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MENDIP TIMES
A Fyne day out in the Quantocks
This time, for a change, we head south to another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Quantocks, with this easy and very varied circle from fascinating Fyne Court, through the grounds and then out through woods and across fields, down in valleys and by streams. Enjoy some good views across country. There should be some glorious autumn colours to enjoy. There are no major hills. You may like to take a stick to hit back some of the undergrowth alongside paths which has grown up over the summer. There are a few stiles. There’s a great start and finish in the courtyard of Fyne Court with an inviting cafe and information about this beautiful estate and its history. it’s a great walk at any time of year with snowdrops
With Sue Gearing PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2021
and bluebells to enjoy in the winter and spring. START: At Fyne Court, Broomfield in the southern part of the Quantock hills. From the M5 junction 24, go through North Petherton. There is plenty of parking in the main car park and an overflow area on the other side of the road. Free parking for NT members. it is a good walk for dogs. This beautiful and welcoming estate was once the pleasure grounds in the Arcadian style of a large house belonging to 19th scientist and pioneer in electricity, Andrew Crosse, whose family owned the house from its construction. Sadly, it was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1894 and is now a visitor centre and glorious wildlife area and nature reserve owned and run by the National Trust. It also houses the office of the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Andrew Crosse conducted a series of experiments with electricity at Fyne Court in the early 19th century. He became known as “the thunder and lightning man” and it is said spuriously that his work could have inspired Mary Shelley to create Frankenstein. There was a large country estate of woodland, ponds and meadows, including a walled garden and arboretum. Within the grounds are a folly and boathouse. Have a look further into the estate after the walk. There is a very pleasant tea shop in the old stables, a snug, toilets and bookshop. You can find a lot more information about the Crosse family and maps of the estate here. From the main car park cross and go down the path by the parking meter. Bend round and then go ahead between buildings to the courtyard and hub of the
place. Turn right across the lawn following the red route arrow. Go into woodland under a large lime tree and climb up. Bend right on the red trail and through the arboretum with some splendid specimen trees. Pass on the left an amazing fallen tree – a great magnet for young tree huggers and climbers. Reach the entrance drive and cross onto the path opposite which soon bends right. Along here on your left is the overgrown serpentine lake – once a main feature of the estate. soon reach steps down right which you can go down to get a good look at the restored folly below. Known as Castle Folly, it is thought to have been used as a prison and also as a dog kennel. Today it is a useful undercover picnic place for rainy days. Return to the path up the steps and turn right, going above the folly. soon reach the restored Boathouse.
1. BOATHOUSE This sits at the end of the serpentine lake. Go up over the bridge and round the back and continue on. Cross a bridge and go up through woodland. Pass a wooden xylophone on your left – another attraction for children. soon you will see, through left, the circle of posts and open area of sky Glade. You can turn here into the glade or go on until you reach another marked post and turn sharp left almost back on yourself up into sky Glade. This is a restful area of trees and ring of posts where you are encouraged to sit back and enjoy the sky. Some of the posts are carved with the names of cloud groups. Leave the red route and go through the
