02_Coombe Lane, North  Wootton

October 2022 :

This delightful and historic lane is on the edge of the levels and in winter can become very wet. When water runs down the centre of the lane, it erodes the mud, leaving large protruding slabs of stone which are difficult to negotiate on a horse. MBBA funded the clearance of the overgrown vegetation, which was taken right back to the ditch to provide a much wider area on which to ride. In the Spring, efforts will be made to level up the stone to give a firm and permanent surface. (sorry no before shot)

This forgotten route connects Wanstrow/Upton Noble and Eastcombe but for many years it has been too wet to use and impassable. The lane has no status so MBBA submitted a Definitive Map Modification Order to Somerset County Council, which will hopefully one day give it Bridleway status. In the meantime MBBA was keen to open up the route and approached the local parishes for joint funding. Over three years, this was forthcoming and by the time of the Queen’s Jubilee, the lane had been resurfaced throughout. It is now enjoyed by all local residents and provides a safe and quite linking route, an alternative to the very busy main road running close by. It is known as both Knoll Lane and Jubilee Lane

The sign says:

This lane has recently been re-opened for your enjoyment and the new improved surface now needs time to settle. 

Horse riders please only walk throughout, to avoid damage to the soft ground. 

The route improvements were funded by Mendip Bridleways & Byways Association (MBBA), Wanstrow Parish Council, Upton Noble Parish Council, Batcombe Parish Council and the British Horse Society.

Thank you

Over the years this bridleway, the only one in Batcombe, has thrown up some challenges.  It is very steep and takes a large amount of water from the fields above.  The only way to keep the surface in place is to have steps and these over time have required extra renovation to keep them in situ.  Work was carried out in 2021 to rebuild the entrance at the top and install a drain to take the field run off.  The steps were re stoned and with some enthusiastic clearance from a band of MBBA volunteers, the route is open to ride and holding up well. 

Andy our contractor, halfway up the upgrade

The completed top entrance of the Lane

Hollowpit Lane Radstock

Last Summer, at the Bellevue fete, MBBA was approached by a carriage driver who highlighted a route that was impossible to use. We like a challenge and we visited the lane to see for ourselves. It was appalling! Huge slabs of rock protruded from the surface causing enormous natural steps in the lane, deep enough to sit in, making it impossible and unsafe to use. After two weeks work, the steps have gone and the lane is level and a joy to use. Bollards will be installed at both ends by the Council to ensure no illegal motorised use takes place. Once again with thanks to Somerset CC for their help with funding this expensive project.