Folly Hill

Hill, Mountain in Somerset Mendip

England

Folly Hill

View from Clapton Road, Midsomer Norton View across the valley of the Wellow Brook, taken looking south from Clapton Road in Midsomer Norton.
Old Mills Colliery tip is the distance. — View from Clapton Road, Midsomer Norton Credit: Kevin Pearson

Folly Hill, located in Somerset, England, is a prominent hill offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. Situated near the town of Bruton, Folly Hill is part of the Mendip Hills range, which is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Rising to an elevation of approximately 226 meters (741 feet), Folly Hill is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking panoramic vistas. The hill is easily accessible, with well-maintained footpaths leading to its summit. These paths wind through lush green meadows, dense woodlands, and quaint villages, providing visitors with a delightful journey to the top.

At the summit of Folly Hill, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Somerset countryside. On clear days, it is possible to see the distant hills of Exmoor National Park, as well as Glastonbury Tor and the Bristol Channel. The hilltop offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for picnics or simply taking in the beauty of nature.

Folly Hill is also steeped in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Archaeological finds suggest that the hill was inhabited during the Iron Age and Roman periods. Additionally, the hill is home to a Bronze Age burial mound, adding to its historical significance.

Overall, Folly Hill provides a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and stunning views, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Somerset region.

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Folly Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.279305/-2.5058908 or Grid Reference ST6453. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View from Clapton Road, Midsomer Norton

View across the valley of the Wellow Brook, taken looking south from Clapton Road in Midsomer Norton. Old Mills Colliery tip is the distance.

Kevin Pearson

Langley's Lane near Clapton

Langley's Lane, which runs from the small village of Clapton to the A362 near Midsomer Norton, crossing the trackbed of the former Bristol & North Somerset Railway just past where the photograph was taken. The colliery heap of Old Mills Colliery is in the background.

Kevin Pearson

Restored station building, Midsomer Norton

Once on the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway Link

between Bath and Bournemouth.

Jonathan Thacker

D2128 at Midsomer Norton

A re-engined Class O3 locomotive Link

Jonathan Thacker

Rail mounted vehicle at Midsomer Norton

Jonathan Thacker

The end of the platform, Midsomer Norton

A restored section of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway Link

Jonathan Thacker

Sentinel steam locomotive 7109

At Midsomer Norton. Built by the Sentinel Waggon Works in 1927 Link

Jonathan Thacker

Restored signal box at Midsomer Norton

Jonathan Thacker

Not volcanic

A coal spoil heap rises above the greenery. Midsomer Norton and Radstock were important coalmining areas from the late 18th century, and production gradually increased with time up to 1900. However, the complicated local geology and nationalisation eventually led to the closure of all mining in September 1973. The heap is actually a SSSI and contains some interesting fossils, including the world's earliest known damselfly!

Neil Owen

Bradford - Bournemouth express pounding through Midsomer Norton South station

View northward, towards Bath: ex-Somerset & Dorset (Midland & LSW Joint) line, Bath (Green Park) - Templecombe - Bournemouth West. It is a Summer Saturday and the heavy 07.40 from Bradford (Forster Square) has reversed at Bath (dep. 14.50) and is due at Bournemouth West at 17.35. It needs two large locomotives to tackle the heavy gradients, here the long climb from Radstock up to Masbury. SR rebuilt Bulleid Light Pacific No. 34048 'Crediton' (built 11/46 as 21C148, rebuilt 3/59, withdrawn 3/66) is piloting BR Standard 5MT 4-6-0 No. 73019 (built 11/51, withdrawn 1/67). The station was closed with the line on 7/3/66, but the premises and a short length of track now belong to the Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust. (See also ST6653 : Midsomer Norton South Station, with Down express).

Ben Brooksbank

Midsomer Norton South Station

This station was opened on 20 July 1874 as part of the Somerset & Dorset Railway's extension from Evercreech Junction to Bath. It closed in 1966 along with the rest of the line between Bath and Bournemouth. The Somerset & Dorset Heritage Trust was established in 1992, and has restored the Midsomer Norton South station. Future plans include relaying tracks to Chilcompton, the next station south, via the Chilcompton Tunnel.

Mike Smith

Midsomer Norton South Station

This station was opened on 20 July 1874 as part of the Somerset & Dorset Railway. It closed in 1966 along with the rest of the line between Bath and Bournemouth. The Somerset & Dorset Heritage Trust have restored the station and plan to relay tracks to Chilcompton, the next station south, and then begin passenger journeys. This view shows the tracks leading towards Chilcompton, which at present extend for about a quarter of a mile.

Mike Smith

Midsomer Norton South Station

The Somerset & Dorset Heritage Trust was established in 1992, and has restored the Midsomer Norton South station. Future plans include relaying tracks to Chilcompton, the next station south, via the Chilcompton Tunnel. This view shows the tracks, heading towards Chilcompton, which extend for a quarter of a mile.

Mike Smith

Midsomer Norton South Station

This station was opened on 20 July 1874, but closed in 1966 along with the rest of the line between Bath and Bournemouth. The Somerset & Dorset Heritage Trust was established in 1992, and has restored the Midsomer Norton South station. This high-level view of the station complex is taken from the hill at the back of the station.

Mike Smith

Missing Railway Bridge

There was a railway bridge here from 1874 to 1966 when the railway closed along with the adjacent Midsomer Norton South station. The station has been restored, but it is unlikely that the bridge will be reinstated. As can be seen, the old track on the other side of the road has been turned into a foot and cycle path. It continues into Radstock, which was the next station.

Mike Smith

The Street, Chilcompton

The older part of the village, tucked away off the main road, contains mainly pleasant old houses, together with later infill which varies in its sensitivity to the location.

HelenK

Waterfall and bus shelter, Chilcompton

The bus shelter is brightly painted inside, like some others in the village. The small waterfall is an attractive feature and attracts wildlife you might not often see in a village - a grey wagtail appeared shortly after this photo was taken.

HelenK