Wayford Woods in South Somerset
A popular spot for many families from Chard and Crewkerne (a local secret, I do apologise for sharing), Wayford Woods is quite literally a real hidden gem.
Tucked away in a sleepy corner of Somerset, these woods are managed by a Charitable Trust so don’t get the publicity of some other beauty spots. Lovingly maintained they offer a fantastic outdoor space to walk, run, climb, swing and picnic.
Walk – Run – Climb – Outdoor Fun
A Fairytale Woodland
Home to just few fairy families for many years, their little front doors delighted local children, hidden at the base of trees in little nooks. They were the source of many family’s happy days out as children had their own favourite houses and fairy stories.
Well meaning folk thought that there was plenty of room in this idyllic woodland for many more fairies. Before you knew it the wood was covered with new little doors and the fairy population grew exponentially. Children started to bring little gifts and sprinkle glitter. Not surprisingly all this attracted a great deal of attention as many new visitors came to see the fairy’s houses and walk round the woods.
The road access to Wayford Woods is not entirely easy (down a roughed unpaved road), and with limited parking, this became a major traffic problem for the village. More visitors attracted the press, local and national tv came along, followed by even more visitors, many who were sadly less than respectful to the bluebells. What was once a tranquil wood for locals had become a tourist attraction.
“It’s sad that all the fairy doors have been taken away, but in some ways it’s understandable”
The thriving fairy population was evicted, their front doors taken away and within a few weeks it was as if they had never lived there at all. The only evidence I found was one old tree where the door had been cut into it.
What became of most of the families I don’t know, but I was pleased to see that some had been offered new homes in a nearby tea rooms. Maybe you know of other families that have been successfully relocated.
Walking Through Wayford Woods
This walk is through natural woods, it’s not completely flat, sometimes a bit rough, in places muddy. On a return visit in 2021 the paths seem be have been improved making it an easier and buggy friendly walk.
We meet friends near the main entrance by a large pond , full of large fish (goldfish?), then the children found a great muddy puddle. They raced off, a swing was next on the route, then a ‘troll’ bridge, followed by swinging rhododendron branches. Hours of fun if you have the time to watch them play. For the grown ups in the spring the bluebells are fabulous and we were treated to the beautiful rhododendrons and azaleas in flower.
A Circular Walk
The woodlands follow a roughly circular route with a choice of paths which loop and cross around a large central open grassy meadow, a great picnic spot. Overall the whole site covers 29 acres, although the route we took is approximately 1.5 miles long (although I’m sure the children with all their zig zagging covered a lot more)!
The children soon found some mud!
So there you go – another fabulous and still magical spot right on our doorstep – but don’t tell everyone, it’s our secret!
If you are looking for more walking in the area you could link up with the Liberty Trail, which is part of a long distance footpath route covering 28 miles from Ham Hill in Somerset to Lyme Regis.
For great ideas for woodland walks take a look at the post on bluebell walks HERE .
Directions to Wayford Woods
From the A35 at the Hunters Lodge / Lyme Regis junction, turn towards Crewkerne on the B3165.
Drive for 10 miles until you reach the village of Clapton.
From Crewkerne take the B3165 towards Axminster and Lyme Regis for approx 3 miles. Drive through Clapton.
In Clapton – slow right down and look for an unassuming wooden sign pointing left to Wayford opposite the old mill – turn here.
After 1/2 mile turn left again into Wayford Village.
Follow the road straight ahead, past the old manor house, past some terraced houses on your right.
Now the road runs out! Don’t panic, another 1/4 mile along on an unpaved road and you will see a small carpark on the right.
Holvert Lane, Wayford, Crewkerne, TA18 8QH
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Is it Flipflops or Wellies ?
Flip flops or Wellies ?
When dry the paths are generally accessible for everyone with some small inclines. On my most recent visit (May 2021) the paths were well maintained and suitable for a pushchair in most places.
Wellies ideal for the muddy puddles and streams splashing.
Flip Flops fine in the dry.
Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
Join me in finding new places to explore in the West Country as well as further afield.
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Awesome, well done Clare