From the (54) Bus Stop Walk Series 2 – Walk 8 Pitney
Rural South Somerset and Paradise
Mostly field paths with many stiles and gates to cross
Distance 9.8 Km/6.1 miles
Total ascent/descent 89 m
This route involves crossing a rifle range. For schedules see gov.uk put “Langport Range” into search box or check with Warden (01458 250255) or
MoD (01395 277891 or 07901 105271)
1 From the bus-stop (GR453278), go down the minor road SP Pitney. Ignore the first left turn but take the second (SP Farm Shop). Go through the village (1) ignoring side turns for 800m (½ mile) to reach the church (2).
2 (GR444286)Where the road begins to descend and bear L, take grassy track ahead (SP Leazemoor Lane). At the end of enclosed path, cross stile by metal gate and continue with hedge on L. Cross stile and bear L following field edge. At end of field, locate stile on L to emerge on road.
3 (GR438291) Go R for 30m(33yds) then L at waymark aiming to R of church tower to locate a bridge and stile. Cross and go ahead aiming to R of small copse, then aim to the L corner of the field to locate a stile. Cross and keep fence on L to reach a stone stile and road. Turn R for 20m (22yds) then L down narrow path behind telegraph pole. At end of path, cross stile and turn R following field boundary for 200m (220yds) to locate another stile on the R. Cross and go L diagonally across field to a metal gate to emerge at a road junction.
4 (GR429295)Go straight across and ascend gently to reach a junction. Go ahead (No Through Road) along track with good views to the L. After 500m (550yds) cross metal gate on L (no sign) and go down field keeping hedge on L to reach large posts with no gate. Go diagonally R past the lone tree and at far corner locate bridge and cross stream.
5 (GR417293) Turn L following the stream through a wooded area and cross stile into a narrow field. At far side keep L to cross another stile. Continue ahead with hedge on L and at end go L through waymarked metal gate across the next metal gate and turn immediately R. Bear uphill, passing rifle range (3) on R to locate stile in hedge gap. Cross and go ahead to another stile 50m(55yds) to R of water trough, then with hedge on R reach stile and road.
6 (GR428287) Turn R and follow down a sharp descent to reach a stone barn on the L with a warning about HGVs and just before Paradise Cottage (4). Adjacent to the barn, cross the rusty metal gate then turn R and follow a faint track keeping the hedge on the R across two fields to reach a road. Turn L and ascend gently for 200m (220yds) to a junction with a busier road. Go L and with care continue for 180m (200yds) to another junction. Turn R (SP Pitney) and descend gently. Ignore the L turn SP Park Pitney continuing ahead for 150m (175yds).
7 (GR444285) Turn R before large brick house. Follow this road as it winds through the village for 1Km (¾ mile) ignoring all side turnings until reaching a junction just beyond a bungalow. Turn R and ascend gently up Hermitage Hill to reach the main Somerton to Langport road. The bus-stop for Langport and Taunton is directly across the road and that for Somerton and Yeovil is a few metres to the R in front of the Halfway House (5).
FOR A SHORTER WALK
Distance 4.3 Km/2.7 miles
At point 3, turn L along the road for 800m (½ mile) to pass playing fields and reach a junction. Here, turn L for 150m (175yds) to reach point 7
1 Several archaeological finds have been made at Pitney, including a Saxon cast bronze openwork brooch, now in the British Museum.
2 The church is around 700 years old – 300 years younger than the yew tree which stands next to it!
3 The rifle range was established in 1890 and it is now an MoD range.
4 Paradise near Wearne was shown as having a water mill on the 1779 map of High Ham parish.
5 The Halfway House has won many awards including the CAMRA National Pub of the Year and the Daily Telegraph Pub of the Year
Refreshments: Halfway House
For car travellers, park with great care in the minor road leading down to Pitney or preferably (with permission) at the Halfway House.