The Blackdown Hills are a well-kept secret offering the perfect location for walking, horse riding, cycling or simply enjoying unspoilt countryside with abundant wildlife.

The tranquil landscape is made up of ridges, between which farms and cottages snuggle into sheltered hidden valleys. Springs and streams flow amid an ancient patchwork of fields, which are enclosed with stone banks and lined with hedges of oak and beech.

Take country walks to explore the beautiful countryside. Stroll alongside rivers and across grassy fields on the network of footpaths. Listen to the bird song and look out for pheasant, buzzard and deer. Routes of varying lengths and maps are available at the farm or from the Ramblers Association.

See the landscape on horseback. Hacks or lessons can be arranged nearby at Sheldon Equestrian Centre. If you wish to bring your own horses we can provide safe grazing and stabling. There are several new routes within the Blackdowns. See www.blackdown-hills.net/horse-riding. Or you may be interested in the Blackdown hills cross country centre which is two miles away.


We especially welcome cyclists, so either bring your own bike or borrow one of ours. Cycle over the hills and down through the valleys. Wind through the deep lanes between high hedges and enjoy the scents of honeysuckle and wild roses. If you get wet, we can dry out your clothes and we can safely store your bikes undercover.

Hemyock has three new hard tennis courts, with floodlights. Bookings can be made at the village shop.

Places of interest within walking distance

The Village Castle. Originally this Medieval Castle and moat may have been the site of a Roman stronghold. It is open some weekends.

St Mary’s Parish Church occupies a central position in the village, alongside the Castle. The gentle peel of the bells sometimes drifts up to Pounds farm.

Opposite the church, The Catherine Wheel Pub has its own restaurant and serves local real ale.



For a choice of evening meals there are several pubs within two or three miles, among them are The Culm Valley Inn, The Half Moon Inn and The Merry Harriers.

Dunkeswell Abbey In 1201 the Manor of Dunkeswell was given to the Cistercian Order for the foundation of an Abbey, just over 1 mile away in the next spring lined valley.

Visible from Pounds farm is Wellington Monument, the top of which is 900 feet above sea-level. It was designed in the shape of the bayonet used in the battle of Waterloo.




A two mile walk from the farm across fields takes you up to the monument. Once inside, climb up the stone, spiral stairs to the top. Overlooking the vale of Taunton, this landmark was erected to honour the ‘Iron Duke’, Sir Arthur Wellesley.

Culmstock Beacon is visible from the cottage balcony. In the past, a fire was lit here to pass a signal of celebration or impending danger. The view from the beacon is splendid on a clear day and well worth the walk!

In the evening, relax back at the farm house from where you can see the sun setting over the hills, then as darkness falls, watch the stars appear in the night sky.

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