WATCHET WALKING WEEK 2024

Watchet Walking Week 2024

As part of the Somerset and Exmoor Coast Festival here in Watchet we have a week of walks.  Commencing on Monday 23rd September and finishing on Saturday 28th September. All bookings are through Watchet Visitor Centre. Info@lovewatchet.co.uk or 01984 632101

Monday 23rd September Art Walk 10.30am from Watchet Visitor Centre

Join Artist Alison Jacobs for a walk around the beautiful seaside town of Watchet. Learn about Watchet’s Art history. JMW Turner, Hanz Schwarz and Doris Hatt are some of the artists who found inspiration here. Enjoy a fun talk as we go around town and stop whilst Alison demonstrates painting a Watchet scene.

If people want to bring their sketching kit that’s fine but there is no expectation for you to make work so non-artistic visitors can join in just for the stroll and talk. The direction of the walk will be dependant on those booking. The artist hopes to go up Splash Point and along the Esplanade to the lighthouse and back to look at East Quay.

Duration: 2hrs    Cost: £8 per person

Tuesday 24th September Poetry Walk 14.00 from Watchet Visitor Centre

Meet local poet Anne Lovejoy at the Visitor Centre for a walk around Watchet.  

A gentle stroll taking in the Esplanade, East Quay and the lighthouse whilst listening to the Quantock Poets reading their poems. An opportunity to encounter the Quantock Poetry Trail soundscape located in Watchet and some ‘live’ poems along the way. Led by Anne, a member of the Quantock Poets, and fellow poets. Dogs welcome. Coco the Cockerpoo will be reading her poem. Anne will be collecting donations for ‘Words in Watchet’ which happens in February 2025.

Duration: 2hrs    Cost: £1 booking fee

Wednesday 25th September Toddler walk 10.00 meeting on The Esplanade, Watchet/

Come and join with Little Saints Toddler Group, Watchet Salvation Army, on a toddle on the Esplanade and up to Watchet Memorial Field where your little one can play in the play in the play area if the weather allows. Why not find out more about this lovely friendly toddler group that meet regularly here in Watchet. All adults must be accompanied by children! 

The toddle is open to all and is accessible to prams and buggies. Bring along a snack or your lunch and spend time meeting with friends or making new friends.

Duration: Approximately 1hr 30 mins.      Cost: Free

Thursday 26th September Bell Man Walk  14.00 from Watchet Visitor Centre

Meet Watchet Bell Man, David Milton, at Watchet Visitor Centre for the start of a walk with a difference. Let David entertain you with Songs of the Sea and Shanties at different locations during this walk. Hear about the history of Watchet landmarks and listen to local folk lore!

This walk is bookable at Watchet Visitor Centre.  The walk is accessible and is at a leisurely pace around Watchet Town taking in many of the places of Historic interest.  The walk is suitable for all.

Duration: 2hrs       Cost: £6  Under 14 free

Friday 27th September Coast Walk 9.45am from Watchet Visitor Centre

Meet your walk guide Isobel Pring, at the Visitor Centre bright and early for this the longest walk in Watchet Walking Week.  Walk from Watchet along the coast path to Minehead. You can park in Minehead https://maps.app.goo.gl/U6L6V8riUTfywqaL6 at 9am and there will be transport back to Watchet, or you can join directly in Watchet and return to Watchet using the No 28 bus. There is a link below for more information.

Isobel is the trail officer for the King Charles III England Coast Path Trail Partnership in Somerset, hosted by Somerset Council, and organiser of the Somerset & Exmoor Coast festival.

Duration: 4-5hrs       Cost: £6 or £9 with transport (or No 28 bus £2)

This walk needs to be booked using this link.  Coast – Day 6: Watchet to Minehead | Somerset and Exmoor Coast Festival (somersetcoastfestival.co.uk)

Saturday 28th September Singing Walk 1pm from Harbour Road Car Park

Join with members of Watchet Community Choir on a singing tour of Watchets enviable acoustic spaces. Visit covered areas, buildings and tunnels stopping to sing. Feel free to join in or just enjoy the sound. The walk is accessible for all until the final section. Those with mobility issues are encouraged to drive from Harbour Road car park to St Decumens for the final sing, those who are able will walk along the church path to the Church Yard. 

Watchet Community Choir sing for pleasure, all abilities are welcome to join in. No rehearsals will be required! This walk will be suitable for families with children.  The walk finishes at St Decumens Church where their will be Cream Teas available for a small price, raising funds for the local church.

Duration: 2hrs    Cost: £1 booking fee and a donation for the Cream Tea.