Somerset walk: a circular route from the city of Wells

The quaint city of Wells is best known for its intricate cathedral, impressive moat-surrounded palace and of course, Vicars’ Close – one of the oldest residential streets in Europe. But beyond its historic landmarks Wells is also surrounded by some beautiful countryside, with scenic walking routes that weave through the city and neighbouring Somerset villages.

This peaceful circular walk starts and ends at the historic Bishop’s Palace, taking you across a variety of terrain including fields, woodland paths, tracks and quiet lanes as you pass through the charming villages of Dinder and Dulcote. Apart from one short but steep climb, the route is mostly flat and easy-going, with lovely views throughout. It’s best enjoyed on a dry day, as several sections can become muddy after rain. We also encountered cows in a couple of fields, although they seemed completely unbothered by our presence.

The Bishops Palace in Wells (Image: Getty Images)

THE WALK

1. Begin at the Bishop’s Palace. With the moat on your left, follow the path all the way along until it begins to bend around the corner. Cross the road towards the metal gates by the curved stone wall, heading away from the palace and into the field. Go through the gate and take the tarmac path running up the left-hand side of the field. Follow this gentle track through several gates until it eventually leads into some trees beside the main road.

2. Carefully cross the road (B3139) and you’ll spot a wooden kissing gate almost directly opposite. Enter the field and keep left, following the steep trodden path uphill to the metal gate. Once at the top, spin around and admire the magical view across Somerset, full of rolling patchwork fields and the silhouette of Glastonbury Tor on the horizon. Cut straight across the field where you’ll pass an old wartime pillbox on your left. Shortly afterwards, go through the hedge and join a gravel track where you’ll turn right.

3. Continue along the track and when there is a slight fork in the route, keep left and follow the way marker for East Mendip Way. You’ll have trees to your left and Wells Golf Course on your right.

Dinder church (Image: Heidi Hellings)

4. At the end of the golf course, you’ll see the path continuing straight into woodland and another heading down a slope to the right. Take the right-hand path and go through the wooden gate. This section feels a little wilder and more overgrown, so it’s worth checking for ticks afterwards. Pass through the gate into a field and keep right. Continue towards the double metal gate directly ahead before the field curves around the corner. You’ll rejoin a track again now, with grass growing between the tyre marks. Follow it to the right as it becomes a narrow country lane. You’ll pass the impressive Sharcombe Park before descending into the picturesque village of Dinder and walk past Dinder Village Hall.

5. Turn right at St Michael’s Church onto Church Street. Follow Church Street past a collection of beautiful cottages and period homes before taking the stile into the cricket field. Keep left along the lower edge of the field and go through the gate into the next field which has a tree standing in the centre. Follow the worn path across the field and through the gate beyond.

Cross the stream (Image: Heidi Hellings)

6. Keep left and head towards the hedge boundary before crossing a small bridge over a stream into the next field. Keep right, then continue into the following field, again staying right, before following the path into the charming village of Dulcote.

7. Leave the field and turn left onto Constitution Hill (B3139). Follow the pavement up through the village before crossing the road near the water fountain.

8. Continue past a collection of attractive old houses and barn conversions before taking the footpath on the right which is tucked between two properties and their extensive gardens.

9. Go through the metal gate and over a wooden stile into a field. Keep left, following the field around a gentle bend before crossing another stile into the next field, where you’ll keep right. Cross the field and carefully make your way over a small bridge spanning another stream (be careful, a few planks were missing when we visited). Follow the path to a metal gate leading into what appears to be an overgrown bridleway. Almost opposite, you’ll spot an equally overgrown wooden stile leading into another field, where the skyline of Wells comes back into view.

10. With wonderful views of Wells Cathedral ahead of you, cross the centre of the maize field (this can be slightly more challenging later in the season when crops are fully grown). Continue into the next field, with trees on your left and open farmland to your right.

Follow the path as it loops back through the first field you walked through at the start of the route. Exit the field and you’ll find yourself back at Bishop’s Palace, completing the circular walk..

Distance: 4.6 miles

(Image: OS Maps)

The Bishop’s Palace

The Bishop’s Palace is one of Somerset’s most impressive historic landmarks and makes a lovely place to spend some time before or after this circular walk. Built in the early 13th century as the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells, the palace has stood at the heart of the city for more than 800 years.

The large surrounding moat is home to a bevy of resident swans, and if you’re lucky, you might even see them ring a bell when they’re ready to be fed – a skill they’ve learnt that’s delighted visitors for generations.

While you’ll need a ticket to visit the palace and gardens themselves, parts of the grounds and the scenic moat walk can be enjoyed free of charge.

The Viewpoint

There may only be one steep climb on this circular walk, but the reward at the top is more than worth a few minutes of burning legs. From this elevated viewpoint, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views across the Somerset countryside with Glastonbury Tor rising proudly on the horizon. It’s a great spot to pause for a quick breather, take a few photos and appreciate just how beautiful this part of Somerset really is.

Dulcote

This sleepy Somerset village is a joy to wander through. It’s full of character, with beautiful period homes and if you keep your eyes peeled as you explore, you might even spot the owl sitting in the open window of one of the converted barns. Dulcote is also home to the Dulcote Fountain, an unusual water feature that’s been flowing for more than 150 years. Fed by a natural spring, the fountain is constantly coated in mineral-rich water. Over time, these minerals have built up on the rock surface, gradually increasing its size and creating the distinctive formation you see today.

Heidi Hellings is the author behind travel blog Roost & Roam: roostandroam.co.uk