Walking DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/04/2022 16:07 Page 50
MENDIP TIMES
A magnificent hill fort with stunning views
FROM a hidden away, cottage pub at Churchill, this short circle is an ideal morning or afternoon walk in the heart of Mendip, going along the northern edge of Dolebury Hill Fort, to the Lookout viewpoint and gently ascending to the top. The views are stupendous, the air is magnificent, and so is the bird song. You may be lucky to still see plenty of
bluebells and wild flowers in the woods. Take time to stop and enjoy. End the walk by refreshing yourself at the pub. There is quite a lot of uphill walking with some short steeper sections but nothing too difficult. After rain there may be mud in places. There are some stiles, but mainly kissing gates. PARK: On the edge of Churchill at the Crown Inn. The landlady is happy for you to park in the car park if you plan to have refreshment there. Otherwise, please find somewhere nearby to park on the lane. The Crown Inn can be accessed at the Churchill traffic lights at the A38/A368 junction. Turn towards Weston and shortly go left at the Nelson Arms and find the Crown further up the lane on the left. START: Take the lane (Skinners Lane) at the side of the pub.
With Sue Gearing PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
1. MAIN ROAD At the A38 cross, with care, and take the narrow footpath immediately opposite through a metal kissing gate. This leads into a field. Head across with the woodland of Dolebury Hill Fort on your
right. Reach a rather unique low iron ladder stile set in lead in stone.
2. WOODLAND Take the footpath going right which climbs and then levels out. At the path end, cross wooden rails and come to a footpath marker. Bend left walking along just inside the wood. Further on, follow the path as it drops down and continue to the end through a kissing gate by houses. Go up across right to a kissing gate with a Dolebury Warren sign. Turn up right on the track which soon bends and flattens out. You will notice considerable clearance work along here, including felling of ash dieback trees. The track rises. After several minutes at a bend, pass a dramatic dead beech (can you spot his foxy face?) and the path continues to rise. 3. THREE WAY FORK At a three-way junction of tracks take the centre fork which rises. The track levels out. Eventually pass a stone wall at right angles on the right and continue for several more minutes.
