Willett Tower, a folly near Elworthy, in Somerset's Brendon Hills.

Willett Tower, near Elworthy, in Somerset’s Brendon Hills is within the Forestry Commission’s Willett Hill Plantation.  The entrance to the plantation is on the B3224 just 4.9 miles west of the junction with the A358.  On the last day of March, I found it a very pleasant drive along a gently twisting and undulating road with primroses on the banks and one suicidal pheasant which I managed to safely avoid!

Willett Tower, near Elworthy, in Somerset's Brendon Hills.

There is a small parking area at the plantation entrance which gives access to a steady but steepening climb up the 825 feet high Willett Hill to the Tower.  As you climb the track, stop and look back to the east and north-east to enjoy, while catching your breath, the views over the tree tops to the Quantock Ridge.

The ridge of the Quantock Hills viewed from the track leading to Willett Tower. 

The folly tower is meant to represent the ruined tower of a Somerset church.  I have come across several suggestions as to who it was built for, but I will quote Pevsner who states it was:  “. . . a folly tower erected in 1820 (by Mr Belmerton, probably in connection with Willetts, a house further NE)”.

Regrettably, what started off as a sunny day with scattered cloud turned into a grey and slightly drizzly afternoon.   It was not really the best conditions for photography, but at least I got some exercise.