The Drove Trail, Quantock Hills
The Drove Trail, Quantock Hills
Highlight • Trail
The Drove Trail, Quantock Hills
Hiking
4.9
(70)
Mountain biking
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
May 4, 2021
Hiking
There are many points along the Drove's route where you can enjoy simply phenomenal views across the lower Somerset landscape. Highland cattle and sheep also graze the fields beside it, so don't be surprised if you peer over a gate and find a furry face looking back at you.
August 8, 2023
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near The Drove Trail, Quantock Hills
4.9
(22)
87
hikers
8.48km
02:31
260m
250m
Embark on the Triscombe, Great Hill & The Drove loop, a moderate 5.3-mile (8.5 km) hike in the Quantock Hills that typically takes around 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete, featuring an elevation gain of 845 feet (258 metres). You will experience diverse terrain, from packed earth to rocky sections, and navigate moderately steep ascents and descents through wooded combes. A highlight is walking along The Drove, a medieval track lined with ancient beech trees, which offers majestic views across the lower Somerset landscape and rolling hills, especially from Great Hill.
While the Drove Road is generally dry, be aware that some sections can become muddy in wet conditions, so sure-footedness is required. The path is mostly accessible, but uneven in places, and a good level of fitness will help you enjoy the varied inclines. This trail is suitable for most skill levels, offering a rewarding experience without requiring advanced hiking expertise. Always check local weather conditions before you set out to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.
This loop is steeped in history, following The Drove, an ancient trackway used for centuries by travellers and for moving livestock. It is also part of King Alfred's Way, a historic Saxon Army route. You can also visit the Triscombe Stone, a small Bronze Age marker near the car park, which was a key gathering point on the droving route and is said to grant wishes. The Quantock Hills, England's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provide a stunning backdrop for this journey through time and nature.
4.8
(16)
61
hikers
7.44km
02:10
180m
180m
Hike the moderate Lydeard Hill, The Drove & Wills Neck loop for 4.6 miles (7.4 km) through varied terrain and panoramic views in the Quantoc
4.8
(6)
27
hikers
7.93km
02:20
220m
220m
Embark on the Parson's Lane, The Drove & Wills Neck loop for a moderate hike through the scenic Quantock Hills. This 4.9-mile (7.9 km) route, which takes about 2 hours and 19 minutes to complete, features a diverse landscape with packed earth and rocky sections, including the medieval track known as "The Drove." You will climb 726 feet (221 metres) in elevation, passing through ancient woodlands, open heathland, and deep wooded valleys. From Wills Neck, the highest point, you can enjoy panoramic 360-degree views across the Somerset landscape and beyond on a clear day. Keep an eye out for wild ponies, red deer, and buzzards as you explore.
To begin your adventure, consider starting from the quaint village of West Bagborough, a common access point for this loop. After your hike, the Rising Sun Inn in West Bagborough offers a welcoming spot for refreshments. The trail is best enjoyed with good fitness and appropriate footwear, as some sections are quite steep and rocky. Plan your visit during spring to witness vibrant wildflowers like primroses and daffodils, adding extra beauty to the already stunning scenery.
This loop takes you to Wills Neck, standing at 386 meters (1,266 feet), a significant landmark and one of England's "Marilyns" due to its prominence. You will also encounter Triscombe Stone, a Bronze Age stone believed to have been a meeting place for drovers, with a legend that sitting on it grants a wish. The Quantock Hills themselves are rich in history, having inspired Romantic poets such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth. The route also incorporates parts of the Quantock Greenway, Cockercombe Road, and Rock Lane, offering a varied and engaging experience.
Details
Informations
Elevation 320 m
Weather
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Tuesday 2 June
18°C
11°C
80 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 33.0 km/h
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