The best walks and hikes around West Crewkerne

While there was already a church in Thorncombe, the current one was built, incorporating elements from the old church, in the late 19th century. Some of its older elements include the Sanctuary Chair, from 1650, or the arch under the tower, from the 14th century. The weathercock on the tower dates back to the 18th century.

This 13th century Anglican church is a Grade II listed building and, while its age is impressive, it holds a far more intriguing treasure. It has a surviving copy of ‘Foxes Book of Martyrs’, first published in 1563. It’s not everyday you get to see a book that old. The largest publishing effort in England at that time, the book is filled with woodcut impressions and is a work of Protestant history. This copy lies in a glass cabinet in the church and is well worth seeing.

This stunning patch of woodland lies just outside the village of Wayford and holds wonderful serenity under its canopy. It experienced a little fame in 2014 and 2015 thanks to its proliferation of fairy doors. While it started with just one intricately crafted wooden door in the base of a tree, more and more doors cropped up and with them came crowds and children who left presents and notes for the fairies. The local residents eventually shut the wood temporarily and removed the doors but the wood is no less magical for its fairy exodus. Instead, you’ll find tumbling streams, vibrant flora and unusual trees.

This Grade I-listed building is an exceptionally grand residence complete with sprawling gardens and a giant fountain. The priory was built in the 1100s and takes its name from the nearby river crossing. The abbey was surrendered during the Dissolution and had many tenants. Through the centuries it’s been renovated and undergone significant change. Today, you can still see evidence of some of the earliest sections, particularly the cloisters and the Great Hall. The gardens at Forde Abbey are spectacular and include lawns, water features and an arboretum. It also has the highest powered fountain in the country, which comes on intermittently and might surprise you if you’re walking by. There’s a cafe, shop and plant nursery here making it easy to while away your time. There is a charge to enter which is not insignificant.

Somerset and Dorset are riddled with strip lynchets and some examples are particularly eye-catching. Best viewed from a distance, strip lynchets were a type of earthwork commonly used in ancient field systems, mainly in southern Britain. Like terraces in other countries, it’s thought that strip lynchets were made to increase the agricultural land available in hilly areas. There’s also a theory that they came about as a result of repeated ploughing. These ones can be seen from the south, on the southern side of Brympton Hill.

Excellent food and RCC Partner Cafe

Perfect mid-ride coffee, cake and lunch stop whether you're riding a long one or short one. Lovely staff, great outdoor seating area and atmosphere. Recommended 100 %

Lots of very good bike racks outside. You can borrow a lock even! Excellent cake and brunch menu. Well worth planning your route around a stop here.