FOOTPATHS AROUND NORTH CURRY PARISH

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We are fortunate to have an extensive system of footpaths in and around North Curry. This first edition of our guide has been produced by the Parish Council to acquaint all those unfamiliar with all our paths with the diverse range of routes both within and beyond the Parish boundary. We would welcome comments and suggestions for improvements. To comment or obtain further copies of the guide please contact the Parish Clerk on 01823 490136 or parishcouncil@northcurry.com

The January 2003 Village Appraisal showed us just how many parishioners enjoy our footpaths.

Please help others by;

  1. Making sure your dog does not foul the paths.

  2. Taking a pair of secateurs with you to cut brambles.

  3. Notifying the Parish Office if there are problems

The paragraph numbers below refer to the walk numbers on the map above

1) At Knapp there is an historic stone arched bridge, built to give good access to the rich meadows of Curry Moor for the farms on the hill. For keen walkers there is a link over the bridge and left along the riverbank to join the Bridgwater to Taunton canal at Charlton, with a link back through Ham.

2) From Knapp Lane a path runs through a leafy gully and then through fields to Borough Post. From here are good views East to the Vale of Taunton with the Quantocks beyond. Past Borough Post, Rodwell Lane which forks off the road on the right is the old road to Taunton. The lane passes Thornfalcon church, Thorn Clump and there is a circular route via Ham if you're feeling very energetic.

3) New Bridge on the Tone is the point where the river becomes non tidal, as the sluice here can control water levels. The Tone joins the River Parrett about 2 k s further downstream and then flows to Bridgwater and out into the sea at Steart. There are footpaths on both sides of the river here.

4) The "Cathedral of the Moors' is how St Peter and St Pauls is referred to in some documents and when viewed from footpaths in Haymoor you can understand why. Footpaths run through the churchyard from the Fosse, Church Road, Moor Lane and through the cemetery, forming more of a focus for walking than most churches.

5) Bill Board's seat, a field from Overland Lane commands fine views South to the wooded Fivehead ridge. To the East the Burton Pynsent monument at Curry Rivel can be seen, while to the West, the Chard canal burrowing under Crimson Hill is less conspicuous but is equally important historically . Bill was a keen walker and the seat reminds us of the work he put in with Betty Koppa to help give us the paths we have today.

6) The Willows and Wetlands Centre can be reached by taking the ridge route past Moredon. Here you can see all aspects of willow growing, processing and basket weaving. During the week you can have a guided tour and stop for a coffee. A longer walk will get you to Athelney monument where Alfred burnt the cakes and on to join the Parrett Trail at Burrowbridge.

7) At Huntham you come close to the edge of West Sedgemoor, a site of Special Scientific lnterest, much of which is owned by the RSPB. In winter there are many thousands of over- wintering birds such as lapwing on the wetland which can often be seen flying in large flocks.

8) The orchid field is one of the few remaining unploughed hay meadows left in the Parish. In early summer the field has a wealth of wild flowers, including rare orchids which deserve to be treated with care.

9) To the back of Moredon there is a steep gully which carries the footpath down to the moor. This also carries a small stream in winter and so wellies are useful. The path to the front of Moredon has good views both back to the village and down into Curry moor.

10) At Helland there is a green lane running along the base of the ridge towards Huntham Lane. This runs close to one of the many withy beds which grow at our end of West Sedgemoor. Further into the moor at Helland there are other green lanes such as Widness and Sedgemoor Droves which are also public footpaths. A more comprehensive map of Rights of Way is displayed in the Village Hall meeting room.

 

Note. Most, but not all, definitive footpath routes are shown on this map and in places permissive routes are shown instead, as they are easier to use than the legal route.