With spooky season upon us, what better time to visit the eerie beauty of Dead Woman’s Ditch
This circular walk explores one of the most atmospheric parts of the Quantock Hills. Beginning at the hauntingly named Dead Woman’s Ditch, we’ll wander up and around Dowsborough hillfort, a prehistoric, Iron Age fort offering panoramic views across the Bristol Channel and inland Somerset.
From the heights of the fort, we descend into the peaceful woodland of Holford Combe, a steep-sided, stream-cut valley rich in biodiversity. The return leg meanders gently back along the coombe, with glimpses of red deer, ancient oak woodland, and moorland heath.
As you walk these wooded paths, remember that they once stirred the imaginations of William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge—whose time in these hills inspired some of the most celebrated poetry of the Romantic era."
We’ll end our walk at Wilmots Pool - the still waters of this shallow pond and surrounding heather offer a peaceful spot to pause, take in the landscape and enjoy your picnic lunch.
Please pack your own picnic lunch to bring along
Thank you to Gill Moon and UK Landscape Photography for the photos
Walk Description: Dead Woman’s Ditch – Dowsborough Fort – Holford Combe - Wilmot’s Pool Loop
Distance: ~4.5 miles
Walk Duration: 2.5–3 hours (moderate pace), we’ll pause for a warm drink and snack part way.
Challenge Level: Moderate – includes uneven terrain, woodland paths, and hill ascents
Terrain: Heathland, ancient woodland, Iron Age earthworks, and sheltered coombe
Start/End Point: Wilmot’s Pool Car Cark
What3Words Reference: wriggled.drummers.daydream
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yer5zqgt1wKXKK778
Suitable for: Walkers with reasonable fitness and sturdy footwear
Ticket Price: £15 per adult includes guided walk and some homemade light refreshments.
Group size is limited so pre-booking is essential. If this walk is fully booked, you can add yourselves to the waitlist by contacting me.
Notes:
Any final details will be shared via a WhatsApp group the week before.
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comfy, sturdy walking shoes
warm layers
woolly hat and gloves in winter
waterproof jacket and trousers (whatever the forecast)
small personal first aid kit (medications, plasters, blister pads, anti-histamines, pain-killers etc)
small backpack
water bottle
flask of something warm
packed lunch
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If you need to cancel:
If you cancel more than 4 weeks before the date of the walk or experience we will offer you a full refund.
If you cancel within 4 weeks of the date of a walk or experience I recommend that you try to resell/pass on your ticket yourself. If you resell/pass on please let me know who will be attending in your place. You may contact me to check if there is anyone on the waiting list who could take your place. If there is, I will offer you a partial refund minus a £5 admin fee.
If I need to cancel:
The majority of the walks and experiences on offer will go ahead come rain or shine. However, if there are strong winds or storm warnings so that the conditions are dangerous or deeply unpleasant, then I may need to postpone to ensure everyone’s safety. I will let you know 12-24 hours pre-walk.
If I have to postpone I will send you a credit note to use for or towards another walk or experience within one year of the date of postponement.
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Walks and activities are at your own risk. No liability accepted for accidents or incidents.
Swimming at your own risk.