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Start beside the welcome area in the RSPB Ham Wall public car park on Ashcott Road, between Meare and Ashcott. This walk combines the complete Ham Wall loop and Walton Heath trail with the return path to Avalon Hide. From the car park, cross the wooden boardwalk to the old railway track, turn left to the road, then follow the short road bridge north. Take care with traffic on this roughly 40-metre connection. Turn right through the pedestrian entrance onto the grass path beside the canal.
Follow the northern side of the Ham Wall loop through the reedbed landscape. At the signed Avalon Hide junction, take the kissing gate and follow the path through reeds and woodland, crossing the small wooden bridge to the hide. Return to the same junction, then continue east to East Bridge. Cross the canal and turn right along the raised former railway track, passing Viewing Platform 2 and then Viewing Platform 1. Beside the first platform, use the gate and short bridge to enter Walton Heath. Follow the full circuit around its western, southern and eastern sides, with views across the reedbeds towards Glastonbury Tor. Return over the short bridge to the main track, turn left and continue west over the old railway bridge. Take the wooden boardwalk back into the car park.
Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes for the walk and brief wildlife stops. The railway track is firm and shared with cyclists; the other loops and hide approach include uneven grass, gentle bridge slopes, gates and a stile at the roadside entrance. These grass paths can become muddy or waterlogged in winter and after heavy rain. Check current reserve notices before travelling, follow any closures and do not attempt flooded sections. Bring suitable footwear and binoculars if you have them. Only assistance dogs are permitted on the Avalon Hide path and Walton Heath trail, so this complete walk is unsuitable for pet dogs.
Toilets and a picnic area are at the start. The information point normally opens 10am to 4pm, and refreshments depend on volunteer availability. Parking is currently £5 for non-members, free for RSPB members and Blue Badge holders. The car park has an automatic gate: September and October opening is 5am to 8pm, with different seasonal closing times, so check the signs and leave before it locks.
Route and visitor details checked against the RSPB Ham Wall trail map and accessibility guide, and Avalon Marshes reserve information.
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