메리엇 최고의 워킹 & 하이킹 경로

Lovely architecture around the church

Well-preserved deserted medieval settlement of Whitcombe. Earthworks include hollow way, lynchets, small enclosures, house platforms and a pond. A gorgeous walk across the area with such a historic past.

A Grade II listed building, this is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a watermill. Standing on the site of a 13th century mill, Clapton Mill is a water-driven corn mill and dates back to the 18th century. Little has changed since the 1850s and you can see for yourself, as it’s open to the public by appointment.

Aside from residing in such a wonderfully-named village, St Michaels and All Angels Church has a fascinating history. Long before its Victorian renovation, a holy man named Wulfric lived as a hermit here for 29 years. Wulfric’s advice was sought by many who came specifically to see him, including members of royalty. He is said to have cut chainmail with ordinary scissors and the story of this miracle is the basis for the logo of the five, interconnected parishes.

Somerset and Dorset are riddled with strip lynchets and some examples are particularly eye-catching. Best viewed from a distance, strip lynchets were a type of earthwork commonly used in ancient field systems, mainly in southern Britain. Like terraces in other countries, it’s thought that strip lynchets were made to increase the agricultural land available in hilly areas. There’s also a theory that they came about as a result of repeated ploughing. These ones can be seen from the south, on the southern side of Brympton Hill.

This hamlet is gloriously picturesque and many of its buildings are made from local hamstone. This type of stone is unique to nearby Ham Hill and has a yellow hue; it lends the buildings a particularly pretty aesthetic. Norton-sub-Hamdon is home to a manor house of 17th-century origins and a water mill dating back from around the same time. In the grounds of the Church of St Mary the Virgin, there’s a 17th-century stone dovecote. Although you can’t go inside, it contains 400 stone nests and is said to have provided pigeons for the manor. There’s an old pub here if you’re looking for somewhere to put your feet up, otherwise, simply walking around the hamlet is like stepping back in time.