The National Trust's striking landmark, Wellington Monument, on the edge of the Blackdown Hills in Somerset.
The Wellington Monument is a visible obelisk from miles around and is easily seen from the M5 motorway by drivers heading to and from the West Country. It is owned by the National Trust and it stands as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington and his victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
The Monument has recently undergone complete refurbishment at a cost of £3.1m and is open to the public by booked appointment to climb to the top to see the extensive views. See the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDy338b3nuk
The monument has a height of 175feet and apparently is the tallest 3 sided obelisk in the world. I climbed the 232 steps to look out the windows and although there is good lighting the stairs are spiral and narrow and slightly claustrophobic. It costs £5 to go up and you are equipped with a hard hat and a walky talky emergency device. Here is the link https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wellington-monument/features/visiting-wellington-monument-what-you-need-to-know and i see they now give successful visitors a badge. Note to self- why didn't I get one?
At the main door, we are let in by Gary our National Trust Volunteer.
I lingered inside to take this photo because the open topped corridor makes it obvious that we are in a tight 3 sided building.
A last minute briefing.
I was hoping to see Paris but alas all I could see was Wellington -
and very nice it looked too.
PUBLIC FOOTPATH.
We are lucky to be able to walk up to the monument from Wellington through fields to go under the motorway M5 by a footpath tunnel and through land managed by the Woodland Trust to enter the National Trust woods and the monument base.
Here are some random images which I hope you enjoy.
Thanks for looking at these images Ken
Enjoy a Weekend of Nature
at Wellington Monument
John - Suggestion only.
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