Brent Knoll
Known by the Romans as: "The Mount of Frogs," the Knoll is an outcrop of the nearby Mendip Hills. 137 meters high, (449 feet) it affords splendid views of the Polden Hills to the south, Glastonbury Tor to the east, the Mendip Hills and Cheddar Gorge to the north east, the Bristol Channel and Wales to the west and the Quantock Hills to the south west.
The word "Brent" may mean a beacon, a slope, lofty, steep, smooth, unwrinkled, or a round hillock. The Knoll dates from the Jurassic times of 300 million years ago when dinosaurs, primitive mammals and strange birds roamed the area. A warm, shallow sea washed around its slopes thus giving its other name of "Frog Island."
How about a walk to the top ............
1. To the right of the church entrance with the steps, you walk though the black gate marked Public Footpath. Follow the path in direction of the sign. An alternative here is to pass up the Church steps, go to your right through the church yard and through the gate at the back. In either case head up the path around the back of St. Michael's Parish Church.
2. Proceed though this rusty gate and head North East (upwards) in the direction of the arrow on the picture. Here you get some nice views down onto Ball Copse Hall.
3. At this gate pass through and go straight ahead. The Path to the left is where you would join from the Farm yard - that's the way that we will return. Beware of electric fence there to keep in the animals. You might be lucky to meet some cows or even horses.
4. When you reach the stile climb over it and turn right following the path where you will be rewarded of this view of the Knoll.
5. Follow the path, it will turn left to follow the line of the hedge in the picture, you will climb a short steep hill at the top to find the stile and National Trust sign.
6. Now you are onto the last part of the climb where you follow the steps to the summit.
7. Catch your breath, and take in the stunning views. You can walk all around the top of the knoll, where you can see the grassy remains of the Iron Age hill fort, Ordinance Survey and Queens Golden Jubilee markers.
Afterwards.................
In the centre of the village stands the Red Cow Public House, a red bricked building whose style of architecture suggests that parts of it were built in the 18th century at least. Tastefully modernised it caters for the modern visitor.
Distance: 5 Miles
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