Quantock Walking Festival 2017

Last weekend 10th & 11th June saw an inundation of walkers in and around the Stoweys with rucksacks and walking poles. The event was the second Quantock Walking Festival run by Sedgemoor Ramblers, assisted this year by Stowey Walking. Over the weekend nine guided walks of varying lengths took place, all setting out from the Nether Stowey Church Centre. Over 100 people took part in the festival, mostly from Somerset but some from further afield with walkers from Kent and the West Midlands staying at local B&Bs and pubs in Nether Stowey.

Aided by a small grant from Sedgemoor District Council’s Community Fund we were able to arrange for a mini-coach to take some groups further afield this year to Holford and Kilve and take linear walks back to Nether Stowey across the Quantocks. Other walks were circular walks around Nether Stowey and Over Stowey. Two of the nine walks were led by members of Stowey Walking. One was a walk with a historical and literary theme run by Terence Sackett and Ian Enters from the Coleridge Society. Ian and Terence, with the help of some excellent visual aids and some short poetry readings, spirited the group back to the late 18th century when Coleridge and Wordsworth walked the Quantock Hills and combes.

Despite threats of rain the weather stayed dry for the weekend, but some strong winds on the hilltops proved challenging!

Once back at the Church Centre members of Sedgemoor Ramblers supplied reviving cups of tea and slices of wonderful homemade cake.

Feedback from walkers has been very positive;

‘The walking festival in June was excellent and there is a choice of fabulous walking all around this area of the Quantocks.’ – Sheila from Solihul

‘Would you be so kind as to extend our grateful thanks to all those who were involved in organising the Walks Festival. We had a really nice time and your club members made us so welcome. The generosity and kindness shown was overwhelming. We hopefully look forward to seeing you all again maybe next year and long may your club continue to thrive.’ - Mary and David, Sandra and John from Kent

Sedgemoor Ramblers have a regular programme of guided walks throughout the year. For more information see: www.sedgemoorramblers.co.uk