The Avenues walk at Montacute
The walk runs parallel to the south of the parkland, towards Odcombe Lodge, where walkers can enjoy the shade of the Oak Avenue and a variety of wildlife.
Escape into the garden with majestic trees and sloping lawns
The mood changes as the turn into the Lime Avenue offers impressive views of Montacute House and St Michael’s Hill folly. Grade of walk: Trainer (all rounder); Type of walk: 'Beautiful Views', 'Historical Footsteps'.
Map
Start:
Montacute House car park, grid ref: ST499172
1
From Montacute House car park, follow signs to the Parkland, passing the greenhouses, through the yew hedge and along the gravel path to the park and the starting point.
First impressions
Montacute House was built to display the wealth and powerful political connections of the Phelips family. Looking down the original Lime Avenue drive, it definitely gives that impression. The E shaped house plan, central doorway and huge windows full of glass were the very latest in 16th-century architectural design, attracting interest as soon as it was built. In the 18th century a new entrance was added to the opposite eastern side of the house, with the original drive being incorporated into the parkland. Don't forget to walk around the house and compare the other front door.
2
On entering the park, bear right, following along the hedge line, towards the level bridge.
A walk in the park
Edward Phelips began building Montacute in the 1590s. Although its assumed that the parkland was created at the same time, not much is known about the original layout. Remains of ridge and furrow agricultural systems within the current park suggest that some of the earlier common fields of the village were incorporated and that it may have been built up in a piecemeal fashion. The layout, raised walks and symmetrical pattern of the formal garden directly relate to the house and are typical of the Renaissance period.
3
Once over the bridge, bear left towards the horse paddocks and follow along the fence line. When you get to the end of the horse paddocks, continue along the obvious path, eventually passing across a ditch next to a large oak tree.
St Michaels Hill folly
On top of St Michaels Hill stands a local landmark which you can see for many miles. Built in 1760, this folly stands on the footings of St Michaels chapel which was once part of the 12th-century Montacute Priory. The hill was reshaped and fortified as a Norman castle in the late 11th century. This is the steep hill or Mons Acutus, a Norman French name for the older Saxon village of Bishopston. Look out for the folly as you walk through the gardens, it was a focal point for many of the designed views from the Montacute gardens.
4
On reaching the Oak Avenue track, Odcombe Lodge should come into view. Turn left and follow the track down through the Oak Avenue, moving away from the lodge and parkland boundary. The Oak Avenue was planted in 1845 and extends from the lodge gates towards the Lime Avenue. Keep a look out on the left for views of the folly built in 1760 on top of St Michaels Hill.
5
At the end of the Oak Avenue, turn left down the Lime Avenue, marking the original entrance to the house before the West Drive was created. From here you can enjoy impressive views of Montacute House, built in the late 16th century for Sir Edward Phillips.
6
When you get to the black gates into the East Court garden of Montacute House, turn left and follow the parkland boundary until you arrive back at the gate which leads into the car park.
Get involved
We hope that you really enjoyed this one-mile walk. We look after some of the most spectacular areas of countryside for the enjoyment of all. We need your support to help us continue our work to cherish the countryside and provide access to our beautiful and refreshing landscapes. To find out more about how you too can help our work as a volunteer, member or donor please visit our homepage.
End:
Montacute House car park, grid ref: ST499172
