Description:
This walk from the centre of Wellington follows the route of the West Deane Way along the old towpath of the now disused Great western Canal. It visits the historic remains of the Nynehead boat lift on the disused Grand Western Canal. There is a 650 metre section of this walk that follows besides the Nynehead Road which does not have a pavement so care needs to be taken.
Walk Grade:
Easy
Distance:
4.9 miles / 7.9km
Time:
1 hour 45 mins / 2 hours 15 mins
Parking:
This walk starts from the long stay car park in North Street, Wellington (TA21 8LZ) (Grid Ref: ST 137205).
Ascent:
316 feet / 96 metres
Walk Route:
From the car park walk into the centre of Wellington and turn left into Fore Street and then continue along the High Street to leave the town passing the church of St John the Baptist. At a roundabout continue along the Taunton Road, at the next round-about turn left into Nynehead Road (Grid Ref: ST146214).
After 300 metres fork left on the road signposted to Nynehead and Milverton. This soon goes under a railway bridge carrying the Penzance to Paddington line. 250 metres further along the road on reaching Wharf Cottage take a footpath on the left (Grid Ref: ST145220).
This path runs along the route of the canal towpath besides the old wharf and after 200 metres reaches the remains of the Nynehead Boatlift. Go up besides the top level of the boatlift, and follow the footpath along the route of the old towpath on the West Deane Way. After 2km on reaching Tone, cross the B3187 (Grid Ref: ST127217).
Continue on the West Deane Way along a well-used fenced path for 660 metres to reach a field (Grid Ref: ST121215). Here leave the West Deane Way and turn left to walk 50 metres uphill to a stile. Now head south across fields to reach a track besides a field of solar panels and stay with the track as it passes Tonedale farm and heads into Lower Westford (Grid Ref: ST123206).
At a minor road turn left and then after 30 metres take a footpath on the right which goes down a driveway besides a thatched cottage. The footpath then enters a field and continues in a southerly direction on a path towards trees. After entering the trees the path reaches a crossing on the railway (Grid Ref: ST124206).
This is a mainline so cross with extreme care and join a footpath on the far side which heads east through the trees. Stay besides the stream to reach a tarmac path (Grid Ref: ST127206). Follow this path to reach lakes next door to the Wellington Sports Centre. On reaching Corams Lane turn right into Waterloo Road (Grid Ref: ST132209).
Now follow the pavement besides the B3187 Waterloo Road. As this road nears the centre of Wellington it becomes North Street. At a crossroads turn left into Fore Street and return to the starting point in North Street car park.
Toilets:
There are public toilets in the North Street car park, Longfield Road and Wellington Park.
Toilets are also available in the pubs on this route during opening hours.
Refreshments:
Wellington: There are a wide range of pubs and cafes in Wellington.
To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:
To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL128 – Taunton & Blackdown Hills.
Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.