Alongside the Health walks programme, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) has a wide range of programmes engaging with many areas of the community all of which focus on the importance of physical activity. One of the programmes, In It Together, aims to increase activity levels in women of any age (16+), background or area in Somerset through community-based exercise and sports activities. All the sessions are led by coaches and instructors who have the same goal; to help break down those barriers that women face, empower them to move in their way, remove that self-doubt, and most importantly, to enjoy it whether it’s walks in Exmoor, Tai Chi at the beautiful Fyne Court, paddleboarding along our rivers and canals or even outdoor boot camps in Yeovil! SASP's 'In It Together Women’s Development Officer' Charlotte Norman has been working closely with the national organisation This Girl Can for their recent ‘Let's Get Out There’ campaign as they show the benefits of women getting active in outdoor spaces – these environments are for all women too.You can find out what events you can join nearby and hear stories from women in these spaces on the In It Together website: inittogethersomerset.co.uk.

This month's walk is not just for women though! All are welcome to embrace our Somerset countryside and enjoy our county's greatest gift - our remarkable landscape.

The Horner Wood 3 mile Circular Walk in Minehead offers a delightful exploration of Exmoor National Park, taking walkers through ancient woodlands, along streams, and providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

1. Start at Horner Tea Rooms, a short walk from the National Trust Car Park ( Horner Wood) Minehead Road Luccombe TA24 8HY. This car park is perfect if you’re a National Trust Member, but if you’re not, don’t forget your coins! This car park does not accept card or app payment, so you’ll need £2-3 to cover your stay.

2. Take the path out of the car park that is by the noticeboard. Take a left turning after this path, you’ll walk past some beautiful cottages and then reach a medieval packhorse bridge. This route is very well signposted, once you’ve entered the woods follow signs for ‘Granny’s Ride’. The walk itself is on a designated path, so you don’t have to go cross country anywhere, nor over any styles or cross any roads once you’re in the wood, and apart from some roots and rocks coming through the ground, it’s a sturdy path that you can make your way on with relative ease.

3. This path will lead you up past Rey Combe and Yeals Combe into Horner Wood. If you take a look at the map, this is the part where you are zig-zagging along from point to point through the woods, it may look like it’s easy to get lost but stick to the signposted path and you can get 'lost' in the world around you instead.

4. Continue onto ‘Granny’s Ride’. For those who are into their wildlife, make sure to keep those eyes peeled for all sorts that wander these woods including red deer which according to the National Trust, Exmoor have around 3000 roaming the woods. Your best chance of seeing them is to start early or come at dusk. Keep an eye out for several species of bats, too!

5. This path mentioned above joins the bridleway ‘Flora’s Ride’ at Yeals Ridge and turns to the right. When you reach a crossroads turn left onto Lord Ebrington’s Path and you’re back on the footpath. It runs parallel to Horner Water, up to Horner Side. Some of this path is steep. When the pathway splits at a small bridge, keep left, pass the scout camp to your right and continue back to the Horner Tea Garden (please note this closes from November to March.)

If you’re taking your four-legged friends, they’ll have the best time, splashing in the water, running up and down the banks, and darting through the woodland, well at least my two springer spaniels do! Indi our eldest springer, actually stops and hangs back as if she’s sulking when she knows the walk is coming to an end!

COMPASS POINTS

1. Dog-Friendly Route

2. Horner Tea Rooms: 10am – 4pm April to October

3. Explore the Wildlife!

4. Cash-Only Car Park

5. Well-Signposted Route