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Useful tourist information site which covers accommodation in Exmoor as well as info on walking, riding, family, self catering, cycling, short breaks romantic breaks, day trips and vacation/holidays in Exmoor. With last minute promotions and insider tips on the best restaurants and attractions
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THE COLERIDGE WAY - SOMERSET LINK
Listed in Bed and Breakfast UK
Holiday International Directory
THE COLERIDGE WAY - SOMERSET
In the Footsteps of the Romantic Poet
Walk 36 miles through the stunning Somerset countryside of the Quantock Hills, the Brendon Hills and Exmoor, a landscape that inspired Coleridge to produce some of his best known works.
From Nether Stowey on the Quantock Hills, where Coleridge lived for three years, walk:
the quiet and unspoilt northern fringes of the Quantock Hills through the villages of Holford, West Quantoxhead and Bicknoller
the little known Brendon Hills through the villages of Monksilver, Roadwater and Luxborough, across Lype Hill to Wheddon Cross
the remote Exmoor moorland fringes of Dunkery Hill to the woodland village of Horner
to reach Porlock, the end of your route, on the spectacular South West Coast Path.
You will travel through a variety of landscapes – heathland, moorland, deciduous and coniferous woodland, farmland, deeply wooded valleys and historic villages - with expansive views over to the North Somerset Coast and Wales.
Every village has at least one pub, to provide you with welcome refreshment. There are also a number of delightful tea rooms and village shops to visit.
For those who are more adventurous why not walk the Coleridge Way on consecutive days and take advantage of the many bed and breakfast accommodation providers along the route.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge 1772 -1834 –
Poet and Philosopher
Coleridge first visited Nether Stowey in 1794 during a walking tour in Somerset
when he met Tom Poole, the Stowey tanner, who was to become a lifelong friend.
With the help of Poole, Coleridge moved to Nether Stowey in January 1797 with
his wife Sara and their new-born son Hartley. Coleridge wished to lead a simple
life, growing food for his family, reading and above all writing poetry.
In July 1798 William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy visited and were so enthralled by Coleridge’s company that they immediately decided to rent a mansion called Alfoxden, near Holford, three miles west of Nether Stowey.
Within a year of moving to Nether Stowey, Coleridge had written some of his most famous works: The Rime of The Ancient Mariner, Frost at Midnight, This Lime Tree Bower my Prison and the opium-inspired Kubla Khan. In spring 1798 he collaborated with Wordsworth on a volume of poetry called Lyrical Ballads. Having travelled for several months in Germany, Coleridge and his family left the cottage in Nether Stowey in October 1799.
During his three years in Somerset, Coleridge walked nearly every day for miles and miles, drawing inspiration for some of his best-known works from the beautiful landscape around him.
The Landscape along the Coleridge Way
The Quantock Hills – contains habitat of international importance as nearly 10% of the world’s Maritime Heathland lies within its boundary. In 1956 it was the first place to be awarded the national status of Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB). The hilltops are largely covered by open heathland which descends into areas of broadleaved woodland, forestry and farmland. Many combes or valleys cut into the sides of the hills with villages and hamlets dotted around the lower slopes.
The Brendon Hills - are a little known but quietly beautiful landscape in West Somerset. Lying mainly within Exmoor National Park, between the Quantocks and the high central moorland, they have a precious mixture of rolling agricultural land with its deep red soil, woodland, beech hedges, wooded river valleys and historic villages. In the 19th century the area saw intensive mining activity and many structures today bear silent witness to this industrial past.
Exmoor – has been a National Park for
over 50 years. Straddling West Somerset and North Devon its rich variety of
scenery includes heather moorland, ancient oak woods, deep secluded valleys
and a spectacular coastline. Its landscapes and seascapes are dotted with
towns, villages, harbours and resorts full of character and charm. Huge stretches
of Exmoor are owned by the National Trust or protected as Nature Reserves.
The Villages along the Coleridge Way
Nether Stowey - Set in the foothills of the Quantocks. Home of Coleridge between
1797 and 1799. Coleridge Cottage, now owned by the National Trust, can be
visited. Remains of an 11th century castle. Pubs; shops; tea shops; AONB visitor
information; car park; WC.
Holford - On the edge of the Quantocks, surrounded by beautiful combes. Strong links with Coleridge and Wordsworth. Alfoxton Park Hotel, where Wordsworth lived. Remains of Huguenot silk factory. Pub; tea shop; car park.
West Quantoxhead - Lies on A39, also known as St Audries, which is the church’s dedication. Village formerly within the St Audries Manor Estate which can be seen from the route through the forest. Pub; shop further along A 39
Bicknoller - On lower western slopes of the Quantocks. Above village lies Trendle Ring, an iron age settlement. Part of church dates from 12th century, dominated by huge old yew tree in its grounds. Pub; community run shop.
Monksilver - Nestling in the Brendon Hills on the boundary of Exmoor National Park. Silver from Latin ‘silva’ meaning woodland ie Monks’ Wood. Church is 15th century and built of red sandstone. Pub
Roadwater - Long straggling village in deep wooded valley. Famous for its links with Old West Somerset Mineral Railway Line, which transported iron ore in the 19th century from the Brendon Hills to Watchet on the coast. Pub; shop; car park.
Luxborough - Lying at 600ft in a valley between Brendon and Croydon Hills, surrounded by woodland. Village divided into three, Kingsbridge, Pooltown and Churchtown. River Washford rises near village. Pub; tea room.
Wheddon Cross - A crossroads village that grew when the Minehead to Bampton turnpike was built in the 1820s. Settlement is one of the highest in Exmoor. Famous for its Snowdrop Valley in the nearby Avill Valley. Pub; tea rooms; shops; car park; WC.
Horner - cluster of houses near Luccombe, Horner Water and ancient Horner Wood. Part of National Trust Holnicote Estate. Late medieval packhorse bridge also known as Hacketty Way Bridge. Tea room.
Porlock – Surrounded on three sides by Exmoor and to the North by the Bristol Channel. Famous for its poetry associations. Coleridge is said to have written Kubla Khan at a farm 3 or 4 miles away. Pubs; shops; tea shops; Visitor Centre; car parks; WC.