Cadbury Castle
Good walks are even better shared.
SS9105 : Farm track on north side of Cadbury Castle
David Smith Photo source
Overview
Cadbury Castle
Cadbury Castle, perched at an elevation of 195 meters, is a must-visit for hikers and history buffs alike. Situated in the stunning Somerset region, this site is not merely a hill but an exploration into Britain’s prehistoric past.
Geology
The terrain consists of hardy clay and limestone that supports lush flora. The hill, crowned with Iron Age fortifications, offers a glimpse into the geological history of the area. As you ascend, take a moment to appreciate the wildflowers – they're not shy, but they definitely don’t appreciate being stepped on!
Routes
Cadbury Castle Circular Walk is a popular route. Clocking in at 3.5 km and an easy 1.5 hours to complete, this moderate trek takes you around the castle with ample opportunities to ponder knights and quests. Just watch out for the uneven paths – they might trip you up quicker than any dragon!
Summit Features & Terrain
At the summit, remnants of the hill fort await, showcasing earthworks that whisper tales of ancestors long past. The terrain is a delightful combo of grassy patches and rocky outcrops, providing a gentle workout for your legs—with the bonus of some splendid views!
Views
From the top, the panoramic vistas include the rolling hills of the Mendips and the serene Somerset Levels. Pack your camera but leave the selfie stick at home; trust us, they’re just awkward in the wild.
Hazards
As lovely as it is, don’t forget to watch your footing. Slippery paths can sneak up on you after rain. And while the sheep might look fluffy and friendly, they're not your personal GPS—they're probably bemused by your presence!
Access
The nearest parking is conveniently located near the entrance. Just be sure to arrive early, as spaces can fill quickly. If you fancy a bit of public transport, there is a bus stop in Cadbury, and Yeovil is your closest town for amenities.
Facilities
While facilities are lacking at the site, a short drive or walk into Yeovil rewards you with cafes and toilets. It’s all about balance; hard exploration merits sweet treats.
History
The name 'Cadbury' hints at its rich heritage—an ancient fort that guarded cattle, possibly from pesky marauders. Some legends even link this place with the legendary Camelot. Whether you're a believer or a cynic, it's hard to deny the allure of wandering a site endowed with such stories.
Conclusion
In summary, Cadbury Castle is not just a hill; it’s a portal to the past, a point of beauty and a wonderful way to spend a day in nature. Grab your walking shoes, a bit of curiosity, and dive into the experiences waiting for you on this charming hill.
Explore routes near Cadbury Castle
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Killerton to Clyston Mill: Broadclyst farmland and heritage walk
View route
Tiverton Grand Western Canal: Crownhill Bridge Return
View route
Exeter Canal, Double Locks and Countess Wear river circuit
View route
Sampford Peverell to Whipcott Bridge: Grand Western Canal return
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Cadbury Castle Circular Walk
A delightful circular route offering picturesque views and a chance to delve into the historical significance of the site.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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SS9105 : Farm track on north side of Cadbury Castle
David Smith
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SS9105 : Ditch at Cadbury Castle hill fort
David Smith
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SS9105 : Path to Cadbury Castle
David Smith
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SS9105 : Earth embankment at Cadbury Castle hill fort
David Smith
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SS9105 : Curved wall of Cadbury Castle hill fort
David Smith
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SS9105 : Cadbury Castle
Sarah Charlesworth
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
253m
830 ft
Prominence
54m
Coordinates
50.8369, -3.5448
SS913052
OS Map
192
Explorer: 114S
At the Summit
The summit features remnants of an Iron Age hill fort, including earthworks and ramparts, along with a great view that would make even your grumpy uncle smile.
Terrain & Geology
Primarily composed of clay and limestone, giving it robust soil and rich vegetation. The hill is topped with an extensive Iron Age fortification which adds an intriguing layer of historical geology.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can spot the picturesque hills of the Mendips, the Somerset Levels, and on a clear day, even the distant Quantock Hills.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Cadbury' is derived from Old English 'cædde', meaning 'cattle', and 'burh', meaning 'fort'; essentially, it was a fortified site used for cattle protection.
Historical Significance
Cadbury Castle is famously associated with Arthurian legends and is believed by some to be the site of Camelot. Whether there are knights or not, it's a place steeped in history.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Cadbury Castle has a small car park adjacent to the entrance track, but get there early during summer weekends to avoid missing out.
Public Transport
The nearest bus stop is in the village of Cadbury, and a bit of a walk from there, but worth it for the scenery.
Nearby Facilities
Unfortunately, there are no facilities on site, but head into Yeovil for cafes, toilets and possibly a cup of tea that'll put a smile back on your face.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Beware of slippery paths after rain and uneven terrain that might trip up the unwary. Don't get too excited by those sheep – they're not great conversationalists.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Cadbury Castle?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cadbury Castle through the maps
Are there other walkers around Cadbury Castle?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Cadbury Castle search or of course create your own walk for Cadbury Castle
Can I organise a walk to Cadbury Castle?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Cadbury Castle.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Cadbury Castle?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Cadbury Castle here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
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Location
Grid reference: SS913052
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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