From the (54) Bus Stop Walk Series 2 – Walk 6 Langport (Westover)
The pretty villages of Drayton and Muchelney
Footpaths and tracks and a lovely riverside walk
Distance 9.5 Km/ 6.0 miles
Total ascent/descent 27m
1 From the bus-stop (GR415266) at Westover, head west (in the Taunton direction) over the bridge crossing the former Yeovil to Taunton railway line (1) and turn immediately L by the telegraph pole into Frog Lane (no sign, but there is a road sign with black and white chevrons on the L). Pass two tracks to the L and follow the lane for 800m as it bears sharp R and pass a small stone building with a brick chimney.
2 (GR413259) Cross a waymarked stile on the L (no sign) and follow a path through a scrubby area and at the field, continue with the hedge on the L. When the hedge swings sharp L bear slightly R across the field to pass beneath a power line and aim for the R of the plantation ahead. At the plantation, continue with the trees on the L to go through a gap in the hedge by an electricity pole. Bear slightly R to follow a path across the field to the R of another plantation. Go through the gap in the hedge and continue now with trees on the L. Just before the end of the field go L through a hedge gap and follow a narrow track for 50m then R to cross a stile to emerge in a field. Continue straight across the field to reach a Bristol gate and follow track for 150m to road and go L.
3 (GR406250) Follow road 250m to the centre of the pleasant village of Drayton. At junction by the pub and the church (2) go R for 150m then L into School Street and follow 650m to sharp L turn. Continue ahead (SP Midelney Manor) for 1Km to reach Midelney bridge over the river Isle (3).
If time permits continue ahead 400m to view Midelney Manor (4).
4 (GR408231) Go L along track just before bridge and follow for 1Km. Where track swings R to cross river continue ahead for 100m and through gate to join the Parrett Trail. Follow the raised bank with river on R for 1.8Km joining the line of the former Yeovil to Taunton railway at a derelict bridge and reaching Westover bridge and road. Go L for 250m passing abutments of former bridge and then turning very sharp R up track (SP Parrett Cycleway (5) to reach gate by cottage.
5 (GR423248) At gate go L to follow cycleway for 1.6Km. At crossing track go R and immediately L along enclosed path for 250m to join road through trading estate at modern stile. Go R and follow road 200m to main road and the bus stop.
FOR A SHORTER WALK
Distance 4.2Km/2.6miles
Follow the road through the Westover Trading Estate and just beyond the Parrett Cycleway car park, go through modern stile and follow enclosed path for 250m. At crossing track go R then L to follow cycleway for 1.6Km to gate by cottage. This is point 5. Turn around and retrace your steps to the Trading Estate.
For car travellers, there is a small free Parrett Cycleway car park or careful on-street parking in the Westover Trading Estate.
Refreshments: Café at Bow Wharf
Drayton Arms, Drayton
Cafés and Hotel in Langport centre
1 The Taunton-Yeovil railway line was built by the Bristol and Exeter Railway but was operated by the Great Western Railway. It opened in 1853 using the broad gauge and was converted to standard guage in 1874. It closed to passenger traffic in 1964.
2 St Catherine’s, Drayton, dates from the 15th century. The exterior is blue lias and hamstone. There is a 15th-century cross in the churchyard and a fine weather-vane.
3 River Isle rises in Combe St Nicholas and flows 22.5Km to join the river Parrett 1Km north east of Midelney
4 Midelney Manor was built in the late 16th century in two distinct halves by two brothers. It is Grade I listed.
5 The Parrett Cycleway opened in 1998 and is part of the National Cycle Network (NCN339)