LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Walked from caravan with Ann to Doniford Road where she returned to the caravan and I continued up the hill towards West Quantoxhead Head passing Rydon Farm and West Wood. Walked against the traffic wherever possible but changed to opposite side when the road bent towards the right. Great care required when walking on busy roads. Skirted West Quantoxhead Village on the A399 road to Windmill Inn. At this point I decided to continue along the main A39 road, passing St Etheldreda Church. Crossed road and climbed steep bank looking for track as part of Coleridge Way. Struggled to find path but when I did I met a couple on a remote bench with a wonderful view across the sea. It was the same couple who asked me the previous day about the walking conditions from Watchet to Minehead. Onwards along the wide forestry track to a point where it turned right sharply inland. The map showed the path continuing straight on, but there is, or was, a high fence in the way. I pondered for a while and scratched around to eventually find a hole in the fence. Unfortunately this wasn't the complete answer because no path was visible on the other side of the fence. I followed the general direction of the path on the map, which wasn't easy on the steep hillside. After almost giving up several times to walk along the road, I eventually found the path on the very edge of the Quantox Hills Park boundary by Perry Combe, so I continued down the short lane to a permissive path towards the A39 main road. Directly across the road was another permissive path to the coast, where a farmer passed in his tractor while ploughing the field. There are lots of good views along the coast in both directions on this path, especially as the tide was out. I passed an ancient mound before reaching the coast path, wondering if it was an old burial ground. Care required to take the correct path to miss obstructions by Quantock's Head and Kilve Pill where there are, or were, many picnic tables and a car park. I continued along coast with short stop for refreshments by the village of East Quantoxhead. Much erosion along the 'Gallop' so great care required when near edge of cliffs. Ann parked at Lilstock car park and walked towards me. We finally met on the west side of the Royal Navy Aircraft Range Quadrant Hut, situated on the cliff edge at a high point near Park Farm. We strolled down the hill together back to the car park to end another adventurous day in West Somerset. Could the great April weather continue? We visited Dunster Castle after the walk, another must do

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: at Doniford Holiday Park