Somerton Strolls Walk 8 – Hurcot and Charlton Mackrell
Distance: 10.6km/6.6m
Along the Cary Valley to Charlton Mackrell and returning via Hurcot
Can be muddy at times, but generally good tracks
Leave car park and go L along West Street. At the Market Place, bear to the R of the Old Town Hall and continue ahead into Kirkham Street. Continue ahead past the Police Station into The Millands then straight along a footpath in front of a row of white houses to reach a kissing gate. Cross the field staying close to the right hand boundary and cross the stile on the right shortly before the end of the fence. Go down the field with the hedge to the right, through a gate and across a bridge to emerge in Lower Somerton. Turn L and at the busy B3151 cross with care, go L and turn immediately R into Huish Road (No Through Road sign). Continue along the pretty Cary Valley and after 1.5Km at the end of the tarmac, go through a farm gate on the L (SP Charlton Mackrell 1¼m) and head diagonally across field to a clump of trees at the left hand end of the far hedge (it might be easier to walk round the edge of the field – first R and then L) On reaching the trees, continue ahead over footbridge across the river Cary then go straight ahead towards a green clad barn. Cross stile to tarmac road, turn R and after 100m go L at green gate (SP Charlton Court). Pass through way-marked kissing gate through the grounds of Charlton Court to another kissing gate then a narrow footpath, joining a track and emerging into a road. Turn L, pass under the railway bridge and where the road bears R, go ahead through a kissing gate (SP Peacock’s Corner ¼m). Follow close to the right hand boundary through 3 more gates to reach a gravel drive. Go straight across to reach a stile at a lane by a house. Turn L (SP Restricted Byway) along the lane as it ascends steadily to crossroads by Priory Farm. Continue ahead, still gently ascending, with a view to the tall spire of Kingweston church over to the right. After 1.2Km the top is reached and as the descent begins there are good views ahead. At the foot of the steep descent, bear R on to a tarmac road and after 100m bear L on to the busy B3153 (SP Somerton 1¾). Pause under the railway bridge, known locally as “Skew Bridge”, to view its construction of six staggered arches. Take great care along the next section of road, which is narrow with fast traffic, and after 400m turn R along a tarmac lane (Low Bridge sign). Follow this quiet lane as it meanders under the railway, through the sleepy hamlet of Hurcot and back under the railway to rejoin the B3153. Bear R and continue with care to a T-junction. Turn L, cross over and follow the pavement as it crosses the Cary Bridge with a fine view of the viaduct. At the end of the pavement, take the second R (SP Cycleway 30) and at the top of the steep climb continue into New Street. After 50m go L through the metal squeeze and follow the short tarmac path into The Millands. Continue along the right hand pavement and at the end turn R to pass the Police Station and reach the Market Square. Continue ahead to reach West Street along which the car park is reached on the right.
Checked August 2020