Walks & rides

Starting from Millhayes as described, this walk is about 11km (7 miles) long. The walk is from the edge of Hemyock, through Culm Davey and Blackdown Common, on to Culmstock Beacon and back. The best part of the walk is from Whitehall; if you start from here, the walk is just over 7km (4.5 miles). There is a place to park cars on Withy Lane about 0.5km west of Whitehall.

One of six circular walks in and around Hemyock- walk 1

Grid reference: ST139139

Nearest postcode:  EX15 3SJ

A strenuous 9km (5.5 mile) walk, well rewarded with lovely views of the Culm Valley looking west and spectacular views of the Quantocks and beyond from the Wellington Monument.

One of six circular walks in and around Hemyock- walk 2

Grid reference: ST139139

Nearest postcode: EX15 3SL

A fairly gentle 7.5 km (4.5 mile) walk along quiet lanes and tracks, with an opportunity to visit a nature reserve and a pub.

One of six circular walks in and around Hemyock- walk 3

Grid reference: ST139139

Nearest postcode: EX15 3SL

A 6.5 km (4 mile) walk with lovely views of the secluded Madford Valley and a visit to the ruins of a Cistercian abbey.

One of six circular walks in and around Hemyock- walk 4

Grid reference: ST137132

Nearest postcode: EX15 3RF

A fairly gentle 4.5 km (3 mile) walk with lovely views across to Culmstock Beacon and beyond. This walk can be linked to the Hemyock to Culm Valley route (walk 6) to give a combined length of 7km (4.5 miles).

If you’re walking with young children, check out our Colour Spotting – Explore and Create video for an idea of what you can do along the way.

One of six circular walks in and around Hemyock- walk 5

Grid reference: ST137132

Postcode: EX15 3RF

A gentle 4.5 km (3 mile) walk crossing several braids of the river Culm. This walk can be linked to the Hemyock to Owleycombe route (walk 5).

One of six circular walks in and around Hemyock- walk 6

Grid reference: ST127128

Nearest postcode: EX15 3RS

This striking monument stands as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington and his victory at the Battle of Waterloo. Standing at 175 feet, it is the world’s tallest three-sided obelisk! The Monument is surrounded by a wildlife-rich meadow. On fine days there is ample space around the Monument to enjoy a picnic or fly a kite.

Download Wellington Monument Meander walk map and instructions [pdf]

Walk options

There are several ways in which you can walk to and around the Wellington Monument, shown on our downloadable map:

Easy: 1 mile (1.6km)

Walk from the car park to the Monument and back, along the level gravel pathway lined with beech trees.

The complete walk is approximately 15 minutes each way. At the end, you’re rewarded with a view of this impressive monument.

There is the occasional bump or dip in the path but no steps, styles or steep gradients.

There are around 30 parking spaces close to the start of the walk.

Slightly more challenging: 2 miles (3.2 km)

At the Monument, take the steps down to the right, loop round anti-clockwise through the woods, and climb the steep slope back up.

Walk from Wellington town

Footpaths from Wellington town centre will take you all the way to the Monument via Wellington Castle Fields, a Somerset Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Please take care as you cross the A38.

The walk is particularly beautiful in the autumn, when the leaves turn all shades of brown, red and gold. Very windy days are best avoided as it can get quite blustery up by the Monument. In the winter, be aware that the path can get rather muddy.

The information boards are easy to read and include details of the Monument’s history and a map showing nearby walks.

Grid Reference: ST142167 | Nearest postcode: TA21 9PA

Find out more about what to see and do at the Wellington Monument