This is a short walk along a wide packed gravel road through the Woodlands (a heritage landscape) of Chargot Woods and down a short, but relatively steep loose-stone path to see great views of the Somerset hills and see the restored Bearland Wood Ventilation Flue that forms part of the heritage iron-mining industry and community that existed on the Brendon Hills 150 years ago. A pleasant walk with the local history explained on well presented information boards maintained by the West Somerset Mineral Line Association. For further information and additional walks - including guided tours - visit their website at www.wsmla.org.uk

Surveyed by: Exmoor National Park Authority Volunteer, December 2015 (Winter)
Accessibility Rating: 3
Distance: 0.9 km

Public Transport: For up to date information check the Travel Line website at www.travelinesw.com or the Exmoor National Park website at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/getting-around
Car Park: There is a car park (Chargot Woods Car Park) on the northern side of the B3224 with a good packed gravel surface and room for at least 10 vehicles.
Steps: No
Barriers: There is a gateway approximately 1.4 metres wide as you exit the car park to start and finish the walk.
Toilets: There are public toilets in Wheddon Cross approx 6km west on the B3224

Full Profile

The walk starts at the eastern end of the Chargot Woods car park where there is an information board which provides details of this and other related walks.

Walk Westwards from the information Board for approximately 60 metres where there is an open gateway approximately 1.4 metres wide.

Passing through the gate and the track is approx 4 metres wide, packed gravel with a slight downward slope up to 10% (1:10). After approx 40 metres the path turns gently to the right.

Continuing forward the path remains smooth and after approx 100 metres the track turns to the right. There is still a slight downwards gradient as well as a slight cross slope. There is less cross slope on the left.

After a further 45 metres the track veers to the left. A wooden stake to the right marks the route of the mineral trail. By now the track has developed a cross-slopes to the left side sloping up to 17% (1:6).

A further 85 metres along the track and there is a narrow path leading off from the right hand side. Turn off the main track onto this path.

After 10 metres walk along this pathway is of small loose stones and quite a steep gradient of 25% (1:4).

After approximately 80 metres the pathway flattens and there is a viewing area with a four-seater bench for resting and admiring the views to the north of the Somerset hills.

The pathway turns sharply to the left, heading westwards along the hillside; it is about 3 foot wide and made of packed gravel; there are level grass verges.

View along the path to the Ventilation Flue and information board.

After approximately 50 metres there is a viewing area, a bench for resting, the Bearland Ventilation Flue and an information Board explaining the operation and purpose of the Flue. Enjoy!

Information Board and Ventilation Flue

To return to the start (in Chargot Woods car park) retrace your steps: this is a view from the Ventilation Flue viewing area looking east towards the first bench at the bottom of the slope.

Returning, this is a view from the first bench looking back up the steeply sloping path 25% (1:4).

Continuing the return journey, this is a view along the main 4-metre wide track.

Returning through the gateway to the car park.

The Information board in the car park. For further information on other Mineral Line walks visit the website: www.wsmla.org.uk