Macmillan Way West
The Macmillan Way West is a long-distance footpath in Somerset and Devon, England. It runs for 102 miles (164 km) from Castle Cary in Somerset to Barnstaple in Devon. It is one of the Macmillan Ways and connects with the main Macmillan Way at Castle Cary.
| Macmillan Way West | |
|---|---|
| Length | 102 mi (164 km) |
| Location | Somerset and Devon |
| Trailheads | Castle Cary/Barnstaple |
| Use | Hiking |
The path follows the valley of the River Cary to Somerton, then crosses the Somerset Levels to North Petherton. From Langport to a point near Westonzoyland the route coincides with the River Parrett Trail.
From North Petherton the path climbs the Quantock Hills, and follows the ridge of the hills for several miles, passing their highest point, Will's Neck. It descends through the village of Bicknoller, and then crosses low-level country to Williton and Dunster.
After passing the village of Wootton Courtenay it then climbs to Exmoor at its highest point, Dunkery Beacon. For the last 20 miles (32 km) to Barnstaple, the path follows the route of the Tarka Trail.
The path is waymarked from east to west, but not from west to east.
Route and points of interest
| Point | Coordinates (Links to map resources) |
OS Grid Ref | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 51.087°N 2.513°W | ST641321 | Castle Cary |
| Somerton | 51.053°N 2.736°W | ST485284 | Somerton |
| Bow Bridge | 51.036°N 2.835°W | ST415266 | Langport |
| Monk's Leaze Clyce | 51.048°N 2.844°W | ST408280 | Regulates flow into Sowy River |
| River Tone confluence | 51.067°N 2.917°W | ST357302 | Located at Burrowbridge |
| Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum | 51.091°N 2.944°W | ST339328 | Westonzoyland |
| North Petherton | 51.092°N 3.019°W | ST287330 | North Petherton |
| Highest point in Quantock Hills | 51.109°N 3.193°W | ST165351 | Will's Neck |
| Connection with Coleridge Way | 51.149°N 3.272°W | ST110396 | Bicknoller |
| West Somerset Railway | 51.164°N 3.308°W | ST085414 | Williton |
| Dunster Castle | 51.182°N 3.445°W | SS990435 | Dunster |
| Highest point on Exmoor | 51.161°N 3.587°W | SS891415 | Dunkery Beacon |
| End | 51.082°N 4.048°W | SS565334 | Barnstaple |
References
- Macmillan Way West The Macmillan Way Association ISBN 0-9526851-3-2