Ellicombe Combe

Valley in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

Ellicombe Combe

Farm building with monopitch roof At Lower Marsh Farm near Dunster. Seen from the public footpath that passes through the farm. — Farm building with monopitch roof Credit: Stephen Craven

Ellicombe Combe is a picturesque valley located in the county of Somerset, England. Nestled between the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel, it boasts stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere that attracts visitors from near and far.

The valley is characterized by its rolling green hills, dense woodlands, and meandering streams. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and a variety of bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The valley is also dotted with charming cottages and farms, adding to its rustic charm.

Ellicombe Combe offers a multitude of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking and walking trails wind through the valley, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The valley is also a popular spot for picnicking and photography, with its idyllic landscapes providing the perfect backdrop for capturing memorable moments.

History buffs will find plenty to explore in Ellicombe Combe as well. The valley is steeped in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. Ruins of ancient settlements and burial sites can be found in the area, offering a glimpse into the valley's rich past.

Overall, Ellicombe Combe is a hidden gem in Somerset, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a true taste of rural England.

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Ellicombe Combe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.188729/-3.4631401 or Grid Reference SS9744. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farm building with monopitch roof At Lower Marsh Farm near Dunster. Seen from the public footpath that passes through the farm.

Farm building with monopitch roof

At Lower Marsh Farm near Dunster. Seen from the public footpath that passes through the farm.

Footpath past Lower Marsh Farm Note the hay barn to the right.

Footpath past Lower Marsh Farm

Note the hay barn to the right.

Cows at Lower Marsh Farm

Cows at Lower Marsh Farm

Dunster station platform Dunster, opened in 1874, is a single-platform station on the West Somerset Railway, the last stop before Minehead.

Dunster station platform

Dunster, opened in 1874, is a single-platform station on the West Somerset Railway, the last stop before Minehead.

Diesel at the rear, Dunster Due to work on a level crossing, trains were unable to get to Minehead during 2021, and were being turned back at Dunster, which therefore became the passenger terminus. On this particular day, operations were complicated by the fact that a special train was due to arrive and depart before this scheduled service returned to Bishops Lydeard, and with only a single platform here the stock had to be temporarily stored in sidings just beyond the station. With no run-round facility for the steam loco, this meant having another engine (in this instance a class 33 diesel) at the back of the train from which it could be driven back into the station before the steam loco ran round ready for the next departure.

Diesel at the rear, Dunster

Due to work on a level crossing, trains were unable to get to Minehead during 2021, and were being turned back at Dunster, which therefore became the passenger terminus. On this particular day, operations were complicated by the fact that a special train was due to arrive and depart before this scheduled service returned to Bishops Lydeard, and with only a single platform here the stock had to be temporarily stored in sidings just beyond the station. With no run-round facility for the steam loco, this meant having another engine (in this instance a class 33 diesel) at the back of the train from which it could be driven back into the station before the steam loco ran round ready for the next departure.

Off to the sidings at Dunster Due to work on a level crossing, trains were unable to get to Minehead during 2021, and were being turned back at Dunster, which therefore became the passenger terminus. On this particular day, operations were complicated by the fact that a special train was due to arrive and depart before this scheduled service returned to Bishops Lydeard, and with only a single platform here the stock had to be temporarily stored in sidings just beyond the station. With no run-round facility for the steam loco, this meant having another engine (in this instance a class 33 diesel) at the back of the train from which it could be driven back into the station before the steam loco ran round ready for the next departure.

Off to the sidings at Dunster

Due to work on a level crossing, trains were unable to get to Minehead during 2021, and were being turned back at Dunster, which therefore became the passenger terminus. On this particular day, operations were complicated by the fact that a special train was due to arrive and depart before this scheduled service returned to Bishops Lydeard, and with only a single platform here the stock had to be temporarily stored in sidings just beyond the station. With no run-round facility for the steam loco, this meant having another engine (in this instance a class 33 diesel) at the back of the train from which it could be driven back into the station before the steam loco ran round ready for the next departure.

Dunster station trackwork The West Somerset Railway has been a private preserved railway since 1976, but Dunster seems to have retained all the track and buildings from its pre-1971 British Railways days. There is only one passenger platform, and the sidings and shed to the left here are now used by the railway&#039;s engineering department.

Dunster station trackwork

The West Somerset Railway has been a private preserved railway since 1976, but Dunster seems to have retained all the track and buildings from its pre-1971 British Railways days. There is only one passenger platform, and the sidings and shed to the left here are now used by the railway's engineering department.

Lamp room at Dunster A lamp room was where oil lamps were kept to be attached to the front and rear of trains before the days of electric lighting, and spare oil for these, station lighting and the backlights of old-style semaphore signals. As the WSR still has the latter, it may still be in use.

Lamp room at Dunster

A lamp room was where oil lamps were kept to be attached to the front and rear of trains before the days of electric lighting, and spare oil for these, station lighting and the backlights of old-style semaphore signals. As the WSR still has the latter, it may still be in use.

Level crossing at Dunster station The crossing on Station Road in an unguarded one, with neither gates nor barriers, or even flashing lights. Safety relies on trains going dead slow entering or leaving the station, and drivers hearing the train&#039;s whistle. Even on preserved railways, such crossings are now rare. Maybe the fact this is a dead-end road only serving a couple of farms and a few holiday cottages mean the risk is considered acceptably low.

Level crossing at Dunster station

The crossing on Station Road in an unguarded one, with neither gates nor barriers, or even flashing lights. Safety relies on trains going dead slow entering or leaving the station, and drivers hearing the train's whistle. Even on preserved railways, such crossings are now rare. Maybe the fact this is a dead-end road only serving a couple of farms and a few holiday cottages mean the risk is considered acceptably low.

Dunster station building Seen as approaching from the village, which is a mile from the station (not unusual for a small country station). The main building is listed grade II (list entry 1057599) and according to Historic England dates from 1871 although the line didn&#039;t open until 1874.

Dunster station building

Seen as approaching from the village, which is a mile from the station (not unusual for a small country station). The main building is listed grade II (list entry 1057599) and according to Historic England dates from 1871 although the line didn't open until 1874.

Dunster station - former goods shed and dock

The West Somerset Railway has been a private preserved railway since 1976, but Dunster seems to have retained all the track and buildings from its pre-1971 British Railways days. There is only one passenger platform, and the sidings, goods dock and shed to the right here are now used by the railway's engineering department. The former goods shed dating from 1874 is listed grade II (list entry 1250444). Note the gauging structure outside the shed doors, which would represent the profile of the lowest bridges on the line to make sure nothing would get knocked off overloaded wagons.

Dunster station - former goods shed The West Somerset Railway has been a private preserved railway since 1976, but Dunster seems to have retained all the track and buildings from its pre-1971 British Railways days. The former goods shed dating from 1874 is listed grade II (list entry 1250444). See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6908957">SS9944 : Dunster station - former goods shed and dock</a> for the other end.

Dunster station - former goods shed

The West Somerset Railway has been a private preserved railway since 1976, but Dunster seems to have retained all the track and buildings from its pre-1971 British Railways days. The former goods shed dating from 1874 is listed grade II (list entry 1250444). See SS9944 : Dunster station - former goods shed and dock for the other end.

Dunster station - engineer's train The former goods sidings at Dunster are now the WSR&#039;s engineering depot. Here, a road-rail excavator is attached to several hopper wagons and some flats.

Dunster station - engineer's train

The former goods sidings at Dunster are now the WSR's engineering depot. Here, a road-rail excavator is attached to several hopper wagons and some flats.

Dunster station - arrival of a special train On this occasion, the West Somerset Railway accommodated an extra charter train between its own scheduled steam workings. The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group used ‘Hymek’ diesel loco D7018 both for an excursion from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster and back, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren and back on the return leg. Such was the demand that tickets had apparently sold out within a few days.

Dunster station - arrival of a special train

On this occasion, the West Somerset Railway accommodated an extra charter train between its own scheduled steam workings. The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group used ‘Hymek’ diesel loco D7018 both for an excursion from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster and back, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren and back on the return leg. Such was the demand that tickets had apparently sold out within a few days.

Dunster station - steam train approaching Ex-Great Western Railway locomotive 5199, on hire from the Llangollen Railway, brings its coaches back from the sidings to form the 14.40 departure to Bishops Lydeard.

Dunster station - steam train approaching

Ex-Great Western Railway locomotive 5199, on hire from the Llangollen Railway, brings its coaches back from the sidings to form the 14.40 departure to Bishops Lydeard.

Dunster station - rail replacement buses Due to work being needed to a level crossing between here and Minehead, steam trains were terminating at Dunster during 2021, with a small fleet of buses taking passengers on to Minehead. The three seen here are two open top buses, an AEG Regent dating from 1934 in Devon General livery and a 1976 Bristol VR in the livery of Bristol city, and a modern double-decker (not open-top) from First Bus Norwich.

Dunster station - rail replacement buses

Due to work being needed to a level crossing between here and Minehead, steam trains were terminating at Dunster during 2021, with a small fleet of buses taking passengers on to Minehead. The three seen here are two open top buses, an AEG Regent dating from 1934 in Devon General livery and a 1976 Bristol VR in the livery of Bristol city, and a modern double-decker (not open-top) from First Bus Norwich.

Dunster Dairy Cottages Seen from Station Road.

Dunster Dairy Cottages

Seen from Station Road.

Outbuildings of Dunster Old Manor The 15th century manor house itself is not in this view but see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2363606">SS9944 : The Old Manor, Marsh Street</a>. However the barn seen in the background to this photo is included in the listing (grade II*, list entry 1345608). To the right, by the gate, is a holiday cottage called The Granary.

Outbuildings of Dunster Old Manor

The 15th century manor house itself is not in this view but see SS9944 : The Old Manor, Marsh Street. However the barn seen in the background to this photo is included in the listing (grade II*, list entry 1345608). To the right, by the gate, is a holiday cottage called The Granary.

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Ellicombe Combe is located at Grid Ref: SS9744 (Lat: 51.188729, Lng: -3.4631401)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Somerset West and Taunton

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///retain.trip.bearable. Near Minehead, Somerset

Nearby Locations

Penny Hill Horse Pond Combe Arms Hill Catchmost Hill Ellicombe Combe Alcombe Common

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.188729,-3.4631401

Social Facility

Dunster Lodge

Addr City: Minehead

Addr Country: GB

Addr Place: Alcombe

Addr Postcode: TA24 6EW

Addr Street: Manor Road

Fhrs Authority: West Somerset

Fhrs Id: 160893

Fhrs Local Authority Id: PI/000000761

Social Facility: assisted_living

Social Facility For: senior

Lat/Long: 51.1918697/-3.4679648

Hiking: yes

Information: guidepost

Source: GPS survey

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 51.1885883/-3.4629169

Hiking: yes

Information: route_marker

Source: GPS survey

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 51.1883613/-3.4632871

Hiking: yes

Information: guidepost

Source: GPS survey

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 51.1857732/-3.4661275

Hiking: yes

Information: guidepost

Source: GPS survey

Tourism: information

Lat/Long: 51.1908913/-3.4599745

Generator Method: photovoltaic

Generator Output Electricity: yes

Generator Source: solar

Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel

Location: roof

Power: generator

Lat/Long: 51.1923874/-3.4608838

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Cwm Clun Brecknockshire

Cwm Caedafydd Glamorgan

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