Castle Neroche, Buckland St Mary, Chard, Somerset
There’s no castle at Castle Neroche but if you’re a fan of the great outdoors this place is one to pop on your list for a good walk followed by a pub lunch down the road at The Greyhound Inn at Staple Fitzpaine. Over 2,600 years ago this was an Iron Age hillfort, and it’s also been the site of a Norman motte and bailey castle – hardly surprising when you consider the panoramic views stretching out across the beautiful Somerset landscape to the Quantock Hills, Exmoor National Park, and on a clear day, to the Mendip Hills and Glastonbury Tor.
Since those days woodlands have grown up all around where the old fort stood and from the car park there are trails you can follow through the coniferous and broadleaved trees; it gets a bit steep in parts and it can be hard going underfoot, especially after bad weather but provided you’ve got stout boots on you’ll be fine. If that all sounds a bit challenging it’s best to stick to the paths nearer to the car park.
There are information boards at the car park that tell you all about the history and the wildlife at Castle Neroche, and there are picnic benches so if you feel inclined, pack the sarnies and the sausage rolls to tuck into after your walk – but like we said, there’s a good pub just down the hill so why not treat yourselves?
All information correct at the time of writing