Watersmeet by Ash Bridge and South Hill Common

Description

Park your car at Watersmeet car park (along A39 Watersmeet Road)

(D/A) Go down the zig-zag path and cross the bridge over Hoar Oak Water which meets the East Lyn River. Past the bridge, turn right to "Waterfall viewpoint 1/4m" ascending the steep steps. and follow the flat path for 200 metres which leads to the viewpoint.

(1) Then, retrace your steps to the last junction and turn right following "Bridleway Rockford 1 1/2m".
Go past a building in ruins along East Lyn River until a fork with Barton Wood signpost. At this fork, bear left to "Footpath to Rockford 1m" ignoring paths on the right. Walk the path along the river for 500 metres before you reach Ash Bridge.

(2) Cross the bridge, bear left "Watersmeet" a few yards before you quickly turn right "Countisbury". Ascend the rocky path until you reach a fork. Head to the steps you can see on the left. Go up until the path levels a little bit and turn left at the right angle next to the power line.

(3) Then, you will cross a mountain bike trail (keep left side) and reach a junction signpost. Go straight "Winston's path, Contisbury 1/2" and ascent again a few steep steps. Close to the top, the view of the valley from the path is worth this effort! This beautiful balcony path finally goes down to another junction.

(4) Bear sharply left "Watersmeet 3/4m" going down the footpath in the valley. Continue "Watersmeet 1/2m" when the path levels. You finally reach a track.

(5) Go straight on this track which leads to Watersmeet House where you can enjoy a tea garden. From the tea garden, Cross the two bridges and, this time, ascend the zig-zag path which leads to the car park.(D/A)