Lansou one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Although the route was apparently clear (follow the River Parrett Trail) in practice I didn't find it as clearly signposted as it should be. I needed the map and Slow Ways guide to follow the route on the ground, especially where it crossed overgrown fields. Also many of the gates and stiles were heavily overgrown (in June after a rainy May), and at one point I had to squeeze under barbed wire to reach the necessary bridge over a stream. After Kingsbury Episcopi (heading north) the route is much clearer and easier as there is a definite track.

A great Slow Way for summer, crossing the Somerset levels via the well-walked River Parrett Trail. Big skies and distant views for much of the way and it was dry as a bone after three weeks without rain. On a lovely weekend day there were also other walkers about and loads of canoeists and paddle boarders on the water. It’s a fine walk if you like dragonflies. Near Midelney pumping station I had banded demoiselles flying up around me continually for half a mile - a joyous abundance in these times of severe insect depletion. It nearly brought tears to my eyes.

Between Kingsbury Episcopi and South Petherton the route closes in more, with sometimes not much to see bar the grassy fields immediately around, but it becomes more varied heading into South Petherton, where it uses a gardeny tree-lined path along the course of the North Mills Brook.

The route is generally easy to navigate and well-signed. There is often (but not always) a visible path on the ground across the fields. There was long grass to negotiate on some uncut droves and edges, and though most of the fields had been mown by the time I walked it, I think there may be a bit of a wading through tall grass in some of the meadows in late spring or a damper early summer. There were both cattle and horses along the way but they were all quiet and used to walkers. The area can flood in winter.

Access includes footpath gates, stiles, kissing gates and footbridges. The infrastructure was in good condition. Note that this Slow Way shares a course with the route between Langport and Martock for much of the way.

This is a nice, easy, flat, peaceful, riverside walk in The Levels. It follows the River Parret Trail the whole way, so is easy to follow and is well maintained. The paths are well used, and I came across other dog walkers all the way.
The plotting is a little inaccurate around Thorney Bridge, but the route was still easy to follow.
I've had plenty of poor walks on the Levels, mostly due to poorly maintained paths and agro cattle, but I would recommend this one, and would do it again, maybe next time when it's warm!.

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