Start/Finish: Holford village Total distance: 9.5km (4.1 miles) Time: 1-2 hours Summary: One up, one down and a scenic trundle along the tops gives you a taste of what the area has to offer without being too intimidating. From the centre of Holford, take the byway that leaves the village to climb due west out of the village, along the ridge that borders the north edge of Hodder’s Combe. Ascend steeply, sticking to the main trail and keeping Alfoxton Park and Pardlestone Hill to your right. As the doubletrack levels off, bear left to continue climbing on the bridleway. Crest the rise and descend to Bicknoller Post; it’s marked with a wooden pillar and is a great place to soak up the view. Turn left along the main track, sticking with the wide, rough and sometimes loose doubletrack as it heads south along the spine of the ridge over Thorncombe Hill. At the split above Hurley Beacon, bear left, ascending gently to the top of Robin Upright’s Hill where six paths of varying levels of defi nition converge. Take the bridleway left which heads towards Holford and descend Frog Hill to the valley fl oor, where you’ll pick up the Holford Combe singletrack. Follow the river downstream, crossing over it several times. Pass through the gate at the end and head back to the village along the road, with Combe House Hotel to your left.by ocoutts
© Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2BW. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.