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wellington monument sits on the top of the black down hills so be prepared for a big climb from all directions

climb to the top of the monument hundreds of steps check opening times NT.

nice little stop for coffee and cake. farm shop too

Bampton is a great stop for cyclists, offering a peaceful break with picturesque streets and a friendly atmosphere. Take a moment to explore the charming village, grab a coffee, and enjoy the scenic views before continuing your ride.

Great coffee and snacks

Excellent stop off

St Mary’s church Hemyock appeared on the show”Blind Date” in 2008 The church can be traced back to 1120 and Hemyock castle adjacent was a focal point of clashes during the civil war fought between Cromwell and his parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the the royalists under the King Charles 1.

Couple of shops but no cafe.

Thai veggie pasties are really nice.

Lovely cafe just off the main road, with outside space and seating right next to the pavement. Table service, proper food, and cycle friendly.

Stop here for a lovely Please Of quiche

This is a great little store/coffee shop on Culmstock. In recent years it has added a brand new coffee machine and the taste and aroma is wonderful. The food is also excellent….so if passing do check out, you won’t be disappointed 😀

Cycle up the side of the monument, keep it on your left…the climbs a challenge….just keep peddling 😀

Hemyock is the largest village within the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty in Somerset. The village features a number of fascinating historic buildings, including a medieval castle, an Elizabethan chapel, a church that dates back to Norman times, and a pub that's been established since 1740!

Coffee and cyclist flap jack at Spelt 42 Brook Street

Great view and a seat for a drink

bike racks outdoor and indoor seating good coffee and a cracking bacon roll

This highlight is at the car park but its a short walk (lumpy ride) along the flat path to reach the monument. Tours are available from April to October 10:00 - 16:00, booking essential. You can view the monument from outside and walk around the area which has great views without booking. The Wellington Monument is the tallest three sided obelisk in the world at 175ft. It was commissioned in 1817 to commemorate the Duke of Wellingtons victory at the battle of Waterloo. Originally designed to be a plinth with a stature of the duke on top but the money ran out and it was eventually finished in 1820. It's been damaged by lightning and needed major restoration several times since it's completion. The National Trust took over the management in 1934 and undertook many cycles of repair over the years. The most recent 3.1million pound project has been recently completed with the aim of not needing more repair work in the near future.

Hemyock, on the River Culm, is the largest village in the Blackdown Hills AONB. A settlement can be traced here right back to 100BC and it has a history of iron smelting. Here you can find a Norman Church, St Mary's, and a Medieval Castle from the 14th century. There is also a small shop and a pub if you need supplies.

The monument has been repaired and it is possible to climb the over 200 steps to a lookout point at the top of the monument by booking online - if you can manage that after cycling up the Blackdowns.