Dead Woman's Bottom

Valley in Somerset Mendip

England

Dead Woman's Bottom

Old Milestone West of Whatley Crossroads The Milestone is located on grass verge and hedge on the South of the road. Parish of Whatley (Mendip District). Metal plate attached to stone post, Frome square iron plate design, erected by the Frome turnpike trust in the 18th Century. An earlier photograph can be found here: <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6051504" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6051504">Link</a>

Inscription reads:-
FROME / 3 / WELLS / 12

Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1295398 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1295398" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1295398">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Milestone Society National ID: SO_FRWL03 — Old Milestone West of Whatley Crossroads Credit: JR Dowding

Dead Woman's Bottom is a small valley located in Somerset, England. Nestled within the picturesque Mendip Hills, this unique geographical feature has captured the curiosity of residents and visitors alike. Despite its rather macabre name, there is no evidence to suggest any connection to a deceased woman.

The valley itself is a narrow, elongated depression with steep sides, carved out by the erosive power of water over thousands of years. It is surrounded by lush greenery, including dense woodland and meadows, which add to its natural beauty. The valley is also home to a small stream that winds its way through the landscape, enhancing its tranquility.

The origin of the valley's name is uncertain, with several theories proposed over time. One suggests that it may have been derived from the Old English word "botm," meaning valley or hollow, while another theory suggests it could refer to a burial site. Yet, no historical evidence or records have been found to support these claims.

Despite its mysterious name, Dead Woman's Bottom has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers and nature lovers are drawn to the area to explore its scenic trails and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. The valley also attracts birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate the diverse range of flora and fauna that call this place home.

In conclusion, Dead Woman's Bottom is a captivating valley in Somerset, England, known for its natural beauty and intriguing name. While the origin of its name remains shrouded in mystery, the valley continues to enchant visitors with its picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere.

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Dead Woman's Bottom Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.214496/-2.4079676 or Grid Reference ST7146. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Milestone West of Whatley Crossroads

The Milestone is located on grass verge and hedge on the South of the road. Parish of Whatley (Mendip District). Metal plate attached to stone post, Frome square iron plate design, erected by the Frome turnpike trust in the 18th Century. An earlier photograph can be found here: Link Inscription reads:- FROME / 3 / WELLS / 12 Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1295398 Link

Milestone Society National ID: SO_FRWL03

JR Dowding

2011 : Track through Asham Wood

Wikipedia has this to say: "Asham Wood is the largest and most diverse of the ancient semi-natural woods in the Mendips. It has been the subject of controversy and attempts to protect the environment from increased quarrying activity in the area. The wood occupies 2 deep valleys and the intervening plateau. Most of the underlying rocks are calcareous Carboniferous Limestone and Shales, but Devonian Portishead Beds outcrop along the northern valley. There [is] a range of unusual flora and fauna. At Asham Wood near Frome coppicing and 50 dormouse boxes have been introduced in order to encourage nesting. The boxes are monitored and dormice numbers are recorded." Link

The only access to Asham Wood from the road is on the north east edge near Dead Womans Bottom, otherwise it is by footpath.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Track through Asham Wood

The only access to Asham Wood from the road is on the north east edge near Dead Womans Bottom, otherwise it is by footpath.

Maurice Pullin

2011 : Into Asham Wood on the East Mendip Way

The East Mendip Way runs between Wells and Frome Link

Mendip Way Asham Wood is about two thirds of the way along starting from Wells.

Maurice Pullin

Road at Park Corner

Rob Purvis

Gate on Limekiln Lane onto guarded property

Rob Purvis

Finger Farm yard

Rob Purvis

Road to Mells at Finger Farm

Rob Purvis

A wet field entrance

Rob Purvis

Nunney: Primrose Hill

Somerset Lodge.

Michael Garlick

New Manor Farm

The Mendip Way follows a route down this valley.

Patrick Mackie

Direction Sign - Signpost on Old Wells Road, Leigh on Mendip

Lost finial - 4 arms; Somerset SCC pyramid by the UC road, in parish of Leigh On Mendip (Mendip District), on the south side of the Y junction of Old Wells Road and Green Lane. surveyed Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST6946

Milestone Society

Path along New Manor Farm

The fencing borders the East Mendip Way and keeps a few horses in, despite a little wavering.

Neil Owen

Quarry nr Holwell

One of several smallish quarries at the Eastern end of the Mendips.

Graham Richards

Holwell

A view looking northwest across a local access road towards the Bear Inn at Holwell. This road was once the main A361 before a new bridge was built over the brook and the road re-aligned with a crawler lane up Holwell Hill to avoid congestion with the many heavy vehicles carrying stone from the local quarries.

Phil Williams

The Bear Inn, Holwell

A view looking east along the old A361, now relegated to a local access road. The Bear Inn is at left with the old bridge over the Nunney Brook at right.

Phil Williams