가장 멋진 명소 20곳

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 ).

Norman castle The earthworks at the site are larger than would normally be found in a castle from the Norman period, raising speculation that it reused previously developed features. The castle was probably built by Robert, Count of Mortain in the 11th century. Archaeological evidence suggests it was built in several stages. During the first a rampart enclosing 7.5 acres (3.0 ha) was built. Soon after the Norman Conquest a smaller inner ringwork was constructed. The site was later converted into a motte and bailey, with a corner of the 20 feet (6.1 m) high motte serving as a barbican. By the early 12th century the castle was no longer in regular use. However, its use was resumed during The Anarchy, a period of civil war and unsettled government during a succession dispute between the supporters of King Stephen (1135–1154) and those of his cousin, the Empress Matilda. Continued use in the later 12th century may have been by administrators of the surrounding royal forest as a base for operations against poachers.

Castle Neroche is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle on the site of an earlier hill fort in the parish of Curland, near Staple Fitzpaine, Somerset, England. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The origin of the term Neroche is believed to be a contraction of the Old English words nierra and rechich or rachich for Rache, a type of hunting-dog used in Britain in the Middle Ages, giving a meaning of the camp where hunting dogs were kept. This also gives the site its alternative name of Castle Rache. Iron Age The reason for the construction of Iron Age hill forts has been a subject of debate. It has been argued that they could have been military sites constructed in response to invasion from continental Europe, sites built by invaders, or a military reaction to social tensions caused by an increasing population and consequent pressure on agriculture. The dominant view since the 1960s has been that the increasing use of iron led to social changes in Britain. Deposits of iron ore were separated from the sources of tin and copper necessary to make bronze, and as a result trading patterns shifted and the old elites lost their economic and social status. Archaeologist Barry Cunliffe believes that population increase played a role and has stated "[the forts] provided defensive possibilities for the community at those times when the stress [of an increasing population] burst out into open warfare. But I wouldn't see them as having been built because there was a state of war. They would be functional as defensive strongholds when there were tensions and undoubtedly some of them were attacked and destroyed, but this was not the only, or even the most significant, factor in their construction.

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.

Parts of the church date back to Norman times with the doorway on the south side being the best visible Norman build remaining. The Chancel is 14th century and the tower added in the 1500's. The old sandstone cross in the churchyard is from the 14th century.

Castle Neroche was a motte-and-bailey castle on the site of an earlier hill fort. Evidence suggests that it was an Iron Age hill fort before the Norman castle was built as the earth works are larger than most Norman castles. Now it's a really fascinating place; the old earth works are covered in trees with amazing views between the trunks. Managed by Forestry England.

Lying in the heart of Taunton, Somerset's county town, this stunning castle is a Grade I-listed building. Once part of a vast estate comprising thousands of acres, kings have visited, sieges have battered its walls and its Great Hall has been used as a court of law. Today, you can visit the castle and its fascinating museum. You'll also find a cafe there because no English castle is complete without a slice of cake.

Maunsel lock cafe is the only place to get a coffee on the canal

Nice cafe at maunsel lock

A fab little wayside stand with honesty box. Nice selection of cakes on a sunny Saturday, most welcome!

Rough gravel from the tops and then into forest floor for the last section - careful crossing the little stream at the bottom - Slippy!

Great walk out, a forest with a veiw.

Built in 1107 to defend the town, Taunton Castle witnessed many wars in Britain: from the Second Barons' War to the Civil War. By the 18th century, the castle was in a bad condition and repaired in a Georgian style, by London banker Sir Benjamin Hammet. Today, part of the castle is used by the Museum of Somerset, whilst other parts are not in use. The building is listed as an Ancient Monument and listed on the Heritage at Risk register.

Great canal coffee stop at Maunsel Lock, half-way along. Blackberries are plentiful in the hedgerows at the moment. If you have some space in a pannier or backpack, the tasty apples from Charlton Orchard (two bridges east of Creech St. Michael) are ripe at the end of summer.