There’s a circular walk that leads you back down through the village past the mediaeval Abbey Gatehouse, dovecote and fishpond – look back to spot the Gothic arch marking the spring and wellhead. Ask at reception for a walking trail map.
St Michael's Hill
Montacute village got its name from this hill, originally called ‘Mons Acutus’ (which means ‘sharp hill’ in Latin). The Normans built a motte-and-bailey castle on top, with a chapel dedicated to St Michael; all that now remains are the footings, on which the Phelips family built a tower in the 18th century, but the name lingers on.
Circling round the south-eastern side along Hedge Cock Lane, you’ll be walking along a probable Iron Age ditch, that may also be a Roman boundary. Pause to admire the work of the National Trust’s volunteer dry stone wallers – it’s a job for those with patience, but their work will be there for many years to come!
It’s a steep pull to the summit but the reward is magnificent views in all directions across Somerset.