Somerset Scenes

A fabulous few days exploring a bit of Somerset with various family residents. The weather has been splendidly warm, so rather than drive to the south coast (we've spent too much time in the car recently), we researched what nearby rivers might offer a good place for a cool down.

A short (20mins from where we were staying) drive later, and we'd found a super walk alongside the River Parrett. Not only was there a well maintained path, but the local council had also installed several floating pontoons, for swimmers to access the water! At the place where we chose to get in, near the town of Langport, there was even a lovely looking bakery cafe on the opposite site! (sadly, it was closed by the time we'd dried off!). The water was very warm for swimming, but I didn't like the plants occasionally tickling my legs!

It looks good for a paddleboarding tour next time....

While in the river, we saw two people cross a bridge holding huge ice creams, so we investigated in town to find the source. We never did find it (all the shops seemed to shut at 4pm!), but it was a really interesting town with a really old 'higglydy-pigglydy' high street with lots of history.

Talking of history, I also spent a little bit of time with Bob, admiring some of his motor collection - and I thought my van was a bit old! I also tried to offer a little help while he tinkered with brakes and indicators and educated me on all things 'classic car'.

To the north of Taunton, we took on a hike to some of Somerset' lofty summits, in the Quantocks Hills with Neil as our local guide.

The views were fabulous and we could see right over to South Wales and the South Coast of England.

And the skies were putting on a lovely display of cirrus cloud formation while we walked.

The heather and gorse were in full bloom - I'm not sure it was quite the right season for them, but the colours were lovely.

Our target peak was the summit of Lydeard Hill - not quite the highest point in Somerset, but not far from it and at 334m above sea level, it was one of the lower summits of our summer travels, but a very rewarding one no the less.

Having enjoyed a hearty pub lunch before setting out, we planned to quench our thirst at the Quantock's Brewery on the way back, but heavy traffic almost had us stuck there for the night! An accident on the M5 had closed all six lanes of traffic for the whole day, causing all the roads around and across it to back up with traffic. If you've ever read Ben Elton's book 'Gridlock' (recommended by the way), then it was a bit like that. We found ourselves in a village at one point, unable to go forward or back until local residents came out of their houses to direct traffic, using drive ways and cul-de-sacs to move cars like a giant puzzle game!

Happily, we did make it though, with was just as well, as Bob had been busy preparing one of his legendary BBQs! Thanks all for such super hospitality!