Castle Wood

Wood, Forest in Somerset

England

Castle Wood

A lane into the estate The view is along Top Lane, which is in the Stourhead estate. There is a benchmark on the left which took some effort to free from the undergrowth. The wall mentioned in the OS description (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6935237">ST7633 : Benchmark freed from nettles and ivy</a>) is actually the lower parapet over the stream connecting the various ornamental lakes – the headwaters of the River Stour. — A lane into the estate Credit: Neville Goodman

Castle Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Somerset, England. The wood is situated near the small village of Castle Cary, offering a tranquil and natural retreat for visitors. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, Castle Wood boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

The woodland is primarily composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy and provide a welcoming shade during the summer months. The forest floor is rich with bluebells, wild garlic, and other native plants, adding a burst of color to the surroundings. Several well-maintained trails crisscross the wood, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their leisure.

One of the main attractions of Castle Wood is its historical significance. The wood is home to the remnants of a medieval castle, which once stood proudly in this location. Visitors can still see the remains of the castle's stone walls and the outline of its former structure, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.

The woodland is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with a variety of bird species calling Castle Wood their home. Visitors may catch sight of woodpeckers, thrushes, and owls, among others. Additionally, various mammals such as deer, foxes, and badgers can be spotted in the early morning or evening hours.

Castle Wood offers a peaceful and idyllic setting for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its natural beauty, historical significance, and abundant wildlife, it is no wonder that Castle Wood is a beloved destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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Castle Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.099161/-2.3569237 or Grid Reference ST7533. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A lane into the estate

The view is along Top Lane, which is in the Stourhead estate. There is a benchmark on the left which took some effort to free from the undergrowth. The wall mentioned in the OS description (see ST7633 : Benchmark freed from nettles and ivy) is actually the lower parapet over the stream connecting the various ornamental lakes – the headwaters of the River Stour.

Neville Goodman

Benchmark freed from nettles and ivy

Once the ivy, nettles, brambles, moss and various other bits and pieces had been scraped aside ST7633 : A lane into the estate, the benchmark (NBM WALL SW SIDE TOP LANE NE FACE E ANG) was revealed as remarkably undamaged.

Neville Goodman

Path through the woods west of Iron Bridge

Rod Allday

Beside Tower Road on the Stourhead Estate

Chris Heaton

King Alfred's Tower Revisited

Huge folly standing on top of Kingsettle Hill, just inside the Somerset border with Wiltshire. Grade I Listed Building belonging to the National Trust, it was completed in 1772 by Henry Hoare to commemorate the ending of the Seven Years War with France and the accession of George III. The location is believed to be near Egbert's Stone where Alfred rallied the Anglo-Saxons before the decisive Battle of Edington. ST7435 : Alfred's Tower The triangular tower is 161 foot high, with a hollow interior containing a spiral staircase.

Chris Heaton

View Eastwards from the Base of King Alfred's Tower

In the Stourhead Estate, National Trust

Chris Heaton

Track in Beaumont's Wood

Tree covered escarpment below King Alfred's Tower - part of the Stourhead Estate, belonging to the National Trust. The photograph shows the track branching off the Leland Trail/MacMillan Way Long Distance Footpaths.

Chris Heaton

View from Hilcombe Hanging

As seen from the Leland Trail/Macmillan Way long distance footpaths - recent forest felling has opened up the views over the Somerset countryside to the south west.

Chris Heaton

Leland Trail in Blackslough Wood

The trail in the woods of the Stourhead Estate, before emerging into open countryside

Chris Heaton

Leland Trail emerging from the Woods on the Stourhead Estate

This path has been adopted by two long distance footpaths - the relatively short Leland Trail, and the lengthy MacMillan Way. Here they emerge from extensive woodland into open countryside.

Chris Heaton

Leland Trail adopts an Old Coach Road

The Leland Trail now adopts a path that describes a perfect straight line on the map for roughly three miles - this is an old coach road heading for Redlynch. Sometimes a track, sometimes a mud quagmire and sometimes pasture with all evidence of a historic route rendered invisible.

Chris Heaton

Leland Trail beside Stavordale Wood

The Leland Trail and Macmillan Way long distance footpaths adopt the old coach road that once ran between Stourhead and Redlynch.

Chris Heaton

Log piles, Stourhead Estate

The woods are managed on a system called Continuous Cover Forestry, and sustainably produce 4000 tonnes of timber a year (local notice board)

Tim Heaton

King Alfred's Tower

A listed Grade I monument belonging to the National Trust. " ... a 160ft (49m) high folly, designed by Henry Flitcroft for Henry Hoare II in 1772. It is believed to mark the site where King Alfred the Great rallied his troops in 878. The tower commemorates the accession of George III to the throne in 1760 and the end of the Seven Years War." Link

And a convenient marker of the eastern end of the Leland Trail, which we will now follow to the west.