Ramscombe, Dead Woman’s Ditch and Adscombe woodland circuit, Quantock Hills

Start in the Quarry car park at Ramscombe in Great Wood, reached from Adscombe Lane by following the Ramscombe signs. This circuit climbs out of the sheltered stream valley, passes the earthworks at Dead Woman’s Ditch and returns through Sandy Beds and the Adscombe woodland. Allow about 2½ hours for the hills and a few short stops.

Leave the car park at its western end and take the forest track west up Ramscombe, keeping straight on past the side tracks. Near the head of the combe, take the rising path on the right. Follow it above the valley to Dead Woman’s Ditch, then use the grassy path beside Crowcombe Road towards Sandy Beds. Turn right there into the woods and follow the main descending track, keeping to the longer circuit rather than the steep shortcut back to Ramscombe.

At the cattle grid near Adscombe Farm, turn right onto the forest access road, passing Great Wood Camp. Beyond Seven Wells car park, take the right-hand return fork. Cross into the Ramscombe picnic meadow on the footbridge and follow the meadow paths upstream, returning over the car-park footbridge.

There are steep climbs, uneven woodland paths, gates and muddy sections. The higher section is more exposed to wind. The final forest roads carry visitor and forestry traffic and have no separate pavement, so keep alert and give vehicles room. Dogs should be kept under close control, particularly around wildlife and working areas.

Parking is charged by Forestry England: currently £2 for up to two hours or £3 all day, with card or contactless payment. Toilets and picnic tables are available at Ramscombe. Forestry England is thinning Great Wood from summer 2026 to summer 2027; the forest remains open, but obey any local closures and turn back if the circuit is affected. Fires, stoves and barbecues are prohibited.

Based on Stowey Walking’s Quantock Circular in Ramscombe Forest and current Forestry England visitor information.