Gilling Down

Downs, Moorland in Somerset South Somerset

England

Gilling Down

Compton Dundon, St Andrew
Compton Dundon, St Andrew Credit: Dave Kelly

Gilling Down is a picturesque area located in Somerset, England. It is characterized by its rolling hills, open moorland, and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The downs stretch over an expansive area, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The terrain of Gilling Down is primarily made up of grassy slopes and heathland, with patches of woodland scattered throughout. This diverse landscape provides a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. Visitors to the area can expect to see an array of wildflowers, including heather, gorse, and foxgloves. The downs are also home to various bird species, such as skylarks and stonechats, as well as small mammals like rabbits and voles.

In addition to its natural beauty, Gilling Down has historical significance. The area is dotted with ancient monuments, including burial mounds, stone circles, and barrows, which serve as reminders of its rich cultural heritage. These landmarks provide a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and offer a sense of connection to the past.

The downs are also crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and trails, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities. Hikers and walkers can explore the area at their leisure, taking in the stunning views and immersing themselves in the tranquil surroundings. There are also opportunities for horse riding and cycling, allowing visitors to further enjoy the natural beauty of Gilling Down.

Overall, Gilling Down is a captivating destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. Whether you are a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Gilling Down is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Gilling Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.087461/-2.7186607 or Grid Reference ST4932. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Compton Dundon, St Andrew
Compton Dundon, St Andrew
Dundon - Parish Church St Andrew's Church in Compton Dundon, a hilltop site. It has 14th and 15th centuries stonework.
Dundon - Parish Church
St Andrew's Church in Compton Dundon, a hilltop site. It has 14th and 15th centuries stonework.
Dundon - Font Inside St Andrew's, parish church for Compton Dundon.
Dundon - Font
Inside St Andrew's, parish church for Compton Dundon.
Dundon - St Andrew's Church Inside the parish church of Compton Dundon. The nave is 15th century.
Dundon - St Andrew's Church
Inside the parish church of Compton Dundon. The nave is 15th century.
Quarry Lane Quarry Lane is a picturesque no through road near Butleigh Cross
Quarry Lane
Quarry Lane is a picturesque no through road near Butleigh Cross
Awkward underfoot There is a public right of way through Copley wood, but it doesn't join up with the permissive paths through Great Breach Wood. Fighting through brambles, I made it to the edge of the square where there was a clearing giving enough light for a photograph of something more than just undergrowth.
Awkward underfoot
There is a public right of way through Copley wood, but it doesn't join up with the permissive paths through Great Breach Wood. Fighting through brambles, I made it to the edge of the square where there was a clearing giving enough light for a photograph of something more than just undergrowth.
A gloomy monument By the side of a footpath through Great Breach Wood is a memorial to the victim of a shooting accident.
A gloomy monument
By the side of a footpath through Great Breach Wood is a memorial to the victim of a shooting accident.
The accidental discharge of a gun..... "By the accidental discharge of a gun...."  The inscription on the pink granite of this memorial in Great Breach wood is not made easy to read by its gloomy location out of the sun. The memorial was erected by the victim's only sister.
The accidental discharge of a gun.....
"By the accidental discharge of a gun...." The inscription on the pink granite of this memorial in Great Breach wood is not made easy to read by its gloomy location out of the sun. The memorial was erected by the victim's only sister.
Woodland walks Combe Hill is private land, but the landlord, together with the Forestry Commission, manage a delightful wood, with information boards and waymarked paths.
Woodland walks
Combe Hill is private land, but the landlord, together with the Forestry Commission, manage a delightful wood, with information boards and waymarked paths.
Who knows about the "New Ditch"? The information board for the "New Ditch": can anybody help?
Who knows about the "New Ditch"?
The information board for the "New Ditch": can anybody help?
Down to the Levels The wonderful view from Combe Hill down onto the Somerset levels, where we'd taken photographs a few weeks previously <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/ST4633">ST4633</a>.
Down to the Levels
The wonderful view from Combe Hill down onto the Somerset levels, where we'd taken photographs a few weeks previously ST4633.
Ancient earthwork A huge tree stands on the end of "The New Ditch", an Iron Age earthwork. A tree-lined gully runs down westward, and  the hills overlooking the Somerset Levels can be seen beyond.
Ancient earthwork
A huge tree stands on the end of "The New Ditch", an Iron Age earthwork. A tree-lined gully runs down westward, and the hills overlooking the Somerset Levels can be seen beyond.
Butleigh: Sunset over fields near the village
Butleigh: Sunset over fields near the village
Woodland at Windmill Hill, Compton Dundon
Woodland at Windmill Hill, Compton Dundon
In the Shadow of the Hood Monument, Compton Dundon Looking north towards Glastonbury Tor.
In the Shadow of the Hood Monument, Compton Dundon
Looking north towards Glastonbury Tor.
Hood Monument, Compton Dundon
Hood Monument, Compton Dundon
Compton Street, Compton Dundon ... with cat.
Compton Street, Compton Dundon
... with cat.
Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon New village hall for Compton Dundon. The post office facility was accommodated here when the local shop shut down.
Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon
New village hall for Compton Dundon. The post office facility was accommodated here when the local shop shut down.
Show me another place!

Gilling Down is located at Grid Ref: ST4932 (Lat: 51.087461, Lng: -2.7186607)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: South Somerset

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///relocated.turkeys.bulbs. Near Street, Somerset

Related Wikis

Great Breach and Copley Woods

Great Breach and Copley Woods (grid reference ST500320) is a 64.8 hectare (160 acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest 1 km south of Compton...

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New Ditch

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Dundon Hill Hillfort

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