The Purple (river) Walk at Lytes Cary Manor

Somerset

An open field in winter. In the foreground a wooden post with three coloured bands marked on it. — There are three waymarked walks at Lyes Cary Manor, Somerset | © National Trust/Pippa Gibson

This walk takes you along the estate field margins and the banks of the River Cary, where you may see water voles and otters. It also takes in the deserted medieval settlement of Tuckers Cary. You will also pass ponds, with hibernacula for over-wintering creatures.

Near to

Lytes Cary Manor

Start point

Lytes Cary Manor car park, grid ref: ST533266

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Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Lytes Cary Manor car park, grid ref: ST533266
Stage 1
From car park, go through the wooden double gates along a tarmacked path. Bear left – you’ll see the house on your right – pause at the gate to admire Lytes Cary Manor. On your left is a round water tower. Keep left and look for a waymarker post with bands coloured red, white and purple which leads to a gravel path.
Stage 2
Follow the path until it opens out into a field with an information board. Turn left through the hedge line and then right, following the field margin, and right again (follow the purple waymarkers) – look out for dog roses in the summer.
Stage 3
The grassy field margin gives way to gravel and the path takes you past a pond, where there are benches under oak and willow trees.
Stage 4
Continue with open fields on your left and follow the path to enter the woodland. Approach the River Cary quietly – you may spot a kingfisher. You’ll see a bridge ahead; follow the path, which bears right before curving back to cross the bridge.
Stage 5
Emerge into open countryside, filled with wild flowers such as buttercups and field scabious in the summer. The path runs along the river; continue till you reach a gate just before a road.
Stage 6
Turn right to cross the river on the bridge, and then go right to continue on the other side of the river. Follow the path with the woodland on your right.
Stage 7
You’ll come to shallow ponds, with information about the great crested newts that live here. Turn left and follow the field margin till you cross a track (be aware this is used by farm vehicles), and a small bridge over a ditch.
Stage 8
The path emerges into parkland. You’re walking round the scheduled ancient monument of Tuckers Cary, a deserted medieval settlement.
Stage 9
Follow the hedge line and you’ll see Lytes Cary Manor ahead of you. Go through a gate on to a track and turn left before turning right to the car park.
End point
Lytes Cary Manor car park, grid ref: ST533266
Trail map
The Purple (River) Walk at Lytes Cary | © Crown Copyright and database right 2024 Ordnance Survey
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