the Barton Gardens bus stop. From there I caught the First service 57 bus to Yeovil bus station and then the Stagecoach 99 bus to the Windermere Close stop, just about a five minute wal to the beginning of the walk in Turner's Barn Lane.
The walk continues east initially along lanes before heading north to pass through Yeovil Country Park. The way was not clearly way-marked when I did the walk and some fairly careful navigation was needed to avoid missing the way - which I did on a couple of occasions. The first of these was on the stretch from Two Tower Lane, down the slope and into the valley alongside the stream. The second time I missed the way was where the Monarch's Way heads north-west (ST562158) to the road. Instead I carried on to towards the main A30 road near to Pen Mill Station, and then headed north-west to rejoin the official route at the southern end of St Michael's Avenue.
The mile or so of St Michael's Avenue is residential of residential properties. At the southern end, they struck me as being predominantly Edwardian with more modern suburban-type developments further along the road, eventually emerging at Mudford Road (A359) at the Fleur-De-Lys public house. The Way goes east along the main road before heading out into the countryside, in a northerly direction along Stone Lane, zig-zagging its way between the buildings of Mudford Sock, passing Sockhill Farm. At West Mudford the eastern route joins the southern route; between here and Sandford Orcas both routes follow the same path: in opposite directions, of course!
The Monarch's Way leaves Mudford on the northern end of Mudford Bridge and follows the River Yeo across the water meadows for half a mile or so before heading across the fields to Trent. The map shows the footpath heading straight across the fields, to the footbridge and the railway bridge. The landowners, however, prefer walkers to follow alongside the river bank from the weir and then the field hedge to the footbridge, instead.
Trent seems a completely different world from that of Yeovil, yet the distance, as the crow flies, is a fraction over two miles. Charles II stayed at Trent House for several days during his escape to France in 1651. Here there is the church and a school - and refreshments may be found at the Rose and Crown public house.
The Monarch's Way continues in an eastward direction, following Lowsome Lane past Down House Farm and entering the broad valley marked 'Shelners' on the large scale Ordnance Survey map. The route carries on, climbing out of the valley, being joined by Oatcroft Lane before taking a sharp turn to the north at the junction with Checcombe Lane (ST615179). Here I left the Monarch's Way and headed straight ahead, down Trent Path Lane, across the main A30 road and to the car.
Sherborne, Checcombe Lane, Dorset
to South Cheriton
Monarch's Way distance approximately 14km (8.5 miles);
Total walking distance approximately 16.7km (10.4 miles).
24 April 2014
to South Cheriton
Monarch's Way distance approximately 14km (8.5 miles);
Total walking distance approximately 16.7km (10.4 miles).
24 April 2014
Another linear walk (a year on from the previous section!), again using a combination of car and bus to get to the beginning of the day's walk, a rural section passing through some lovely scenery with stunning, expansive views in some places.
Firstly, I drove to South Cheriton and parked the car in Lower Road, in the small layby by the village cemetery (ST694243), a short walk to the bus stop at The White Horse. From there I caught the First service 58 bus to Sherborne, Barton Gardens.
I returned to the Monarch's Way at Checcomble Lane, retracing my steps and heading up the rather monotonous Trent Path Lane (in a north-westerly direction). Once again joining the Monarch's Way, the route continues along a stretch that is also part of the southerly direction: where the path crosses itself heading in one direction for Charmouth and in the other (easterly direction) for Shoreham, as the ultimate destination.
The walk leads down to the busy Sherborne to Marston Magna road and continues for about a quarter of a mile along it. This section of road could be avoided by taking a slightly longer alternative route along Coombe Lane, either following the Macmillan Way to Holway or the the unclassified Sandford Orcas Road meet the Monarch's Way at Higher Sandford.
I followed the 'official' route, taking care to keep out of the way of traffic! Monarch's Way signage appeared to be missing at Patson Hill Farm: the Way passes through the gate with the farmhouse immediately to the right, before entering a meadow, eventually entering the woodland path on Patson Hill. Following the recent storms there were several fallen trees which had to be negotiated!
At Higher Sandford, it may be worth a short detour for refreshments: to Sandford Orcas, with its pub!
My way continued to Holway, then along the quiet country lanes past Seven Wells Down to Charlton Hawthorne (a pretty village with its church and pub) before continuing on to South Cheriton.
Firstly, I drove to South Cheriton and parked the car in Lower Road, in the small layby by the village cemetery (ST694243), a short walk to the bus stop at The White Horse. From there I caught the First service 58 bus to Sherborne, Barton Gardens.
I returned to the Monarch's Way at Checcomble Lane, retracing my steps and heading up the rather monotonous Trent Path Lane (in a north-westerly direction). Once again joining the Monarch's Way, the route continues along a stretch that is also part of the southerly direction: where the path crosses itself heading in one direction for Charmouth and in the other (easterly direction) for Shoreham, as the ultimate destination.
The walk leads down to the busy Sherborne to Marston Magna road and continues for about a quarter of a mile along it. This section of road could be avoided by taking a slightly longer alternative route along Coombe Lane, either following the Macmillan Way to Holway or the the unclassified Sandford Orcas Road meet the Monarch's Way at Higher Sandford.
I followed the 'official' route, taking care to keep out of the way of traffic! Monarch's Way signage appeared to be missing at Patson Hill Farm: the Way passes through the gate with the farmhouse immediately to the right, before entering a meadow, eventually entering the woodland path on Patson Hill. Following the recent storms there were several fallen trees which had to be negotiated!
At Higher Sandford, it may be worth a short detour for refreshments: to Sandford Orcas, with its pub!
My way continued to Holway, then along the quiet country lanes past Seven Wells Down to Charlton Hawthorne (a pretty village with its church and pub) before continuing on to South Cheriton.
Sherborne, Checcombe Lane, Dorset
to South Cheriton, Somerset
Monarch's Way distance approximately 14km (8.5 miles);
Total walking distance approximately 16.7km (10.4 miles).
24 April 2014
to South Cheriton, Somerset
Monarch's Way distance approximately 14km (8.5 miles);
Total walking distance approximately 16.7km (10.4 miles).
24 April 2014
Another linear walk (a year on from the previous section!), again using a combination of car and bus to get to the beginning of the day's walk, a rural section passing through some lovely scenery with stunning, expansive views in some places.
Firstly, I drove to South Cheriton and parked the car in Lower Road, in the small layby by the village cemetery (ST694243), a short walk to the bus stop at The White Horse. From there I caught the First service 58 bus to Sherborne, Barton Gardens.
I returned to the Monarch's Way at Checcomble Lane, retracing my steps and heading up the rather monotonous Trent Path Lane (in a north-westerly direction). Once again joining the Monarch's Way, the route continues along a stretch that is also part of the southerly direction: where the path crosses itself heading in one direction for Charmouth and in the other (easterly direction) for Shoreham, as the ultimate destination.
The walk leads down to the busy Sherborne to Marston Magna road and continues for about a quarter of a mile along it. This section of road could be avoided by taking a slightly longer alternative route along Coombe Lane, either following the Macmillan Way to Holway or the the unclassified Sandford Orcas Road meet the Monarch's Way at Higher Sandford.
I followed the 'official' route, taking care to keep out of the way of traffic! Monarch's Way signage appeared to be missing at Patson Hill Farm: the Way passes through the gate with the farmhouse immediately to the right, before entering a meadow, eventually entering the woodland path on Patson Hill. Following the recent storms there were several fallen trees which had to be negotiated!
At Higher Sandford, it may be worth a short detour for refreshments: to Sandford Orcas, with its pub!
My way continued to Holway, then along the quiet country lanes past Seven Wells Down to Charlton Hawthorne (a pretty village with its church and pub) before continuing on to South Cheriton.
Firstly, I drove to South Cheriton and parked the car in Lower Road, in the small layby by the village cemetery (ST694243), a short walk to the bus stop at The White Horse. From there I caught the First service 58 bus to Sherborne, Barton Gardens.
I returned to the Monarch's Way at Checcomble Lane, retracing my steps and heading up the rather monotonous Trent Path Lane (in a north-westerly direction). Once again joining the Monarch's Way, the route continues along a stretch that is also part of the southerly direction: where the path crosses itself heading in one direction for Charmouth and in the other (easterly direction) for Shoreham, as the ultimate destination.
The walk leads down to the busy Sherborne to Marston Magna road and continues for about a quarter of a mile along it. This section of road could be avoided by taking a slightly longer alternative route along Coombe Lane, either following the Macmillan Way to Holway or the the unclassified Sandford Orcas Road meet the Monarch's Way at Higher Sandford.
I followed the 'official' route, taking care to keep out of the way of traffic! Monarch's Way signage appeared to be missing at Patson Hill Farm: the Way passes through the gate with the farmhouse immediately to the right, before entering a meadow, eventually entering the woodland path on Patson Hill. Following the recent storms there were several fallen trees which had to be negotiated!
At Higher Sandford, it may be worth a short detour for refreshments: to Sandford Orcas, with its pub!
My way continued to Holway, then along the quiet country lanes past Seven Wells Down to Charlton Hawthorne (a pretty village with its church and pub) before continuing on to South Cheriton.
South Cheriton, Somerset to Zeals, Wiltshire
Monarch's Way distance approximately 16km (10 miles)
(also total distance walked).
03 May 2014
Monarch's Way distance approximately 16km (10 miles)
(also total distance walked).
03 May 2014
This easy linear walk along field and woodland paths, country lanes and through the town of Wincanton was completed by driving to Zeals and then using buses from there to South Cheriton.
There is limited street parking in Zeals: I parked in Chapel Lane, opposite the garage, a short walk from the bus shelter by the village hall. The South West Coaches bus 158 was on time (10:02), arriving in Wincanton in time to transfer to the waiting First bus (service 58) to South Cheriton.
The names on the map close to the Monarch's Way give a clue to the what parts of first section of the walk to Wincanton might be like: 'Marsh Lane' 'Ringmarsh Farm' 'Horsington Marsh'. There were places where the the way was distinctly marshy! Nevertheless, the way to Wincanton was fairly clearly way-marked, for the most part along field paths. Approaching Wincanton one passes the solar energy farm, with its field of photo-voltaic panels and shortly afterwards the sewage works!
The Way follows through the pleasant town of Wincanton, where I paused for a very good coffee at Redfearns in South Street, before continuing through the town and on towards Zeals, passing through the Stavordale Estate with its Pen Forest, with the bluebells at their very best.
The names on the map close to the Monarch's Way give a clue to the what parts of first section of the walk to Wincanton might be like: 'Marsh Lane' 'Ringmarsh Farm' 'Horsington Marsh'. There were places where the the way was distinctly marshy! Nevertheless, the way to Wincanton was fairly clearly way-marked, for the most part along field paths. Approaching Wincanton one passes the solar energy farm, with its field of photo-voltaic panels and shortly afterwards the sewage works!
The Way follows through the pleasant town of Wincanton, where I paused for a very good coffee at Redfearns in South Street, before continuing through the town and on towards Zeals, passing through the Stavordale Estate with its Pen Forest, with the bluebells at their very best.
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| Pen Forest path |
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| Pen Forest |
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| St Michael's Church Pen Selwood |
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| St Martin's Church Zeals |
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