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Wellington Town Council
Good for your heart, kind with your time - short walks in and around Wellington, Somerset.
Complete List
PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY IN THE PARISH OF WELLINGTON, SOMERSET
Somerset County Council maintains a detailed and definitive map of county footpaths listed as public rights of way; Google ‘Somerset roam’. Notes below assist in locating specific paths.
Many stiles indicated on the map are gradually replaced by metal gates for easier access, and most paths are fairly level, though some may be muddy in winter.
List below is limited to parish rights of way, maintained by the council and volunteers. Wellington has many ‘unadopted’ paths which may not be maintained to the same standard.
WG17/1, serves no useful function
Starts at junction of Foxdown Terrace with Swains Lane by the track and footpath (WG17/3) leading west to Foxdown Hill. Runs south along Swains and a short way up the footpath opposite Burrough Way.
WG17/3, access to Nature reserve, then views
Starts at the junction of Foxdown Terrace and Swains Lane, running west up a drive then along a path to Foxdown Hill. Passes an entrance to Swains Nature Reserve on the left, ends with cross-country views to Rockwell Green. This path was known as ‘Rope Walk’, from rope and twine maker John Jeffries who lived nearby.
WG17/5 Dark Lane, and main path to the Monument
Starts at the junction of Bulford / Bulford Lane, running south alongside Wellington School all-weather pitches. Continues south past Eight Acre Lane, through the green ‘tunnel’ and crosses Wellesley Park. Continues south to cross Barn Meads Road and terminates at the A38. A key walkers route from town centre to Monument.
WG17/6 – 6A for close up of the water towers
Signposted a few yards north of crossroads on Popes Lane and Exeter Road in Rockwell Green. Passes historic water towers to Warren Street, then a right at small play area, left through barriers in Dobree Park. At the dead end, left and over a bridge leads to a field boundary; runs more or less south-west to a track, part of WG 17/8.
WG17/7 for extensive 360 deg. views
See WG 17/8 for access to this path, from which it runs west, through a walkers gate for a short permissive diversion, then continues south-west along a field boundary. Following round on a short stretch north-west it terminates at a farm track, part of WG 13/5. Extensive views south to the Monument and north to Prowse’s Mill.
WG17/8 for attractive views and feeds two other paths
Signposted from the lay-by at Pitts Farm Exeter Road caravan park, it runs north-west behind the park, continues on a farm track bearing north. Passing an old pumping station left - and access to WG 17/6 on the right over a stile - access to WG 17/7 is then shortly on the left at a bend. Bearing right, WG 17/8 continues around a fenced field boundary with attractive country views, a sharp left then right over a wooden bridge into Dobree Park. It continues dead straight north-east through residential areas to Popes Lane.
WG17/9 residential short cut
Starts at the junction of WG 17/10 and WG 17/22 in the Basins grassland. Runs straight south-west along Northside to Popes Lane, so offers fast access to the Basins for Rockwell Green folk.
WG17/10 main path through the Basins waterways
Starts in the Basins complex west of the Leisure centre at the end of the path between two large ponds and runs more or less west then south-west through open grassland with allotments on the left and attractive waterway on the right. With a sharp left after the footbridge, it runs south along a brook to join WG17/9 and WG 17/ 22 at a small weir.
WG 17/11 shortcut from Rockwell Green to the railway crossing via attractive waterway
Starts where WG 17/10 joins WG 17/22 at the weir. Runs north west along the field boundary, then into light woodland along an attractive waterway to the railway line. Here is an alarmed but ungated crossing, the start of WG 17/12.
WG17/12 feeder path to beautiful views and River Tone via WG 17/13
It takes over from WG 17/11 with an alarmed but ungated rail crossing, west across a small field, then a residential driveway to Linden Hill.
WG17/13 extensive 360 deg. views and a picnic spot.
Almost opposite WG 17/12 on Linden Hill, the path runs up a track east of a farm drive, right through a walkers gate then continues up past Tonedale Farm, over a stile, passing a large solar array on the left. As Winsbeer Lane, it continues north-west up to grassed fields with views across Tonedale and the Quantocks. Over a stile and drop down to the old canal bed and River Tone, joining WG 17/14, part of West Deane Way.
WG17/14 West Deane Way west section, for access to River Tone and picnic spot
Signposted on Milverton Road, B3187, north out of the town and opposite Gale’s tarmac suppliers on the northern edge of the parish. Running southwest, initially on a driveway, it enters light woodland then open country along a fenced path. Continuing more or less west, it meets WG 17/13 at the old canal bed, then runs past a disused small quarry before turning south / south-west. It finishes at a stile to join WG 6/14.
WG17/14A leaves WG 17/14 for access to Payton road
A short section diverging south west just before the western end of WG 17/14.
WG17/15 short field path great view
A shortcut running a few hundred feet south-west of Payton Farm from Pinksmoor Lane, north-west along a field edge to an unnamed road. Unexciting perhaps, but has an expansive view of the hills and Monument.
WG17/16 mixed built-up and open country path joining Wellington to Tonedale and West Deane Way
Starts at the junction of Brendon Road and Howard Road, and runs north-west along a residential driveway to the boundary of Relyon works. Right then left past modern housing leads to the path just left of a farm drive. Continues over the railway bridge into open country then through a hedged section more or less north west. Approaching housing it splits in two, left to the estate and north to meet a driveway on the West Deane Deane Way, at the junction of WG 17/35 and WG 8/19A.
WG17/17 Mostly residential, northern section diverted away from railway line.
Starts at junction of Howard Road and Parklands Road and runs north /north west along the eastern edge of four fields to the railway line. A section between older and newer housing is bypassed by a modern tarmac path, so SCC considers the original stretch redundant and no longer maintained. At Lillebonne Way, it's diverted west for safety reasons to join WG 17/16.
WG17/18 leading to WG 14/5; mainly residential
Runs through older and new developments from Gay Street almost opposite its junction with Priory. Runs north-east between housing, briefly north-west, then north-east to join Russett Close. Continues into Cades Mead, crossing Torres Vedres Drive more or less east to emerge at the Veterinary Hospital and a short section left (officially WG 14/5) to B3187.
WG17/19 leading to WG14/6 mainly residential
A permissive bypass for safety reasons starts on Taunton Road, B3187, a few hundred yards west of Chelston roundabout at the end of KS Coles site. At a low brick bridge are wooden steps down and around the farm then south-west into new housing via walkers gate at Mills Drive. As WG 17/19 it goes left to follow a more or less westerly paved path into Mills Drive. Straight across to a green between house and substation it skirts north around a flood abatement pond, with sharp right to a watercourse with culvert. The path briefly follows the watercourse bank to emerge on a playing field and out to Gay Close / Street.
WG17/21 Avoids winter-waterlogged field but has issues
Starts at the junction of Hoyles Road and Webber Close, running south along a short cul de sac, and through a hedged section adjoining Home Barn. Path continues south along another cul de sac of Hoyles Road, to emerge on the A38. (Note there is ongoing dispute with the owners of Home Barn, so may not be fully maintained.)
WG17/22 Allegedly the best views in the whole of Wellington
Starts in the Basins at the junction of WG 17 / 9 and 17/10 just off Northside in Rockwell Green, crosses a waterway and runs south-east up and relatively steeply over grassland to Exeter Road A38.
WG17/23 attractive views down to Westford stream
Starts on Payton Road in Westford, runs southwest between a bridge and Old Mill House, past a flood abatement scheme and nature reserve (muddy!) for a right across a wooden bridge to rejoin Payton Road. Continues southwest past a terrace of cottages on the right to Brook Farm where it joins WG 13/3.
WG17/24 (Restricted Bridleway)
The parish section starts on A38 Exeter Road, just short of the turning off behind Ivy Cottages. It runs west then north to Jurston Farm.
WG17/25 for access to playing fields
On the western edge of town, it starts by the Youth Centre where Mantle Street merges into Exeter Road, and runs more or less north-east past Courtlands School and playing fields. It meets Black Path WG 17/26 at the Park entrance.
WG17/26 Black Path, attractive tree-lined access to the Park
In Mantle Street, runs north from St John Fisher church, through distinctive terraced houses, past Courtfields school to join WG 17/25 at the Park entrance.
WG17/27 three shortcuts for locals.
Three short paths from Mantle Street to Bulford. They run parallel: 27A from the carriage entrance of what was Three Cups Inn to join WG 17/28 in Bulford; 27B follows Bulford from Mantle Street then between residential gardens to join Bulford Lane at Mount Pleasant; 27C along Twyford Place. skirting around gardens, to join Bulford Lane at Martins buildings.
WG17/28 a short alternative to the street
From South Street it runs west along Bulford, into a path at the hospital entrance, emerging again at Bulford to join 17/27A.
WG17/29 walk too fast and miss it
A very short dog leg path from White Hart Lane to Alexander Road. Also accessed from Asda car park.
WG17/30 a lovely stroll along tree-lined and historic Westford stream
Runs from the Old Water Mill on Payton Road in Westford, northeast along Westford stream to emerge just north of Orchard Close.
WG17/31 is worth following to see the Well, of obscure origin
In Rockwell Green, it runs from Oaken Ground south-east along The Well, following a circuitous route through housing to emerge by the Barley Mow pub. on Exeter Road.
WG17/32 Short access path south of Waitrose
From Scotts Lane runs north east to join Buckwell.
WG17/33 Church side path
Runs from High Street opposite The Vicarage, alongside St John’s churchyard wall. The path is then unadopted, and continues between houses to join WG 17/17.
WG17/34 Notable for extensive drifts of snowdrops
Runs from Corams Lane at Sports Centre through Linden House drive to Linden Hill. Currently closed to foot traffic by SCC (2018), due to safety concerns over a culvert. Visitors to Linden House continue to use at their own risk.
WG17/35 - 8/26 – 8/19A West Deane Way, east section
From B3187 by Gale’s premises WG17/35 then WG 8/26 to run more or less east, initially past housing and water treatment works, to WG 8/19A at a walkers gate. Follows a field boundary with extensive views across Nynehead parish. Path continues east through light woodland alongside the old canal bed, to emerge by the railway and over a bridge to Nynehead boat lift.
WG17/36 attractive path passing Tonedale historic mill, but closed at the southern end
Runs north from WG 17/34 in the Basins where waterway runs under Linden House drive. Path leads north over a narrow concrete sill crossing a sluice, so SCC closed this section for the foreseeable future. Path continues north under the railway, footing here can be insecure. Passes Tonedale to meet WG 17/14.
Somerset County Council maintains a detailed and definitive map of county footpaths listed as public rights of way; Google ‘Somerset roam’. Notes below assist in locating specific paths.
Many stiles indicated on the map are gradually replaced by metal gates for easier access, and most paths are fairly level, though some may be muddy in winter.
List below is limited to parish rights of way, maintained by the council and volunteers. Wellington has many ‘unadopted’ paths which may not be maintained to the same standard.
WG17/1, serves no useful function
Starts at junction of Foxdown Terrace with Swains Lane by the track and footpath (WG17/3) leading west to Foxdown Hill. Runs south along Swains and a short way up the footpath opposite Burrough Way.
WG17/3, access to Nature reserve, then views
Starts at the junction of Foxdown Terrace and Swains Lane, running west up a drive then along a path to Foxdown Hill. Passes an entrance to Swains Nature Reserve on the left, ends with cross-country views to Rockwell Green. This path was known as ‘Rope Walk’, from rope and twine maker John Jeffries who lived nearby.
WG17/5 Dark Lane, and main path to the Monument
Starts at the junction of Bulford / Bulford Lane, running south alongside Wellington School all-weather pitches. Continues south past Eight Acre Lane, through the green ‘tunnel’ and crosses Wellesley Park. Continues south to cross Barn Meads Road and terminates at the A38. A key walkers route from town centre to Monument.
WG17/6 – 6A for close up of the water towers
Signposted a few yards north of crossroads on Popes Lane and Exeter Road in Rockwell Green. Passes historic water towers to Warren Street, then a right at small play area, left through barriers in Dobree Park. At the dead end, left and over a bridge leads to a field boundary; runs more or less south-west to a track, part of WG 17/8.
WG17/7 for extensive 360 deg. views
See WG 17/8 for access to this path, from which it runs west, through a walkers gate for a short permissive diversion, then continues south-west along a field boundary. Following round on a short stretch north-west it terminates at a farm track, part of WG 13/5. Extensive views south to the Monument and north to Prowse’s Mill.
WG17/8 for attractive views and feeds two other paths
Signposted from the lay-by at Pitts Farm Exeter Road caravan park, it runs north-west behind the park, continues on a farm track bearing north. Passing an old pumping station left - and access to WG 17/6 on the right over a stile - access to WG 17/7 is then shortly on the left at a bend. Bearing right, WG 17/8 continues around a fenced field boundary with attractive country views, a sharp left then right over a wooden bridge into Dobree Park. It continues dead straight north-east through residential areas to Popes Lane.
WG17/9 residential short cut
Starts at the junction of WG 17/10 and WG 17/22 in the Basins grassland. Runs straight south-west along Northside to Popes Lane, so offers fast access to the Basins for Rockwell Green folk.
WG17/10 main path through the Basins waterways
Starts in the Basins complex west of the Leisure centre at the end of the path between two large ponds and runs more or less west then south-west through open grassland with allotments on the left and attractive waterway on the right. With a sharp left after the footbridge, it runs south along a brook to join WG17/9 and WG 17/ 22 at a small weir.
WG 17/11 shortcut from Rockwell Green to the railway crossing via attractive waterway
Starts where WG 17/10 joins WG 17/22 at the weir. Runs north west along the field boundary, then into light woodland along an attractive waterway to the railway line. Here is an alarmed but ungated crossing, the start of WG 17/12.
WG17/12 feeder path to beautiful views and River Tone via WG 17/13
It takes over from WG 17/11 with an alarmed but ungated rail crossing, west across a small field, then a residential driveway to Linden Hill.
WG17/13 extensive 360 deg. views and a picnic spot.
Almost opposite WG 17/12 on Linden Hill, the path runs up a track east of a farm drive, right through a walkers gate then continues up past Tonedale Farm, over a stile, passing a large solar array on the left. As Winsbeer Lane, it continues north-west up to grassed fields with views across Tonedale and the Quantocks. Over a stile and drop down to the old canal bed and River Tone, joining WG 17/14, part of West Deane Way.
WG17/14 West Deane Way west section, for access to River Tone and picnic spot
Signposted on Milverton Road, B3187, north out of the town and opposite Gale’s tarmac suppliers on the northern edge of the parish. Running southwest, initially on a driveway, it enters light woodland then open country along a fenced path. Continuing more or less west, it meets WG 17/13 at the old canal bed, then runs past a disused small quarry before turning south / south-west. It finishes at a stile to join WG 6/14.
WG17/14A leaves WG 17/14 for access to Payton road
A short section diverging south west just before the western end of WG 17/14.
WG17/15 short field path great view
A shortcut running a few hundred feet south-west of Payton Farm from Pinksmoor Lane, north-west along a field edge to an unnamed road. Unexciting perhaps, but has an expansive view of the hills and Monument.
WG17/16 mixed built-up and open country path joining Wellington to Tonedale and West Deane Way
Starts at the junction of Brendon Road and Howard Road, and runs north-west along a residential driveway to the boundary of Relyon works. Right then left past modern housing leads to the path just left of a farm drive. Continues over the railway bridge into open country then through a hedged section more or less north west. Approaching housing it splits in two, left to the estate and north to meet a driveway on the West Deane Deane Way, at the junction of WG 17/35 and WG 8/19A.
WG17/17 Mostly residential, northern section diverted away from railway line.
Starts at junction of Howard Road and Parklands Road and runs north /north west along the eastern edge of four fields to the railway line. A section between older and newer housing is bypassed by a modern tarmac path, so SCC considers the original stretch redundant and no longer maintained. At Lillebonne Way, it's diverted west for safety reasons to join WG 17/16.
WG17/18 leading to WG 14/5; mainly residential
Runs through older and new developments from Gay Street almost opposite its junction with Priory. Runs north-east between housing, briefly north-west, then north-east to join Russett Close. Continues into Cades Mead, crossing Torres Vedres Drive more or less east to emerge at the Veterinary Hospital and a short section left (officially WG 14/5) to B3187.
WG17/19 leading to WG14/6 mainly residential
A permissive bypass for safety reasons starts on Taunton Road, B3187, a few hundred yards west of Chelston roundabout at the end of KS Coles site. At a low brick bridge are wooden steps down and around the farm then south-west into new housing via walkers gate at Mills Drive. As WG 17/19 it goes left to follow a more or less westerly paved path into Mills Drive. Straight across to a green between house and substation it skirts north around a flood abatement pond, with sharp right to a watercourse with culvert. The path briefly follows the watercourse bank to emerge on a playing field and out to Gay Close / Street.
WG17/21 Avoids winter-waterlogged field but has issues
Starts at the junction of Hoyles Road and Webber Close, running south along a short cul de sac, and through a hedged section adjoining Home Barn. Path continues south along another cul de sac of Hoyles Road, to emerge on the A38. (Note there is ongoing dispute with the owners of Home Barn, so may not be fully maintained.)
WG17/22 Allegedly the best views in the whole of Wellington
Starts in the Basins at the junction of WG 17 / 9 and 17/10 just off Northside in Rockwell Green, crosses a waterway and runs south-east up and relatively steeply over grassland to Exeter Road A38.
WG17/23 attractive views down to Westford stream
Starts on Payton Road in Westford, runs southwest between a bridge and Old Mill House, past a flood abatement scheme and nature reserve (muddy!) for a right across a wooden bridge to rejoin Payton Road. Continues southwest past a terrace of cottages on the right to Brook Farm where it joins WG 13/3.
WG17/24 (Restricted Bridleway)
The parish section starts on A38 Exeter Road, just short of the turning off behind Ivy Cottages. It runs west then north to Jurston Farm.
WG17/25 for access to playing fields
On the western edge of town, it starts by the Youth Centre where Mantle Street merges into Exeter Road, and runs more or less north-east past Courtlands School and playing fields. It meets Black Path WG 17/26 at the Park entrance.
WG17/26 Black Path, attractive tree-lined access to the Park
In Mantle Street, runs north from St John Fisher church, through distinctive terraced houses, past Courtfields school to join WG 17/25 at the Park entrance.
WG17/27 three shortcuts for locals.
Three short paths from Mantle Street to Bulford. They run parallel: 27A from the carriage entrance of what was Three Cups Inn to join WG 17/28 in Bulford; 27B follows Bulford from Mantle Street then between residential gardens to join Bulford Lane at Mount Pleasant; 27C along Twyford Place. skirting around gardens, to join Bulford Lane at Martins buildings.
WG17/28 a short alternative to the street
From South Street it runs west along Bulford, into a path at the hospital entrance, emerging again at Bulford to join 17/27A.
WG17/29 walk too fast and miss it
A very short dog leg path from White Hart Lane to Alexander Road. Also accessed from Asda car park.
WG17/30 a lovely stroll along tree-lined and historic Westford stream
Runs from the Old Water Mill on Payton Road in Westford, northeast along Westford stream to emerge just north of Orchard Close.
WG17/31 is worth following to see the Well, of obscure origin
In Rockwell Green, it runs from Oaken Ground south-east along The Well, following a circuitous route through housing to emerge by the Barley Mow pub. on Exeter Road.
WG17/32 Short access path south of Waitrose
From Scotts Lane runs north east to join Buckwell.
WG17/33 Church side path
Runs from High Street opposite The Vicarage, alongside St John’s churchyard wall. The path is then unadopted, and continues between houses to join WG 17/17.
WG17/34 Notable for extensive drifts of snowdrops
Runs from Corams Lane at Sports Centre through Linden House drive to Linden Hill. Currently closed to foot traffic by SCC (2018), due to safety concerns over a culvert. Visitors to Linden House continue to use at their own risk.
WG17/35 - 8/26 – 8/19A West Deane Way, east section
From B3187 by Gale’s premises WG17/35 then WG 8/26 to run more or less east, initially past housing and water treatment works, to WG 8/19A at a walkers gate. Follows a field boundary with extensive views across Nynehead parish. Path continues east through light woodland alongside the old canal bed, to emerge by the railway and over a bridge to Nynehead boat lift.
WG17/36 attractive path passing Tonedale historic mill, but closed at the southern end
Runs north from WG 17/34 in the Basins where waterway runs under Linden House drive. Path leads north over a narrow concrete sill crossing a sluice, so SCC closed this section for the foreseeable future. Path continues north under the railway, footing here can be insecure. Passes Tonedale to meet WG 17/14.
© Images and videos copyright of Tom Borg, Wellington, Somerset.
