Carhampton

Settlement in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

Carhampton

Farmland at Marshwood Almost level land forms a plateau around 10-20m above sea level, above the cliffs at Blue Anchor. — Farmland at Marshwood Credit: Stephen Craven

Carhampton is a small village located in the county of Somerset, in the southwestern part of England. Situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park, it lies approximately 5 miles west of Minehead and 20 miles northwest of Taunton. The village is nestled in a picturesque valley, surrounded by rolling hills and stunning countryside.

With a population of around 700 people, Carhampton has a tight-knit community. It is known for its historic charm and preserved architecture. The village features a mix of period buildings, including thatched cottages, traditional farmhouses, and a 13th-century church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The church boasts beautiful stained glass windows and an imposing tower.

Carhampton is also home to a few amenities to serve its residents and visitors. These include a village shop, a post office, and a primary school. The village pub, The Carhampton Arms, is a popular gathering spot, offering a warm atmosphere and traditional British fare.

The surrounding area offers several attractions and activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Exmoor National Park is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers, with its rugged landscapes, wooded valleys, and diverse wildlife. Carhampton's proximity to the coast also allows for easy access to the stunning beaches of the North Somerset coastline.

Overall, Carhampton is a charming village that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its idyllic location, historic buildings, and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike.

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Carhampton Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.172961/-3.420503 or Grid Reference ST0042. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmland at Marshwood

Almost level land forms a plateau around 10-20m above sea level, above the cliffs at Blue Anchor.

Stephen Craven

Cereal crop at Marshwood Farm

Seen from a passing train.

Stephen Craven

Lower quadrant signal for Blue Anchor station

This is the home signal which would be set to danger (horizontal) if there was a train already in the station.

Stephen Craven

Blue Anchor station

According to the railway's guide book, this halt was opened in 1904 as a speculative development preceding a new holiday resort, which never came fruition. It now acts as a passing loop on the West Somerset Railway. Here, a westbound steam train encounters a diesel locomotive on the other track, which was attached to the rear to be used for shunting movements at the temporary terminus at Dunster.

Stephen Craven

Blue Anchor railway museum

The museum occupies the building on the down (westbound) side of the station.

Stephen Craven

Up home signal for Blue Anchor station

The West Somerset Railway still uses these archaic lower-quadrant signals.

Stephen Craven

Blue Anchor Bay

Seen from the West Somerset Railway which runs along the edge of the coast for a short distance.

Stephen Craven

Sewer outfalls into Blue Anchor Bay

See ST0143 : Blue Anchor : Water Shoots out into the Sea and ST0143 : Drainage outlets into the Bristol Channel for close-ups, which show that they do sometimes get used.

Stephen Craven

Footpath crossing to Blue Anchor Bay

It gives access to the South-west Coast Path. See ST0143 : Path over the railway on Ker Moor for the other side of the sign in the foreground.

Stephen Craven

Milepost on Ker Moor

It marks 185 miles from London Paddington via Taunton.

Stephen Craven

Sheep on Ker Moor

Seen from a passing train.

Stephen Craven

Old pillbox on Ker Moor

One of many World War II defences along this coast, set in the middle of a crop field. See ST0044 : Old structure on Ker Moor for the other side of it seen from the coastal path.

Stephen Craven

Flood channel of the river Avill

I thought this was a road to the beach, but in fact it is a floodwater channel intended to prevent the village of Marsh Street from flooding. ST0044 : Looking inland from bridge near Dunster Beach shows it with some water in it, but it's obviously designed to take major storm flows, perhaps like the flash flood that overwhelmed Lynmouth in 1952 See SS9943 : View From Loxhole Bridge for the weir at the head of the channel.

Stephen Craven