A gentle meander alongside Blackbrook and around pleasant Hamilton Gault Park. The stream is a traffic-free route for wildlife in and out of the town, including otters and water voles. Come out on a summer evening and watch bats flying above your head catching insects.
A
Taunton walk
posted on 27/08/21 by Somerset Wildlife Trust. Last update : 27/08/21
Description
(S/E) Start at the tarmac cycle path, off Blackbrook Park Avenue, between NHS South West House and Broomhay House. Follow the cycle path down to Blackbrook Way, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing, then pass the play area on the left and along Blackbrook. You may spot sticklebacks in the water.
(1) You can either keep to the cycle path or take the alternative route to the left, just after the play area, that leads round behind the trees. Both routes lead past the holding pool, built to help prevent flooding. N.B. The alternative route may be muddy and slippery- take care.
Either rejoin the cycle path to the right, or continue on the alternative track behind the trees, and eventually rejoin the cycle path later on.
(2) Continue on to the Blackbrook Open Space information board and take the right hand fork. Continue on the path to the road. Cross the road and turn right and then left at Severn Drive. Continue on the cycle path that winds through the housing estate, until you reach Hamilton Gault Park with its spectacular avenue of Horse Chestnut trees.
In Summer why not try out the green gym equipment? And in Winter, stroll amongst the trees, laden with mistletoe- a favourite food of the Blackcap.
(3) After a loop around the park, you can retrace your steps, through the housing estate and alongside Blackbrook. For an alternative route on the way back, you can turn left at the green bridge and follow the path on the right. N.B. The alternative route may be muddy and slippery—take care(S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 14 m - Blackbrook Park Avenue
- 1 : km 0.22 - alt. 14 m - Alternative route
- 2 : km 0.59 - alt. 15 m - Blackbrook Open Space information board
- 3 : km 1.03 - alt. 16 m - Park
- S/E : km 2.84 - alt. 14 m - Blackbrook Park Avenue
Useful Information
Tarmac (with optional dirt path).
Walkers need appropriate footwear.
More details : https://www.somersetwildlife.org/wildlif...
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
Grey Heron
Spot this long-legged bird wading out into shallow water to catch small fish and insects with its pointy dagger-like beak.
Otter
Look for dark smears of poo with fish bones in them on prominent stones or logs. This is how the Otter marks its territory.
Southern Hawker Dragonfly
This large black and green dragonfly can be seen flitting about catching flying insects to eat.
Point of Interest
Back at the starting point, if you cross the road you can follow a path leading off on the opposite side, to circle a lovely pond. This is a great spot to glimpse kingfishers!
