Crook Peak stands at the western end of the Mendip Hills in
Somerset. At 627 ft. in height it is a
prominent rocky feature overlooking the M5 and A38 with tremendous far reaching
views to all points of the compass. In
2011 I made several trips to Crook Peak by approaching it across Wavering
Down. I found the National Trust car
park at Kings Wood, just a few yards west of the A38 at Winscombe Hill, the
most convenient starting point.
It is best to allow an entire afternoon for the walk as at
any spot on the entire route one is tempted to just sit down and enjoy a view
of England’s green and pleasant land unfolding before you.
From the car park walk up the steadily rising ground through
the wood and you will emerge onto Cross Plain.
Carry on past Hill Farm – its residents must have one of the finest outlooks
in Somerset - and follow the track up the hill to the trig point on Wavering
Down. I found this section of the walk
the most difficult: although dry the track was rutted and pitted presumably as a
result of past heavy rain and frequent use.
On reaching the trig point, at a height of 692 ft., I usually stopped
for a much needed breather, but there are views to enjoy while doing so.
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| Crook Peak on the Mendip Hills in Somerset, viewed from Wavering Down. |
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| The view toward Glastonbury Tor from Wavering Down on the Mendip Hills in Somerset. |
Keeping the drystone wall to your right head on across
Wavering Down toward Crook Peak, but don’t forget to look down on the picturesque village of Compton Bishop
and its church of St. Andrew.
On reaching Crook Peak - it is almost like standing on the
prow of a ship - you will see not only the hills and fields of Somerset
stretching away in all directions, but also the Bristol Channel, Severn Estuary and
the coast of Wales.
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| A view of the M5 from Crook Peak on the Mendip Hills in Somerset. |
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| The view to the south-west from Crook Peak on the Mendip Hills in Somerset. |
I always came across cattle, sheep and ponies on my walks so
be aware if taking your dog with you!
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| Cattle graze on Wavering Down on the Mendip Hills in Somerset. |
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