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A month-long series of outdoor walks designed to embrace the new year, shake off the January Blues and meet new people along the way!
Shepton Walks in partnership with Shepton Mallet Town Council bring you a month of guided walks every weekend of January and on New Year’s Day. There will be walks of different levels of difficulty and length. Walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome! Please email sheptonwalks@gmail.com if you have any questions about the walks. Remember to wear sensible shoes which are weather-resistant and have a good grip.
Beat the January Blues 2027 Walk Schedule
Thursday 1st January at 11.00 from the Market Cross
Walk leaders – Julie-Marie & Patric French Devitt
Route – This will be a 4-mile walk, using a series of footpaths and fields around Shepton Mallet. We recommend walking boots and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Sunday 4th January at 10.00 from the Market Cross
Walk leader – Steve Cobbin
Route – TBC
Saturday 10th January at 10.00 from the Market Cross
Walk leader – Ian Keys
Route – This will be a 6-mile walk, Beating the Bounds (Part 1). We recommend walking boots and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Sunday 18th January at 10.30 from the Market Cross
Walk leader – Jo Smith
Route – TBC
Saturday 24th January at 10.00 from the Market Cross
Walk leader – Ian Keys
Route – This will be a 6-mile walk, Beating the Bounds (Part 2). We recommend walking boots and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Beating the Bounds
Beating the bounds is a traditional custom in which members of a community walk the boundaries of their parish or locality, often led by local officials or clergy. Typically held annually or at set intervals, this practice was originally intended to familiarise people with the limits of their parish, ensuring that boundaries were clearly understood and maintained. The walk is often accompanied by ceremonies, singing, or the marking of boundary stones, and provides an opportunity for community gathering and the passing on of local history and knowledge to younger generations.
*Well-behaved dogs welcome.
