The Somerset Levels and Moors

The most peaceful area imaginable in this 21st century must be the beautiful area at the heart of Somerset known as the Somerset Levels and Moors.

Most of the "Levels" are on clay soil and the "Moors" are peat regions. Both seldom rise more than twenty-five feet above sea level so are often at risk of flooding and houses have traditionally always been built on slightly higher ground.

Being for the most part flat land The Levels and Moors offer excellent walking and cycling opportunities.

The wealth of water and pastureland provides exceptional bird-life and wild flowers. Even in winter the enthusiast will sight many species of interesting birds which depend upon the flooded surfaces.

The ditches which drain these wetlands are called "rhynes" and provide more space for many varieties of marsh-loving plants.

One of the main attractions for dedicated walkers is the River Parrett Trail which covers 50 miles of the river from its source in Chedington, Dorset to its mouth on the Steart Peninsula. This is a walk where the feet may get wet even in the driest spell of weather, but the beauty and peace of meandering through the Levels is rich reward.

Traditionally The Levels and Moors have been busy with the production of "withies" which are fields of willows used to weave many items of use from cradle to grave, including hurdles, baskets, baby cradles, even coffins, which have become more popular recently with the emphasis upon natural, eco-friendly products. Stoke St. Gregory is a busy basketwork centre.

Alongside the willow-growing areas can be seen plenty of orchards for the famous Somerset Cider industry. Today Somerset Brandy has been added to the list and has EC approval for the name. Burrow Hill has a ciderhouse and distillery open to tourists.

The River Parrett was fished for its eels which saw the rise of a fondness for eating them locally. The eels are in shorter supply nowadays but a smokery at Hambridge processes them and this makes a good place to stop for lunch to sample eels.

The Levels have many attractive villages and churches to see, but perhaps the best of these is Muchelney Abbey, to be found two miles south of the town of Langport off the A372. It was a Benedictine Abbey founded around 950AD on a piece of land a little higher than the surrounding flood plain and although not much of the building has survived it is set in a stunning location.

Nearby, and in much better fettle is The Abbott’s House, a National Trust property.

Also in Muchelney is the studio of the potter, John Leach, grandson of Bernard Leach and son of David, the third generation in a famous dynasty of potters. Although some of the signature pieces are destined for museums and galleries a range of kitchen -ware is produced which make a welcome souvenir for any visitor.

Langport is a charming town which provides all the needs for everyday shopping, banks, pubs and cafes. Car parking is plentiful and there are many walks which can be accessed from the town centre.

The Langport and River Parrett Visitor Centre is the place to seek information on all aspects of visiting the Levels and Moors. It is open every day except Mondays and Bank Holidays.

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