Today was back down to North Somerset to continue “filling the gap”. I had chosen a much better day to be able to see things compared to my last visit only just 5 days ago when I was fogbound. The weather today was bright sunshine, with a hint of frost in the air, great walking weather! My camera had suddenly sprung back into life, but I am very dubious as to whether it will last much longer and the quality of it’s images.
Because I had chosen to finish my walk at Hinkley Point there was no public transport available. So it was a case of loading up my mountain bike, which fits easily into my car, then driving and parking in a lay by nearby to the village of Shurton. I was then faced with a 9 mile ride back along reasonably quiet roads, to Bridgwater. I covered the 9 miles in about 50 minutes which was ok and I felt very fresh when I arrived. I chained the bike to some railings alongside the River Parrett and set off .
I was basically walking on the dyke or levee bordering the river for nearly all of the walk. I was afforded brilliant views across to the Quantock Hills, the Mendips, Brean Down, Glastonbury Tor and a large section of the South Wales coastline with Cardiff and Newport very prominent. The walk along the meandering River Parrett was confusing and deceiving. I thought the village of Comwich was very close, but then only to walk away from it. Eventually, the river unwound its last loops and began to straighten out and I passed through the charming village of Combwich. Shortly after Combwich, the ECP swings inland quite dramatically. This is due to the deliberate flooding of the land around Steart to return the land to a salt water marsh. The whole area has changed with proper footpaths, seating, multiple large “Hides” for those interested in bird watching.
I passed through Steart and began walking west in the direction of Hinkley Point. Looking like a large factory, the Nuclear power station of Hinkley Point dominates the landscape around this part of North Somerset.
About a mile after passing through the village of Stolford, I arrive at the perimeter of the power station. I know that although I could walk along the seaward side of the power station, the path at the far side is closed. I therefore follow the diversion which passes around the front of buildings and heads off inland for about a kilometer. Its at this point that I head for my car which is nearby. I manage the 17 miles in 4hrs 50 minutes. I drive back to Bridgwater to pick my bike up.
Distance today = 17 miles
Total distance = 1577 miles
Walking the Coast of Great Britain 
Ah, the car/bike method! You’re the first coastal walker the know of who has used it.
The huge diversion around Hinkley Point is a real pain. Did you meet security patrols?
LikeLike
*I* know of
LikeLike
Hi Ruth, yes, I have used my bike for awhile. You will see in my about about section how I also used a moped with an old fiat doblo. I will probably use my bike when I start Scotland, which will require some return transport. I am not a brilliant cyclist, but it does allow you to get back to your start point and my range is 10 to 15 miles. Because you are using different muscles and the weight is off your legs, you can cycle at the end of the walk if you like. On Sunday I cycled 9.5 miles and I felt really fresh when I arrivesd at the start of the walk.
I hope to get North Somerset/ Avon done before the end of April, then I will probably start in Scotland in May. I’ve made some pretty tough self-imposed rules re:certain Scottish ferries and the inclusion of Skye, which will add quite a bit of mileage to my walk.
As regards Hinkley Point, I ended my walk close to the furthest point inland the detour comes. I did not bump into security people. I think you have another Nuclear power station on Anglesey – Y Wylfa to come.
LikeLike