About - Walks in Bruton

On this site (owned by Bruton Town Council) you will find links to descriptions and maps of a selection of local walks of various lengths. The shorter time given is for a brisk ‘exercise’ walk, the longer for a leisurely stroll with stops for photos etc.

The walks have been drawn up by various local people, including Town Councillors and the Bruton Footpaths Group. The Town Council publishes this information but does not guarantee its accuracy or the safety of a route. Please follow the Countryside Code at all times.

The routes

All the walks are on public footpaths, bridleways, country lanes or permissive routes designated by the landowner. They are mostly easy to follow. Where routes are not clear, more detailed explanations have been given. However the condition of paths changes with the seasons, mowing, crops and the meanderings of cattle. It is not possible to ensure that every route description is fully up to date with such changes. Expect mud in winter and after wet spells at other times of year. Expect some overgrowth in summer, with nettles and thistles on some routes, and long wet grass after rain.

Roads

Most walks of any length near Bruton will include a stretch along roads. Unless mentioned in the text, the routes use either very minor and quiet unclassified roads, or stretches of wider road where visibility is good and there is a verge. Nevertheless some locals routinely drive too fast, so always take care. Other roads may not be safe: the A359 and the B3081 are not and so should be avoided.

Dogs

This is a working agricultural landscape. Expect livestock, keep dogs under control, and always keep them on a lead in any field where there are (or may be) sheep. Always pick up poos in fields and on footpaths.

All the routes have been walked with a dog, and at the time were manageable for a dog of retriever/german shepherd size or smaller. A larger or elderly dog may not be able to scramble over or under every obstacle. In a working landscape stiles, gates and fences get replaced, cows have calves, and bullocks get frisky. It is impossible to guarantee that all the walks are dog-friendly at all times. If you are not confident handling you dog around livestock consider walking elsewhere.

Clothing

The climate in Bruton is benign relative to both other parts of the UK and elsewhere in the world. Just check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Even in hot weather shorts and sandles are not suitable: on many routes nettles and brambles will bring discomfort. If you do wear shorts check yourself for ticks afterwards: there are plenty around. On the whole long trousers and walking shoes, boots, or wellingtons in the wet are a better choice.

Gradings

The gradings here are subjective, but they attempt to compare these walks with walks elsewhere in the UK. As there are no substantial climbs or precipitous drops and a compass is not required, all walks are either easy or moderate.

Easy walks are suitable for any able-bodied person and normally easy to follow.

Moderate walks can have more substantial uphill sections, rougher terrain, and/or present route-finding challenges. They should not present difficulties for anyone who is moderately fit and has some experience of walking in the English countryside.

Help us improve this website and our footpaths

If you have updates or comments on a particular route, or suggestions for a new route to include, please contact james.hood@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk.

If you wish to report an obstruction or defect, use Somerset County Council’s online map.

Any person using a right of way may take reasonable necessary action to remove or circumnavigate an obstruction. This includes cutting overhanging vegetation, bashing nettles with a stick and so on. Many people take a small pair of secateurs on their walk for brambles). The action needs to be taken in order to progress along the right of way. It is not legal to go out with the intention of doing some clearing, unless authority has been given to do so.