周辺のスポット/アトラクション・トップ20

Cakes in honesty box at Charlton

great bit of downhill

The church of st Peter is of norman origin and is listed as a Grade 1 building. The Chancel ( area around the Altar ) dates back to the 14th century. The North aisle was added about a century later, but the south porch and vestry were added much alter on in the 1800's. The Church has 6 bells, the oldest dating to the 1400's The crenellated three stage tower has merlons ( Designed slits for observations or firing ) Note on my pictures what appear to be gargoyles, but in fact are actually hunky punks ( grotesque gothic decorations which serve no purpose, unlike Gargoyles which are used a drainage features for water on the roof ).

It's a good climb from Thurlbear Road, starting with a watersplash. Weekends will be busier with dog walkers and horse riders, so remember to let them know you're there before passing. There's also drop-ins from bandit trails crossing the path here and sightlines aren't great in the summer. After the well surfaced bridleway, it widens out into a newly made logging road up to Frost Street. It's also a great descent on a rigid mountain bike, but be like Shaw Taylor on 'Police 5', and "keep 'em peeled" This is part of the Herepath, a circular path waymarked and open to horse riders, cyclists and walkers.

Wide open fireroad descent with a couple of footpath crossing, then a steeper, well surfaced bridleway out to the road. Take this bit easy on a weekend as it's popular with horse riders and dog walkers; there's also some drop-ins from bandit trails crossing the path here and sightlines aren't great in the summer. A nice little watersplash finishes it off nicely before the tarmac. I rode it as a climb up through the woods, and it's great both ways.

The Museum cafe is well worth a visit for the cheese scone alone.

Taunton Independent Market, an unexpected find.

Taunton is a wonderful place to begin or end a run. You could relax and grab a coffee or bite to eat in one of the many great cafés and restaurants, or you could explore the beautiful River Tone or Hestercombe Gardens.