The Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Trail consists of 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. Geocaches number 7-13 is an approximate distance of just under 2 miles from the parking area and will take roughly under 2 hours to complete. If you have parked at Staple Hill car park you can continue on from number 6. However if you have already found numbers 1-6 you can now park by Thurlbear church and join the trail further down. The trail is made up of bridleways that take you through a wide variety of landscapes including; Gravelled forest roads, stone tracks, grass fields, some steep slopes and woodland. Be careful from parking area and between numbers 11, 12 and 13 as there is a road crossing and a walk down a country lane involved. After crossing the road to number 12 walk along the field and out onto the lane, follow the lane and then you will see the Herepath footpath sign between the farm and church, you then need to head across the little stream and into the woodland signed Bickenhall woods. This will lead you to number 13, the last in this series so far…..
We have set this series as we can then share such a lovely part of Somerset with others doing the hobby that we love.
During certain times of the year the trail can become very muddy and therefore appropriate footwear is needed. Along the trail there is lots of space and things for young geocachers to discover. People visiting should be aware that this area is known to be home to long horn cattle but these are only sometimes seen (only applicable to numbers 1-6). But please follow the signs and information given along the trail carefully. We are not fans of cattle or cows ourselves but it has never been an issue for us along this trail. Signs are marked for the Herepath trail throughout and also have a (Leaf) symbol to follow as there are other trails within this area.
NOTE: that the entrance to Staple Hill car park has a height restriction barrier of 2.1m. The car park can be accessed easily for those travelling on the B3170 or the A303.
Thurlbear church is located along a quiet lane and please be mindful when parking of local residents/school and church.
Permission gained from Forestry Commission.
About the Cache: large in size, please replace as found and ensure lid is firmly on.