Virtual guide to walking in Somerset

A NEW 'virtual guide' has been created for the Coleridge Way, a 36-mile walking route across the stunning Somerset countryside which follows in the footsteps of the romantic poet. 

It contains everything needed to plan a short three/four day break walking the trail including maps, accommodation suggestions, refreshments stops and a photographic gallery which gives an excellent introduction to the breathtaking scenery.

Linking some of the most beautiful parts of the county and waymarked with distinctive feathered quill signs, the trail starts at Nether Stowey in the Quantocks, crosses the Brendons and finishes on the coast at Porlock in Exmoor National Park.

The interactive website has detailed written instructions and maps dividing the route into four sections with information about the terrain; it also lists places to eat and drink and accommodation suggestions ranging from hotels to camping barns with an explanation about the various grades. Public transport information and the location of car parks, toilets and shops along the trail are also included.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge moved to Nether Stowey in 1797 with his wife Sara and their small child. He was a passionate walker and composed much of his poetry while wandering across the countryside. The trail passes close to the isolated farmhouse where he wrote Kubla Khan, while a short diversion leads to the Bell Inn at the ancient seaport of Watchet where, legend says, the poet started to write the 'Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner'.  He was joined in Somerset by William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, who rented a much larger residence at Alfoxton Park, now a hotel, just three miles walk from Nether Stowey.
 
For further information, log onto: www.coleridgeway.co.uk. Free information packs have also been produced which are now available from local Tourist Information Centres or call 01643 863150.

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