Burrow Hill

Burrow Hill – Somerset, UK. ID JB_8570

There are several iconic hills in the Somerset Levels:

• Glastonbury Tor
• Nyland Tump
• Burrow Mump
• Burrow Hill

Tor is probably from Welsh.  Lump.. tump.. mump are lovely English words.  Today it is the turn of a plain old – hill.  Burrow Hill may not be as big as the others but makes up for this with a fist full of charm. It is cherished by all locals.  And, like all these round hills it can be seen for miles.

Standing on top is a 50 year old sycamore tree.  Its only friend at the top is a concrete trig point with its built in seat.  Perfect for sitting and watching the sunrise over the wide Somerset landscape.

Sunrise from Burrow Hill – South Somerset, UK. ID JB_8465

Of course the tree has lots of human visitors. For a while it had the joy of hosting a child’s swing hanging from its branches.

Burrow Hill – Somerset, UK. ID JB_8479

People who live in hilly towns live longer than those with wet feet in the flat lands.  So it is no surprise that walkers put a trip to the top on the hill on their route.

West Moor

Watching the dawn from the top of the hill and the flooding across the flat moors is clear to see.  In the distance is the TV mast on the hill above the city of Wells.

West Moor in Flood – From Burrow Hill, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8448

I wanted to get a view of Burrow Hill looking back up from the flooded flat lands.  My first attempt turned into a long walk along the muddy Burrow Drove.  But the view never really opened up to give a clear view of the hill surrounded by water.

After a quick drive around to the village of Kingsbury Episcopi.  I attempted to walk down to Pitt Bridge. Hoping the line of the Westmoor Main Drain would lead the viewer towards Burrow Hill in the distance.  However, it quickly became clear that without a boat there was no chance of reaching the bridge.

West Moor in Flood – Nr Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8920

More Moors

Heading north the moors are still flooded.

Barry Moor in Flood – From near Bicknells Bridge, Langport, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8815

The floods are a temporary home for huge flocks of lapwings.

Hay Moor in Flood – From near Bicknells Bridge, Langport, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8764

River Isle flows down through the moors.  On my first visit it was completely hidden under the water.  As the levels dropped the river’s course reappeared.

River Isle in Flood – Hambridge, Nr Curry Rivel, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8577

Burrow Hill Cider

You cannot talk about Burrow Hill without mentioning the cider farm.  The hill is literally surrounded by apple orchards.  I was advised to return in the spring to witness the apple blossoms.

Burrow Hill – Somerset, UK. ID JB_8554

The cider farm has so much character.  A real treat to visit.

Burrow Hill Cider – South Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8411

It is no surprise that the hill appears on virtually every image associated with the farm.

Burrow Hill Cider – South Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8414