Gilling Down

Hill, Mountain in Somerset South Somerset

England

Gilling Down

Stile & Glastonbury Tor This stile on wood lane gives access to a footpath to Rowley Farm. Glastonbury Tor can be seen in the distance. — Stile & Glastonbury Tor Credit: Glyn Baker

Gilling Down is a picturesque hill located in Somerset, England. It is situated on the eastern edge of the Quantock Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rising to an elevation of approximately 250 meters (820 feet), Gilling Down offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Covered in lush grasses and dotted with patches of heather and gorse, Gilling Down is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The hill is home to a variety of plants and animals, including wild ponies, rabbits, and numerous bird species. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers who are drawn to its tranquil atmosphere and abundant wildlife.

The hill is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and bridleways, making it easily accessible for walkers and horse riders. These paths lead visitors through rolling meadows, dense woodlands, and open heathland, offering a chance to explore the diverse ecosystems of the area.

Gilling Down also has historical significance, as it is home to several ancient burial mounds and earthworks. These archaeological features provide glimpses into the area's rich past and offer a fascinating insight into the lives of the people who once inhabited this land.

Overall, Gilling Down is a cherished natural gem in Somerset, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the English countryside and connect with nature. Whether exploring its vibrant flora and fauna or simply enjoying the breathtaking views, a visit to Gilling Down is a truly enriching experience.

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Gilling Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.088064/-2.7156003 or Grid Reference ST4932. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stile & Glastonbury Tor

This stile on wood lane gives access to a footpath to Rowley Farm. Glastonbury Tor can be seen in the distance.

Glyn Baker

Quarry Lane

Quarry Lane is a picturesque no through road near Butleigh Cross

Glyn Baker

Buzzard

There were lots of these large raptors buzzing around Somerset but I am afraid this is the closest I got.

Glyn Baker

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.

Neville Goodman

A gloomy monument

By the side of a footpath through Great Breach Wood is a memorial to the victim of a shooting accident.

Neville Goodman

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.

Neville Goodman

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.

Neville Goodman

Who knows about the "New Ditch"?

The information board for the "New Ditch": can anybody help?

Neville Goodman

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.

Neville Goodman

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.

Neville Goodman