Image shared for Three Priddy Droves: Pelting, Dursdon and East Water circuit
Countryside Circular

Three Priddy Droves: Pelting, Dursdon and East Water circuit

Somerset

Distance
4.8 mi
Est. time
2h 45m
Difficulty
Medium
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Follow the old livestock droves across the Mendip plateau on this roughly 7.8 km circuit from Priddy. Dry stone walls, hedges and open grazing fields give the walk a different feel from the nearby gorges, with wide views across the upland farmland.

Start on the permitted gravel parking area beside the lower village green, keeping the grass and gateways clear. Head south along Pelting Drove, past the Queen Victoria Inn, then turn left onto Dursdon Drove. Follow this east to the Monarch’s Way and turn north through the fields to Wells Road. Turn left for the short roadside link, then right into East Water Lane. Continue along the enclosed drove to Nine Barrows Lane, turn left, and return through Townsend to the green and its distinctive sheep hurdle stack.

Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes. Expect muddy or uneven drove surfaces, stone stiles, gates and grazing livestock. Keep dogs under close control. Pelting Drove and the return lanes are shared with vehicles, and the short Wells Road section needs particular care. This is a plateau circuit with gentle rises and exposed stretches in windy weather. Bring suitable footwear and water; refreshments are available in Priddy when the pub is open.

Walk details

County
Somerset
Walk type
Circular
Category
Countryside
Distance
4.8 mi (7.8 km)
Est. time
2h 45m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Walk this route on your own

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.