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Nether Stowey Walks

0.99 miles (1.6 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This picturesque Quantocks village has some nice country and woodland trails to the west and south of the settlement. The village itself is also a very pleasant place for a stroll with delightful cottages, a pretty stream and an old castle to visit.
This walk in the village visits Coleridge Cottage and Stowey Castle. The walk starts from Coleridge Cottage on Lime Street in the village centre. The historic cottage was formerly the home of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge during the late 18th century. The site is now run by the National Trust so you can enjoy a tour of the house and learn all about the life of the famous writer. It was during his three years here that he wrote his finest works, including 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', 'Kubla Khan', 'Frost at Midnight', 'Christabel' and 'This Lime Tree Bower my Prison'.
After exploring the cottage you can follow lanes and footpaths west to visit the remains of Stowey Castle. The castle was a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, built in the 11th century. It is now designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument with public footpaths you can follow around the elevated site.

Postcode

TA5 1NQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Nether Stowey OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Nether Stowey Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Just opposite Coleridge cottage you'll find the Ancient Mariner. The 16th century pub has a good menu and a nice garden area to relax in on warmer days. You can find them at postcode TA5 1NG for your sat navs. The pub is also dog friendly if you have your canine friend with you.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Coleridge Way starts in the village. The waymarked trail follows in his footsteps, taking you to the nearby Holford and Combe Sydenham Country Park.
Head a few miles north to the coast and you could explore Kilve Beach and East Quantoxhead. The beach is a great place for fossil hunting and walks along the cliff top path. There's also a lovely cafe for cream teas and a 17th century coaching inn in Kilve village.
Near the village you'll find the worthy settlement of Crowcombe where you can enjoy the circular walk to Black Hill, Bicknoller Hill and the 15th century Halsway Manor. The village additionally includes a fine 17th century pub with a lovely large garden and views to the Brendon Hills.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Quantocks Walks page.

Photos

Lime Street, Nether Stowey (geograph 2882519)

Lime Street, Nether Stowey. With Coleridge cottage on the left and the Ancient Mariner on the right.

Stream flowing down Castle Street, Nether Stowey - geograph.org.uk - 1766843

Stream flowing down Castle Street, Nether Stowey

Remains of Stowey Castle - geograph.org.uk - 131604

Remains of Stowey Castle

Trees by Nether Stowey Castle - geograph.org.uk - 648336

Trees by Nether Stowey Castle

Sign describing Nether Stowey castle - geograph.org.uk - 2039515

Sign describing Nether Stowey castle

The village clock and Castle Street, Nether Stowey - geograph.org.uk - 1766807

The village clock and Castle Street, Nether Stowey

The Ancient Mariner - geograph.org.uk - 694671

The Ancient Mariner

Gazebo at Stowey Court (geograph 4409351)

Gazebo at Stowey Court

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Nether Stowey.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Nether Stowey.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)