Chargot Wood

Chargot Wood is a peaceful place with a lively history. In 2008 the West Somerset Mineral Railway project conserved the remains of Langham Engine House and Bearland Ventilation Flue, key pieces in the story of the Old Mineral Line. The trails on Forestry Commission land will help you explore these industrial remains. You are welcome to explore the rest of the woodland at Chargot and Kennisham Hill.

An introduction to Langham and Bearland Miners' Trail
Distance: 1 and quarter miles / 2 km

Set off on this circular trail and appreciate the challenges the engineers faced in this undulating landscape with superb valley views. Take an optional short walk to see the chimney stack of Bearland Flue, and learn why it was a lifeline for everyone who worked the mine. Two steep slopes make this a more demanding walk. Mostly well surfaced, but rough in places.

Langham Engine House Trail
Distance: quarter mile third km -  Difficulty: Easy

Discover the dark secrets of this once busy engine house, in use for less than a decade before being dismantled and re-built at Burrow Farm just 1.8 miles (3 km) away. Level and well surfaced, this trail is suitable for all abilities, wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Getting to Chargot Woods

By bus - For up to date information check the Travel Line website at www.travelinesw.com or the Exmoor National Park website at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

By car - To Ralegh's Cross Inn: Leave the M5 at Junction 25 (Taunton) and follow the signs to the A358 towards Minehead. Approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) after the sign for Bishops Lydeard, turn left along the B3224for 8 miles (12S km). The Inn is on the left hand side at a crossroads.

From Ralegh's Cross Inn to Lang ham Engine House: Pass Ralegh's Cross Inn on your left, continue along the road (now the B3190) and at the junction at Beulah Chapel take the right hand road (B3224). Continue for approximately 5 miles (8 km). The Chargot Woods car park for Lang ham Engine House and Bearland Ventilation Flue is on your right

On foot - Many of these sites are accessible by foot following public rights of way. Ordnance Survey map 0L9 covers Exmoor National Park, and includes the Brendon Hills and Watchet Other maps are also available from most Tourist Information Centres. Chargot Woods car park is: OL9 Grid reference ST975 355.

For more information about the Forestry Commission and its other sites please visit www.forestiy.gov.uk Visit www.westsomefsetmineralrailway.org.ukfor further information about the history of the Mineral Line. Watchet Market House Museum has an interesting display of Mineral Line artefacts. For opening hours please visit www.watchetmuseum.co.uk.

Contributed by: Luke Wiseman