Stourhead to King Alfred's Tower circular
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This circular walk straddling the county border between Wiltshire and Somerset, takes in the Stourhead and Staverdale estates as well as the Grade I listed 18th Century brick folly of King Alfred's Tower.
The walk starts from the Grade I listed 18th Century Stourhead House and follows the Stour Valley Way, passing The Obelisk (topped with an Egyptian symbol for an everlasting sun), then through Six Wells Bottom, and then to the source of the River Stour, marked by the pump house of St. Peter's pump. (Once an important part of Bristol's water supply, it was originally constructed in Bristol in 1474 at St. Peter's church, and subsequently relocated to Stourhead in 1768.
Moving on through the grasslands of Top Warren, we arrive at the 49.3 meter three sided King Alfred's Tower built by Sir Henry Hoare II to commemorate the ascension of King George III in 1760 and the end of the seven years war, and was also the location where King Alfred raised his standard and rallied his troops in AD870.
The walk then drops down through Cockroad wood and Pen forest, passing the remains of the 12 century Cockroad Wood Motte and Bailey Castle. Once out into open countryside, we should (weather permitting) get extensive views across both the Somerset (Glastonbury Tour, Cadbury Camp, the Polden Hills) and Dorset (Duncliff and Shaftesbury) countryside.
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What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking.
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: Proper walking trousers. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Food & drink
Please bring snacks for energy, plenty of water for hydration and a packed lunch.
There is a coffee van at King Alfred's Tower, and an optional pub stop at the Spread Eagle in Stourton at end of the walk.