Distance: 6 miles
Time: up to 3 hours
Start: By the church and pub in Monkton Combe - parking in village car park opposite the church (GR 773620)
Maps: OS Explorer 155 Landranger 172
Refreshments: Pubs in Monkton Combe, Midford and Southstoke

Midford Brook carves a delightful course through a picturesque valley, just a few miles south of Bath. Add the colour and fragrance of spring and summer flora, and you have what can only be described as a picture-postcard landscape.

The long disused Somerset Coal Canal once passed this way, and in the depths of the valley lie a series of fascinating disused lock chambers. Having climbed out of the valley to explore the hillsides around Southstoke - and perhaps enjoying a pint at the Packhorse Inn - a descent into Horsecombe Vale brings the walk to Tucking Mill.

Hidden away in a secretive corner there is a small reservoir, whose isolation adds a certain magical charm. This is truly one of those walks with a surprise at every turn.

Deep valleys and rolling hillsides combine to form a perfect pastoral landscape which is wonderful to explore in spring.

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