Conquering Somerset’s Three Peaks

On Saturday 28th October, six intrepid explorers set off to find circular three peaks waymarkers on as many posts as possible in the county of Somerset, and hopefully summit the three peaks, soaking in the wonderful countryside throughout the day and raising money for ANT. Judith, our Operations Manager, tells the story.

As daylight broke our group of ANT trustees, staff and supporters gathered ready to set off into Great Avon Wood to visit the newly planted woodland, and journey on to Pensford to join the 16.5 mile circular Three Peaks walk. It was wet underfoot, but with beautiful skies overhead as the morning light shone. Across muddy fields, along winding woodland paths, down quiet country lands, the walk saw everyone in high spirits.

Early on we passed across Wick Farm, had a snack stop with a goose, and combined three types of navigation to get where we were going – online mapping, printed maps and waymarkers. We didn’t go too wrong at any point (the walk was long enough!).

From Hunstrete we talked our way to Clutton and Chew Magna, passing Blackberry Hill and Knowle Hill off to the side of our path. These first two peaks were a little underwhelming (no trig points here!), but the views we were treated to along the way were beautiful. We lunched on a quiet road surrounded by bracken, before finding more fields of cows and sheep. The autumn memo had reached a few of the trees and shrubs, with berries galore and occasional wonderful orange foliage.

With the ground already holding water we had a few wet fields, wet feet and footbridges over fast flowing streams. But more rain was to come. As we began the climbs up to Maes Knoll the rain set in and stayed with us for most of the rest of the day. Our waterproofs were thoroughly tested!

Maes Knoll gave us our first true peak on the walk, with views down to Chew Lake and the oncoming rain clouds. The group moved swiftly back to Pensford, as swiftly as they could with me in the group who had sadly picked up blistered heels, and sheltered under the impressive Pensford viaduct. Sensing the end of the walk and a keenness to be out of the rain we returned to our starting point just as dusk was setting in, having completed just over 23 miles!

What a beautiful part of the world!

I’d like to thank everyone in the group for joining me on this adventure, and together raising over £1,000 for ANT (with the total still rising!) 

A great personal achievement for all.

If you’d like to donate, please visit our Just Giving page.