Somerton Strolls Walk 1- Grove Lane and Bancombe
Distance: 9.0km/5.6m
A gentle amble via Ricksey Lane and Bancombe Road to Etsome, returning via the Cary valley
Due to poor drainage, the sharp bend in Ricksey Lane can become flooded after heavy rain
Leave car park and turn right along West Street. At the Triangle by the post box, fork left along Sutton Road. After 0.5Km go over the railway bridge and pass into open countryside (take care along this section without pavement). After 300m, turn R by seat into Ricksey Lane (no SP, but 7.5t weight restriction). At the next junction bear round to R to railway bridge, from where there is a view of the tunnel. Continue along tarmac road, at first alongside railway and then round a sharp left hand bend and continue to reach Langport Road. Turn L, cross with care and turn R into Cartway Lane. Taking great care (since this is the main vehicle route to the Trading Estate), continue to the mini-roundabout at Bancombe Road and turn L. Go downhill with views of the Polden Hills and after 0.8Km turn R (SP Evergreen Turf). Opposite telegraph pole, 100m after sharp L bend, turn R along track. Almost at the top of a sharp incline, turn L (SP Etsome ¾ m) and follow this track, with pleasant views of the Poldens and Lollover Hill, to reach a tarmac road. Turn L downhill and after 200m R to pass Etsome Dairy Farm. This is Barpool Lane, running along the Cary valley and soon Somerton and the Viaduct come into view. Pass the sewage treatment works, and just before the road starts to climb, turn L along a track towards Viaduct Fisheries. At the end of the tarmac surface, turn R through gate up a steep enclosed path. At the top, do not go through the kissing gate, but turn L and follow path along the bottom of the grassy slope and under the railway line to emerge at a mini-roundabout. Go straight ahead, with care, into North Street and follow into Broad Street and bear R at the Market Square into West Street and back to the car park.
Checked August 2020