Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.

OUTING: William Smith and the Somerset Coal Canal

A geology-themed walk from South Stoke to Midford led by Isobel Geddes.

Meet: 2pm outside Southstoke church BA2 7DX, where there is parking around the village.

Details: The walk leads down Horsecombe Vale to Tucking Mill (views & pretty stream, with history of fuller’s earth mining & water-mills).

William Smith (pioneer of English geology, who made the first geology map) spent several years living at Tucking Mill, running a stone quarry and cutting yard. A tramway brought stone from his Combe Down quarry down to the Somerset Coal Canal. The canal was built to connect the Somerset coalfields to the Kennet & Avon canal and can be followed through Midford passing aqueduct, locks etc.

William Smith was initially employed as a surveyor by the canal company (until 1799). There is a climb back up to South Stoke (which has a shop selling ice cream and a pub).

This circular walk has steep bits, but no stiles and will take about 3-hours (4.75 miles).

Suitable shoes and clothing to match the weather are recommended; there may be mud on woodland paths.

  • 3rd October 2020
  • 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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