Walking & Cycling

 

New Chard Walks a FREE leaflet with six circular walks in and around Chard.  Produced by partnership between the Blackdown Hills AONB and SSDC's Area Development Team there are walks suitable for novice and experienced walkers, taking in some super countryside and stunning views.  

Of great significance is the towns’ ‘Historic Plaque Trail’. The Trail follows fourteen blue plaques identifying buildings and sites of special interest.

Historic Plaque Trail

Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve This beautiful stretch of open water is situated on the northeast fringe of the town and stands amidst attractive woodlands and is within walking distance of the town centre. Fishing permits are available from Chard Post Office. There is a car park nearby with an access route suitable for the less able and wheelchair users. A marked walk of about 2 miles takes in the western edge of the reservoir with the wonderful opportunity to observe local wildlife.

Chard Reservoir

(Copyright Derek Harper)

The county offers an amazing 1,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways from short circular routes, professional guided walks to long distance trails. For the visitor who prefers to walk a little further, situated just south of Chard is the famous Leland Trail, - a 27 mile route across Somerset to Ham Hill.  The Liberty Trail, near Forde Abbey, connects a 28-mile route between Lyme Regis and Ham Hill. Both these walks are available to purchase at Chard tic priced £4.25  The beautiful River Parrett Trail follows the course of the river from its source for over 50 miles. Other popular local trails include the Monarch’s Way and the MacMillian Way

Books containing information on The Leland Trail and The Liberty Trail are available to purchase at the Tourist Information Centre priced £4.25

Also available Health Walks in South Somerset "Step out for health" or Download walks at:   www.southsomerset.gov.uk/healthwalks

West of Chard you will find the Blackdown Hills   www.blackdown-hills.net/ .  This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides many pretty walks with far reaching views across Devon and Somerset.  On a clear day, from the Windwhistle ridge east of Chard, one can see both coastlines, the Bristol Channel in the North and Lyme Bay in Dorset to the South.

Blackdown Hills Homepage

The South Somerset Cycle Route meanders through traditional villages and open country lanes. As part of the National Cycle Network the recently opened Chard to Ilminster route, enables cyclists and walkers to use approximately 3 miles off road from Stringfellow Park in Chard, alongside of village of Donyatt and Herne Hill, to Ilminster Town Centre.Available to download click on the link .www.sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near-you/south-west/easy-rides-in-the-south-west/chard-to-ilminster

Walk or Cycle The Stop Line Way Ilminster to Chard (5-mile long metalled section) and discover hidden Somerset,past and present. Leaflets are available  in Chard Tourist Information centre or download from this link www.visitsomerset.co.uk/site/get-active/stop-line-way

Cyclists