Step into the world of Samuel Taylor Coleridge during a special walking festival across the Quantock Hills, hosted by the National Trust on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8. This unique event invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of the celebrated poet, whose time living in Nether Stowey from 1796 to 1799 inspired some of his most iconic works, including Kubla Khan, Frost at Midnight, and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
The tranquil rural surroundings of the Quantock Hills are credited with nurturing Coleridge’s creativity, playing a pivotal role in shaping the Romantic literary movement. Walkers will explore Coleridge’s deep connection with nature through guided routes organized by the Quantock Hills Walking Partnership, with dedicated volunteers from Coleridge Cottage providing expert insights.
Charlotte Hall, site manager at Coleridge Cottage, reflects on the poet’s legacy: “Although Coleridge’s stay in Nether Stowey was brief, the landscape left an enduring impression on his work. We are proud to collaborate with the Quantock Hills Partnership Scheme to offer visitors an immersive experience filled with literary heritage and natural beauty.”
READ MORE: Wera Hobhouse Explores Cutting-Edge Innovations at University of Bath
READ MORE: Backwell Bus Lane Proposal Sparks Community Outrage and Council Review
Participants can choose from four guided walks designed to suit various abilities and interests. Nature enthusiasts can wander wooded trails to an Iron Age hillfort or stroll through historic country estates to discover geological remnants of ancient volcanism within the Quantocks.
History buffs have options too, including a circular route across open countryside to the evocative ruins of Stogursey Castle and the nearby Nether Stowey Castle Mount. For those drawn to literature, a special literary trail along the Coleridge Way will feature live readings of poems by Coleridge himself, as well as by William Wordsworth and Dorothy Wordsworth, bringing the Romantic era vividly to life.
Walk durations vary, and pre-booking is essential through the Coleridge Cottage website. After the walks, visitors can relax and recharge at the Coleridge Cottage tearoom, open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (last entry at 4 pm), offering refreshments in a charming historic setting.
This weekend offers a rare opportunity to engage with the landscape that fired the imagination of one of England’s most influential poets—an enriching journey for lovers of literature, history, and nature alike.