Discover local hidden gems by stepping out for a Walk About with the Ramblers

People across Somerset are being invited to step out with the Ramblers for their Walk About festival this summer, to discover the best of the local area and uncover the hidden gems on their doorstep.

Organised walk which overlooks across Stoke Sub Hamdon.

South Somerset District Council (SSDC) obtained £975 of funding from Ramblers to organise local health walks as part of the Walk About festival.

The nationwide festival, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, takes place from 26 May to 3 June with hundreds of free group walks on offer across the Britain. This year, many of the festival walks highlight hidden gems that can be found along the way – from unexpected views and peaceful picnic spots to atmospheric ancient ruins – that can often only be spotted when you head out on foot.

SSDC has coordinated a total of nine walks across Somerset to enable more people to discover hidden gems. In South Somerset, the following walks have been organised:

Wednesday 30 May – Stoke-Sub-Hamdon:

  • 3 or 4 mile walk available, 10.00am start. Meet at Ham Hill Centre, near Stoke-Sub-Hamdon, TA14 6RW.

Take in the fantastic history and views of the site.

Friday 1 June – Ilminster:

  • 2 mile walk, 10.30am, meet at Ilminster Recreation ground, by play area,  TA19  9DS
  • 4 mile walk, 10.00am, meet at Minster Rooms, TA19 0DU

Walks from the centre of Ilminster, taking in the countryside views and depending on the walk you attend visit Beacon Hill, Dillington House, Herne Hill and the old Chard to Taunton canal.

For information on walks happening across Somerset, in Wells, Avalon Marshes Centre, Frome and Wellington, please visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/walkabout.

 Catherine Devonshire, scheme coordinator for South Somerset Walking for Health walks, said: “Anyone who loves walking will know it’s the best way to discover the world around you – it could be an amazing secret view, a quirky old building tucked down a side-street, or simply a fantastic new walking route. We know lots of great spots and want to share them with others.”

Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture at South Somerset District Council added, “If you want to discover local places that are great for walking and get out and enjoy the great outdoors in good company, come and join us on one of our walks. Bring your friends and family too – everyone is welcome!”

All walks during Walk About are free to attend and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re after a short summer stroll or you’re a seasoned walker looking for more of a challenge. And if you’re bitten by the walking bug, why not join the Ramblers? Your membership will give you access to hundreds of group walks every year, an online library of over 2,500 downloadable Ramblers Routes, as well as many other benefits.

Thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Walk About is helping everyone, everywhere to enjoy walking.

Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support the Ramblers with their Walk About festival, which we know will help thousands of people discover the joys of walking.”