Walk 1222 - Winsford Hill & the Allotment from Winsford

    
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The pleasant village of Winsford is a convenient start with its cafes, pubs and accommodation. The route covers a wide variety of scenic interest and apart from one stiff climb is suitable for walkers of all abilities. Parking is available by the toilets in the centre of the village (Grid ref. SS906350). From here walk south a short way the road junction in the centre of the village. Turn right and follow Ash Lane in the direction of Comers Cross.

Follow this lane for about 400 metres to locate a footpath sign on the left (Grid ref. 901351). The path goes along a track for a short way before entering meadows. Waymarks help with navigation and you soon arrive at Withycombe Farm and a track. Turn left along this track and start climbing on a bridleway that leads towards Winsford Hill. Ahead and to your left is the Punchbowl - a dramatic natural amphitheatre - which the bridleway skirts on the western edge.

The summit of Winsford Hill is about 300 metres west of the bridleway and can be reached by heading through the heather or more easily by using the paths and tracks that crisscross this area. The summit provides wide ranging panoramas especially north to Dunkery Beacon. Return to the main bridleway that skirts the rim of the Punchbowl and walk east. The track descends gently to reach a metalled lane (grid ref. 892344). Turn right here and walk on the grass verge to reach a cottage - The Folly - after which you take a bridleway that crosses the Allotment. To your left are fine views across the hills and valleys of this very pretty part of the Exmoor National Park.

Stay on the bridleway to reach a disused quarry. Shortly after passing this look out for a footpath sign on your left (grid ref. 905331). This path/bridleway descends quite steeply through pleasant woodland into Yellowcombe. Reaching the stream in the valley floor, cross by the footbridge to reach Yellowcombe Cottage, which has a very secluded location. Climbing northeast along a narrow lane you will soon see the village of Winsford ahead. Reaching a metalled road turn right and within a few minutes you will be back at the start.

Note - although the Landranger map is probably adequate, the Outdoor Leisure map makes navigation much easier especially near to Winsford Hill and across the Allotment.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL9
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 181

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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The Gables, Porlock - Somerset
Bed & Breakfast - 7.4 miles / 11.8 km away

The Cottage, Porlock, Exmoor - Somerset
Bed & Breakfast - 7.5 miles / 12.0 km away

Southcliffe Hall, Lee, North Devon - Devon
Bed & Breakfast - 27.1 miles / 43.4 km away

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NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"