Bruton Circular via Stourhead Walk

22.7 km (14.1 mi), with 490m ascent/descent. For a longer walk see below Walk Options.

6 out of 10, with 5 ½ hours walking time. For the whole outing, including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 11 hours.

This excursion is centred on the small remote Somerset town of Bruton, with its honey-coloured stone-built cottages, a large dovecote on a mound overlooking the townscape and a fine selection of tea options. It leads along the vigorous River Brue and through bucolic pastures up to the wooded range forming the boundary between Wiltshire and Somerset, with the dominant local landmark Alfred’s Tower, a folly, on top of it. From there you drop down through enchanting woods to the heart of the Stourhead Estate at the source of the River Stour, with its breath-taking 18^th century landscaped garden with lakeside walks, grottoes and classical temples (National Trust, ticketed entry, although large parts of the garden and most notable buildings are visible from the walk route).
After lunch at the estate pub or an NT restaurant you circle back past the large Palladian mansion with views, then through a U-shaped grassy valley (by the source of the river Stour) and up through hanging woods to continue high above the Brue Valley with fine far views across the South Somerset landscape.
Towards the end the route passes the renowned art gallery Hauser & Wirth Somerset with its fascinating bar and restaurant and an optional loop routes up to Bruton’s dovecote and through town.

An extension to White Sheet Hill Iron Age with its Iron Age hillfort site and Neolithic camp is described.

An out-and-back to the Bronze Age Bell Barrow site Jack’s Castle adds 550m.
An Extension from the Stourhead Estate to the magnificent White Sheet Hill (Iron Age hillfort and Neolithic Camp), adds 7.0 km and 140m ascent, with the extended walk rated 8/10.
A loop through the wooded Park Hill via its Iron Age hillfort site adds 900m.
A loop at the end up to Bruton’s dovecote and through town past most tea places adds 1.5 km.
An alternative start from Castle Cary (one stop further from London along the same line, but with more frequent – and often much faster – train services) adds 5.0 km/3.1 mi and 88m ascent/descent. For a detailed description see SWC 284 Bruton Circular or from Castle Cary.

OS Explorer: 142 (Shepton Mallet & Mendip Hills East)
OS Landranger: 183 (Yeovil & Frome)

Bruton Station, map reference ST 687 347, is 45 km west of Salisbury, 31 km south of Bath and 168 km south west of Charing Cross. It lies 72m above sea level and in South Somerset. Bruton Station is a stop on the Heart of Wessex line from Bristol to Weymouth. There is also a limited direct service from/to London Waterloo. For the fastest connection from London a change is therefore usually necessary, either in Bath Spa, Westbury or Castle Cary, journey time from 112 minutes.

Saturday Walkers’ Club: Bruton is outside the Network Southeast Railcard zone. Off-Peak returns for morning departures can be expensive. Advance tickets are usually the better option.

The Old Red Lion North Brewham, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0JL (01749 850 287). The Old Red Lion is located 950m off route, 5.0 km/3.1 mi into the walk.
The Alpine Coffee Co Kingsettle Hill, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0LB. The Coffee Co is located 7.4 km/4.6 mi into the walk. A coffee kiosk/trailer with outdoor seating.
The Spread Eagle Inn Church Lawn, The Stourhead Estate, Stourton, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6QE (01747 840 587). The Spread Eagle is located 11.0 km/6.8 mi into the walk.
The Stourhead Estate Restaurant The Stourhead Estate, Stourton, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD (01747 841 152). The Restaurant is located 150m off route, 11.4 km/7.1 mi into the walk.

Da Costa Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0NL (01749 467 880). Da Costa is located 730m from the end of the walk. An Italian restaurant named after Iwan Wirth’s maternal grandfather.
Roth Bar Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0NL (01749 814 700). The Roth Bar is located 730m from the end of the walk. It is named after one of the artists Hauser & Wirth are representing: German-born Swissman Dieter Roth. It includes a site-specific bar created by a team of relatives around his son and grandson, Björn and Oddur Roth.
The Godminster Farm Shop Station Road, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0EH (01749 813 733). Godminster Farm has been certified organic since 1999 and is multi-award winning. The farm shop is just off route before turning up to the station and selling beautifully packaged, vintage organic Cheddar, handmade Brie, gourmet crackers, tangy chutney, infused vodka spirit & more, as well as serving hot drinks.

Numerous Options. Check the walk directions pdf for details.

Accommodation at Stourhead:
The Spread Eagle Inn (see above).
Stourhead Holiday Cottage and Stourhead B&B

For details check: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead/features/stay-with-us-at-stourhead

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

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National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Nov-25 Thomas G