Grittleton is an excellent base for exploration, both in the immediate area and within day trip distance. The following suggestions and links should help. Feel free to use the maps provided in the barn for the duration of your stay.

Local walks accessible by car

The Fosse Way byway starts about one mile from Grittleton- turn right on to the road and go straight across the crossroads. The byway starts at the first turning on the right- you can park under the tree next to the road. This is a good walking option when it is muddy.

Walk from Yatton Keynell

It is usually possible to park in the small lane next to the church, leaving that on your left. The lane itself is a popular walk, with little traffic and a good choice when fields are muddy. If you want a varied walk of about three miles, take it to the end and turn right at the triangle. Follow this new lane (which only has occasional traffic). You will reach a fairly steep downhill stretch. You can take the footpath on the left to avoid a narrow bit of road. This brings you to the picturesque hamlet of Long Dean.

Bear right along a small lane to rejoin the one you left to take the footpath. You will soon reach a gate on the right. Take that and join the footpath in the field. Follow this gently uphill back to the village. You will pass through open fields and wooded areas. Note that Devonshire Red cattle often graze in the fields, so keep a dog on a lead. When you reach the original lane, turn left towards the church to retrieve your car.

Favourite walk

This takes a bit of finding and concentration on the route, but the effort is well worth it. Turn right at the road, then straight across the crossroads. After a couple of miles you reach crossroads next to the Salutation Inn. Go straight across and follow the road for about 1.4 miles. This is another part of the Fosse Way. Turn right at the sign post to West Kington and after about 0.4 of a mile left. There is a signpost but the West Kington arm is missing. You will reach a sign for West Kington. There is a small layby on the right, next to it. Park there and go through the gate opposite.

Follow the footpath at the side of the wood-which contains wonderful bluebells in Spring. At the end of the fields next to the wood, take the footpath on your right down a rocky path through the woods. You emerge into a valley with a small stream. Follow the path to the right. The stream offers drinking opportunities for thirsty dogs. Cross the small stone bridge and climb the path up to a small country road (little traffic).

Turn right into the road. You now have several options:

For the shortest walk, carry straight on to the village- cross the bridge and take the fairly steep footpath up through the trees. At the top you emerge next to the church and a serious equine complex. Owned by a former Olympic gold medallist, this is among other things a serious stud farm. Expect to see plenty of foals in the summer months. Take care to follow the public footpath through the stable complex at the north end- i.e. away from the house. Once through there follow the access road to the road and turn left. After a couple of hundred yards you will be back at your car.

For a more extended walk, follow the small road until you reach a path going uphill to your left. Climb that (not the one into the field) and turn right into the small road at the top. This offers a pleasant walk past some impressive houses. At the end of that road you can turn right, down the hill and go back to the car as described above.

A rather longer walk involves turning left, not right and following the small road down a hill to a small hamlet. Cross the bridge and follow the path next to the stream (can get overgrown in high summer). At the end of the path cross the footbridge and follow the track and road to the left which will take you to the road bridge referred to above and back to the car.

This walk is uneven under foot in places and involves a couple of short climbs.

There are plenty of other options - see the maps.