East Quantoxhead – Coast Path – Kilve Pil – Kilve Church – East Quantoxhead

Jean Shepherd

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The section of coast path between Waymarks 3 and 4 goes along the top of a low cliff, giving good views across the Bristol Channel to South Wales. This path is protected in the most part by a fence or hedge. However, there are a few gaps in this, so take care to supervise free-ranging children and dogs. The cliff gradually descends to Kilve Pil, where there is easier access to the beach which is stony or rocky rather than sandy.
The coast here is part of an SSSI site on account of its rock formations and fossils, which include ammonites and reptile remains. If going on the beach take care to keep clear of the foot of the cliffs and be aware of any incoming tides.

Both churches on the walk were open when I visited. Both are dedicated to St Mary, which may cause some local confusion? Some parts of St Mary's East Quantoxhead date back to the early 13th Century and the church has some fantastic wood carvings.
St Mary's Kilve (Waymark 6) is a Grade II listed building. Some parts date back to the 14th Century but the font is from the 12th Century, having originated in an earlier incarnation of the church on the same site.

The old ruined chantry at Kilve, on the right-hand side before the tea gardens between Waymarks 4 and 5, was founded in 1329 when a brotherhood of five monks was employed to say mass for their founder, Simon de Furneaux. It was dissolved in the late 14th Century and the building was destroyed by fire in 1848. At one time it was used to store barrels of spirits which had been smuggled in via Kilve Pil.

Those wanting a longer walk could continue along the coast beyond Kilve Pil to the top of the next rise and then return to Waymark 5 to complete the route.

Note to dog-owners: there are no stiles and no livestock on this walk.

England - South West England - Somerset - Countryside