Creech St Michael - its river and canal

A walk along the Bridgewater & Taunton Canal and the historic River Tone, through the picturesque Somerset Levels and past a popular riverside pub.

Leave the car park and turn right on the canal towpath. 100 yards on there is a mile post, but in kilometres - it is one of the solar system posts along the canal. Along this section you are likely to encounter free range hens, so beware! Then beside a renovated warehouse sits one of the wartime pill boxes which protect us along this waterway.

On reaching the stone bridge at Charlton you turn right over the railway and follow the track to the end where a stile crosses into the field. Both the Taunton Deane Borough Council and the Circular Walk tell you this is definitely a right of way. Turn right and then slightly left through a wide opening in the hedge and right again will bring you to the riverside. Carry on on the slightly raised river bank. There is plenty of evidence that this area floods, so we don't recommend the walk at times of floods (unless you are keen on swimming).

Then cross a stile and turn right over Knapp bridge and in 100 yards cross a small stream and turn right again. Along here you are between two drainage channels as this area is part of the Somerset Levels. This track brings you back to the river where you turn left.

At the end of the track by the river you come to an elegant suspension bridge to a private house at Ham Mill, here leave the waterside and walk through the tiny hamlet of Ham. Just after the small 30 miles restriction sign turn right on a footpath back to the river. Over a bridge and turn left alongside the river again.

At the end of this stretch the path leaves the river and you follow a small residential road, passing the Riverside Tavern which offers a very good pint and nice food. After the church turn right back to the car park.

Getting there

Parking: Canal Car Park in Creech St Michael