The Cam Brook Valley from Southstoke

(S/E)The start of the walk is the attractive village of Southstoke a few miles south of Bath. The attractive village is noted for its mellow cottages built from local Bath stone. Limited on street parking is available but do remember not to cause inconvenience for local residents. From the small green in the centre of the village (grid ref. ST747613) walk west passing the parish church on your left. A short way past the church there is a choice of paths. Bear right following a clear track with woodland to your left. In 600 metres the main track bears left and you should continue straight ahead on a path through light woodland, across a field to reach Combe Hey Lane (grid ref. ST733612).

(1)Turn left and immediately leave the lane onto a restricted byway heading south. At the first junction (after 200 metres or so) keep straight ahead and follow this as it descends into the Cam Brook Valley to reach a road (grid ref. ST736600). After 200 metres join the path along the old railway on your left and follow this for just under 800 metres to a junction with the Limestone Link path.

(2)Bear right crossing the lane and continue along the Limestone Link as it follows a meandering course beside the Cam Brook to join the B3110 at Midford (grid ref. ST760606). Cross the road and join the path along the old trackbed of the Somerset and Dorset railway and head north for a kilometre to reach a substantial bridge (grid ref. ST763616).

(3)Cross the bridge and descend to the left to join a path leading west through Horsecombe Vale. Reaching a path junction at grid ref. ST759616), bear left and steadily climb through fields to reach the B3110 at a road junction (grid ref. ST752615). Cross with care and locate the footpath opposite. This leads half left across a field to join Packhorse Lane. Turn right along the lane back into the centre of Southstoke village.

For accommodation in the local area, contact the Abbey Hotel at http://abbeyhotelbath.co.uk/