Ring Wood

Wood, Forest in Somerset

England

Ring Wood

Wellow Ford Ford on Mill Hill in Wellow, taken from the southern side of the ford.
Photograph taken during a dry spell in Summer; the ford is running very low. Note that after heavy rainfall the ford can run much higher with a considerable force of water which can make crossing hazardous. — Wellow Ford Credit: Kevin Pearson

Ring Wood is a small but picturesque woodland area located in Somerset, England. Nestled within the larger Exmoor National Park, this tranquil forest offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, Ring Wood is characterized by its dense canopy of towering trees, including oak, beech, and hazel. The forest floor is blanketed with a lush carpet of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, creating a vibrant and enchanting atmosphere.

Many walking trails wind their way through the wood, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. These paths range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, catering to all levels of fitness and experience. Along the way, hikers may encounter a variety of wildlife, such as deer, badgers, and a plethora of bird species.

The wood is also home to several ancient monuments and historical sites, adding a touch of intrigue to its natural charm. One notable feature is a ring-shaped earthwork, believed to be a prehistoric hillfort, from which the wood gets its name. This archaeological site offers a glimpse into the area's rich history and provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with the past.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Ring Wood offers amenities for visitors, including picnic areas, information boards, and car parking facilities. These amenities ensure that visitors can comfortably enjoy their time in the forest and make the most of their experience.

Overall, Ring Wood is a hidden gem within Somerset, offering a serene and captivating environment that appeals to nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the countryside.

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Ring Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.308723/-2.355392 or Grid Reference ST7556. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wellow Ford

Ford on Mill Hill in Wellow, taken from the southern side of the ford. Photograph taken during a dry spell in Summer; the ford is running very low. Note that after heavy rainfall the ford can run much higher with a considerable force of water which can make crossing hazardous.

Kevin Pearson

Gate on NCN24 Two Tunnels Greenway near Wellow

The second of four swing gates on the NCN24 heading from Wellow to the Two Tunnels. Springs on some of the gates are very stiff, especially on the first gate off Ford Road in Wellow. Path here is compacted gravel in generally good condition, with a few potholes, and muddy/rutted patches in wet weather. The path changes to tarmac past Midford.

Kevin Pearson

Wellow Brook

Footbridge over Wellow Brook.

Wayland Smith

Stony Littleton Long Barrow

Long Barrow overlooking Wellow.

Wayland Smith

Maize field, Hinton Farm

This bridleway heading towards Cleaves Wood crosses Hinton Farm Link

which like much around Hinton Charterhouse is now connected to the Dyson family. A field of maize can be glimpsed through the hedge.

HelenK

The A366 drops down the hill towards Tucker's Bottom

Sarah Charlesworth

The A366 leaves Tucker's Bottom

Sarah Charlesworth

The ford in spate

After heavy rainfall in the preceding days and weeks, the water was nearly a foot deep, according to the marker. A bridge provides an alternative for pedestrians.

HelenK

Site of railway bridge

The railway line, here running alongside Wellow Brook, crossed the road here.

HelenK

Beginning of the bridleway

The bridleway to Stoney Littleton starts here. The muddy conditions here gave only a hint of the quagmire which awaited further along.

HelenK

View towards Willow Farm

The steep-sided little valley between here and the farm buildings is well hidden from this viewpoint.

HelenK

A bridge to the sky

The former Somerset and Dorset railway bridge in the heart of Wellow, once a busy branch but now dismantled. The line closed completely in 1966 and the tracks removed by the 1970s. See ST7458 : The last of the line for the other side. A benchmark, an old one but not from the First Levelling of the mid-1800s, has been made in the lower buttress - see ST7458 : Bridge benchmark.

Neil Owen

Bridge benchmark

The old railway bridge in Mill Hill stands out clearly in the Spring sunshine. See Link

for the entry in the Benchmark Database and ST7458 : A bridge to the sky for a wider view.

Neil Owen

Mill Hill benchmark

A cutmark, as listed in the Benchmark Database: Link

, on the corner of a house in Mill Hill. See ST7458 : Terrace of cottages for a wider view.

Neil Owen

Terrace of cottages

Some of the charming older houses in Wellow. See ST7458 : Mill Hill benchmark for a look at a benchmark on the corner.

Neil Owen

The last of the line

Wellow was on part of the Somerset and Dorset railway until the axe of 1966. The bridge that used to carry the line over the road was dismantled but the top of the old stationmaster's house can still be seen. See ST7458 : A bridge to the sky for the other side of the old bridge.

Neil Owen