This walk (a re-write of Walks Leaflets Set 2 Number 4) follows Trendle and Huish Lanes: two of the old routes out of and back into Bruton, with some excellent views and pleasant countryside on the way. Apart from a couple of slightly tricky spots which are described in detail, it is easy to follow. Parts of these lanes can be astonishingly muddy in winter and after prolonged wet weather: something to bear in mind when choosing footwear.
IN MARCH 2023 THIS ROUTE HAS BEEN SLIGHTLY CHANGED BECAUSE OF A FOOTBRIDGE CLOSURE. See this post for more information and a very straightforward diversion adding about a minute. The route guidance below has not been edited to reflect this change. LINK TO DETAILS OF DIVERSION WITH MAP.
3.75 miles (6 km), 120 m (400 feet) of ascent, 85 to 110 minutes. Easy. Last checked December 2022.
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Start at Station Road Car Park
From the car park turn right along the road with St. Mary’s Church on your left. On reaching Church Bridge cross the river and the road to reach a town map on the left, which will guide you along the Riverside Walk. Don’t miss a left turn off Lower Backway opposite Sexeys Hospital (before a house called Heybrook on the left). Turn right at the end of the Riverside Walk towards the filling station, cross the zebra crossing and turn left just past the Chinese Takeaway into Trendle Lane (before the road junction).
2
The lane climbs and becomes a footpath. Pass the back of the Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity centre on your left, go through a gate, and carry straight on until you reach a stile and then a great view towards Glastonbury Tor and the Levels.
Cross the stile and continue straight on in the same direction, heading gradually downhill parallel to the fence on your right (NOT the more obvious path half-left across the field). Down the slope cross another stile and then a concrete road using two stiles.
3
Bear slightly left to cross another stile and continue straight downhill towards a hedge to the right of Wyke Champflower Church, Manor and farm buildings to reach a road by crossing a stile.
Turn right uphill to the road junction. Continue past the Wyke Cheese factory (taking care on this busy stretch of road), cross where and when safe to do so, and after two farm entrances on the left take the byway that forks to your left after about 150 metres. Carry on uphill going straight ahead onto a metalled road at the first crossroads (with a track to a barn to the left) and continue to reach another crossroads.
4
The track ahead runs to the left of a barn. To the right the road (usually with parked cars) runs along the back of houses on the right. Between the two, ie half-right, is a farmyard. Go into the farmyard, then through a way marked gate at the right-hand corner of the yard. Take the indistinct footpath diagonally across the field to a stile in the corner.
Turn half-left (NOT sharp left) and follow the enclosed byway (Huish Lane) between hedges. Shortly after passing a stile and barn on your right the byway reaches a field gate. At this gate turn right and shortly left, following the sunken, treelined path as it winds downhill to a ford and footbridge. Cross the bridge and continue along the track to reach a road. Turn right downhill to Coombe Brook, follow the path alongside the ford then to the left of the house, over bridges and past the duck pond to reach the road.
Cross the High Street into Mill Lane directly opposite. Follow this lane to the left at the bottom into Lower Backway, meeting up with the Riverside walk just past Heybrook. Retrace your steps to Church Bridge and the car park.