Quantock Hills

The Quantock Hills are just place to enjoy a peaceful stroll where views of the Somerset countryside are at their very best. Taking its origin from the Celtic word meaning rim, the interesting range of hill stretches from Broomfield towards the coast at West Quantoxhead. They form the background to the Vale of Taunton on one side and Bridgwater on the other. For the motorist, the Taunton to Minehead road and the West Somerset Railway follow the valley below the Quantocks very close to the pretty villages of Bishops Lydeard, West Bagborough, Crowcombe and Bicknoller. The hills were once unwelcoming common land crossed by prehistoric ways marked by ancient burial mounds and boundary stones. Now the lines of fine beech trees mark them out and together with other hardy specimens, they provide for a great variety of wildlife. The Somerset Trust for Nature Conservation is based at Fyne Court, Broomfield, where staff are always willing to supply details of exhibitions and other connected events.

On the eastern section of the Quantock Ridge the villages settle comfortably in deep coombes - the hamlets too give that picturesque cosy appearance. Every community seems to have its own important slice of history. Aisholt, for example was once the country retreat of famous poet Sir Henry Newbolt. Over Stowey boasted a castle, and Doding-ton was the bustling centre of copper mining. Holford once had a thriving tannery, but it has now been converted into a hotel, and at Alfoxton the Wordsworth family lived for a year but apparently upset the locals during their sojourn. The River Parrott ebbs and flows through the Quantock region. Beyond it lie the larger villages of Nether Stowey and Cannington, which can now be by-passed by the motorist.

But Cannington should not be rushed - it is the home of Cannington College where many of the county's young farmers cut their teeth and start their career in earnest. The college gardens are a joy to behold as are the beautiful parish church, mediaeval buildings and fine pubs. Many of the villages have small home-craft industries operating from homes. Sign posts will direct the visitor to craft studios, shops selling home-grown produce and butchers selling local venison. The duck pond at East Quantoxhead, with the church in the background and the Court House, are so synonymous with the English countryside. Add to it the view looking out across the Bristol Channel, and it is idyllic. The Quantocks then are for walkers and strollers. Coach trips do take place but the passengers are unable to appreciate the freshness of the air and the beauty of creation. A bus ride does not afford the opportunity to stop, pause, and take in the scenery.

Around every corner, and there are plenty, the scene changes, and that's the beauty of the Quantocks. Even the view out to sea slips and slides, creating an ever-changing aspect -on a clear day South Wales can be seen and nearer home the Mendips. Bridgwater is the major business centre for the Quantocks. It's a busy town, once a river port, but now an industrial centre. In mediaeval times ships reached the Mediterranean with Somerset products and returned from the western Atlantic with fish. The town was once the centre of the brick and tile industry as can be witnessed from the walls and roofs in the streets.

Contributed by: Louise Roberts