West Coker and Hardington Moor

Hardington Moor – West Coker, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_9588

When you Google images for a town or village the first few pages of results are for properties.  If you are lucky a few pictures from the local newspaper will find their way into the second page.  This happened to me when I searched for pictures of West Coker in South Somerset.

My plan had been to visit a nature reserve called Hardington Moor.  I stumbled across this patch of countryside on the internet a few days ago when a beautiful picture of it flashed up on a search for spring flowers.  I often research new places to visit this way.

I studied a map of the village of West Coker looking for a place to park.

The best place spaces turned out to be behind the church.  If you have followed my blog you know I love a good church. And this is a lovely little church.  You cannot see from this picture but there lots of daffodils still in flower.

St Martin of Tours – West Coker, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, UK. ID JB_4502

Chur Lane

Opposite the church, and over the main road, is the steep hill leading up to Hardington Moor.  How is 30% for steep!

30% – Chur Lane,West Coker, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_9602

The lane is cut into the hillside.  It reminds me of Hell Lane in Dorset, and would indeed be hell of a lane to cycle up!

Chur Lane – West Coker, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_9568

Trees cling to the edge of the cutting, their roots exposed to fresh air.

Chur Lane – West Coker, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_9571

Roots drape down like curtains over the cutting.

Chur Lane – West Coker, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_9575

Hardington Moor

Eventually, I reached Hardington Moor at the top of the hill.  The small nature reserve is a series of hay meadows covered in orchids and cowslips.

Cowslips – Hardington Moor, West Coker, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, UK. ID JB_4454

The early-purple orchids were putting on a spectacular display.  I did not have time to explore all the fields, or most of the village, so a return trip looks to be on the cards soon.

Early-purple Orchids – Hardington Moor, West Coker, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, UK. ID JB_4409