Walking the way of Withys
from Thorney to Stembridge
A maximum of fourteen at a time may join this wild and interesting three and a half mile walk alongside the withy fields of Kingsbury Episcopi. If you don’t mind getting wet, a good day to go is when it is grey, overcast and there is a light drizzle.
This is a level, and sometimes extremely wet and muddy three and a half mile walk. It takes you along the edge of the levels where, until recently, withys (willow) have been grown for centuries.
The walk can be achieved in two hours, but allow two and a half hours to cater for the slowest. The footpath, better described as an animal track, probably hasn't changed much in hundreds of years. It is somewhat overgrown in early summer and places can be uneven underfoot.
The walk has a number of Bristol and Kissing gates. In all there are a dozen or more stiles and includes one that is unusually built in brick.
Definitely one for 'wellies' if recent days have had heavy rain. Gateways and farm tracks can flood to six or eight inches which can make it impossibly uncomfortable to pass wearing walking boots. The final mile or so to the Rusty Axe crosses open farm land which is situated on slightly higher ground. The views here are quite contrasting when compared to the levels.
The Rusty Axe is approached from the rear, where lunch, coffee or a relaxing drink may be had while waiting for our local NippyBus to pick up our walkers and carry them homeward, to South Petherton.
Click Here to down load the Thorney to Stembridge Nippy Bus Walk route map.
Please note that the Walk Leader needs to be
contacted to confirm Nippy Bus seating requirements.