Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Trail (22km) Print

Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Waypoint 1
A circular trail 22km (13.7 miles) long passing through the Forestry Commission woodlands around Staple Hill, Castle Neroche, Bickenhall, Thurlbear and Wych Lodge, and the surrounding countryside. Start from Castle Neroche car park follow Herepath way marks into castle site and then downhill to path junction. Turn left then cross road and follow track opposite, eventually bearing right downhill. At end of track continue along smaller path ahead. Pass through gate and turn left across fields. Cross stream and continue across common, then bear left up steep stone track.

Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Waypoint 2
At junction at top of hill take right track and continue across Staple Hill until reaching a gate. Pass through gate to junction with track. Turn right downhill onto road then turn left into Staple Park Wood. Just after cottage. Continue downhill to gate at Staple Lawns Farm.

Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Waypoint 3
Take the bridleway to the right just before Staple Lawns Farm. NOTE The original route through the farm has been diverted and must not be used. Follow the bridleway and eventually bear right at top of field then left through gates into woodland. Continue downhill at junction then take path straight ahead at bottom of hill passing through two gates. After second gate turn right towards Netherclay and continue to road.

Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Waypoint 4
At road junction, cross into field opposite. Keep hedge on right then turn left along road towards Thurlbear. Turn right at Church Farm cross ford and continue uphill into wood. Turn left at path T junction and continue uphill to road. Turn left along road until junction then turn right Farmers Inn pub on left. Continue along road until entering woodland on left, following path into field. Keep hedge on left and continue along field edge until entering woodland on left then continue to road.

Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Waypoint 5
Turn right at road. After 500m bear right and keep right for another 500m before turning left at Bickenahall Farm. These lanes can be busy. Continue for another 500m then turn right onto Curry Mallet Drove bridleway. Continue to road then turn left then right after 100 metres onto Middleroom Lane.

Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Waypoint 6
Continue along track bearing left then right, then continue uphill. At top of hill cross into woodland opposite and continue uphill bearing right onto the stone path until track junction and finger post. Turn left uphill to return to Castle Neroche car park.