Litton lies on the fringes of East Mendip, a landscape that is characterised by gentle hills and lush valleys. To the north of the village, hidden away by folds in the hills, lie two secluded reservoirs formed by the damming of the River Chew.

This circuit explores the village of Litton and its neighbouring reservoirs, as well as the open expanses of Shortwood Common and Coley Hill, both locations bringing with them quite exceptional views.

The reservoirs are a haven for wildfowl, with the various species to be spotted including little grebe and cormorant, tufted duck and goosander. With the fine outlook across the Somerset landscape, as well as the chance of a spot of birdwatching, field glasses are a must on this particular walk.

The King's Arms, whose history can be traced back as far as the 15th century, is a fascinating old hostelry. Descend a flight of steps from the car park and you enter a world of polished flagstones and heavy beams, vast fireplaces and welcoming settles – a real sense of history pervades this ancient inn. There is even a suit of armour in an alcove in one of the bar areas.

In addition to sandwiches and salads, the dishes available include lamb cutlets, king prawns and pork ribs, each served with tasty sauces. With a glass of Wadworth 6X or Bass to complement your meal, the King's Arms will provide welcome refreshment at your journey's end.

1.

Walk to the far end of the car park and drop down a bank to a lane. Turn right and follow the lane around to the village hall in Litton. Immediately before the hall, turn left along a track to a gate and stile.

Follow the left edges of two fields ahead and, in a third field, walk around the edge of a water board installation to a stile in the fence on the left and a lane. Follow the lane to the right and, in 400 yards, keep on the lane as it bears left immediately past a cottage.

In 150 yards, at a junction, turn left and follow the side-lane uphill across Shortwood Common. Having reached Shortwood House at the top of the hill, continue along the hilltop lane for three-quarters of a mile to a stile and footpath on the left, immediately past Ham Farm.

2.

Cross this stile and head half-left across the field ahead to a stile in the left-hand field boundary. In the following field, bear half-right to a stile 100 yards along the right-hand field boundary from the corner of the field. Follow the line of the electricity wires across the next field to a stile just to the left of a telegraph pole.

Walk diagonally downhill across the middle of the following field to a stile in the far right-hand corner, some 300 yards distant. Beyond this stile, turn right and follow the field boundary on the right down to a stile in the bottom field boundary and the banks of the lower reservoir at Litton.

3.

Cross the dam ahead, an overflow channel and a cattle grid before going through the first gate on the left. Follow the left edge of the field ahead, with the banks of the lower reservoir beyond the hedge on the left, to a stile in the corner of the field. Follow the field boundary of the next field around to a footbridge over a stream in the far right corner. Beyond this stream, follow a woodland path alongside a stream down to Litton's lower reservoir before continuing along the path alongside the lake.

Keep on this path as it eventually climbs to cross the dam at the foot of the upper reservoir. Cross this dam and, on the far side of the lake, follow the footpath to the right alongside the northern bank of the upper reservoir.

In half a mile, pass through a handgate to join a lane. Turn left, walk past the water board installation passed at the outset and cross a stile on the right.

Retrace your steps across the right edges of three fields back to the village hall and lane in Litton, turn right and return to the King's Arms.

Places of Interest: Chew Valley Lake lies five miles north-west of Litton. This vast reservoir, some 2.5 miles long and with a capacity of 20,000 million litres, was opened by the Queen in 1956. As well as supplying water, Chew is a vast leisure amenity for fishermen, sailors and ornithologists. At the northern end of the reservoir – and signposted from surrounding roads – you will find a visitor centre and a cafe. Tel: 01275 332339.

The Stanton Drew stone circles are just a few miles north of Litton. Here we find three circles, the great circle being one of the largest such relics in the country. Were it not for the off-the-beaten track location of Stanton Drew, these stone circles would be of national renown.

Pub Walks for Motorists Bristol & Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire, by Nigel Vile, is published by Countryside Books priced £8.99.