The Taunton Stop Line was a defensive line that was designed and constructed to contain any breakthrough by the enemy, during World War 2, until reinforcements could arrive. Stop Lines used a combination of geography and construction to make continuous defences. As you ride the line you will come across Pill Boxes, Machine Gun placements, anti-tank gun placements, anti-tank ditches, infantry trenches and many other defences. It was built in 1940. The line starts from Chard but for equestrian purposes it looks best to park at the car park near Chard reservoir and follow the Sustrans route 33 north. The whole stop line ran for about 50 miles but this section is 3.2miles long with diversion at Peasmarsh Farm Grid: ref ST 339 124 where it follows a gated horse handled lane avoiding the main road. It re-joins the railway line marked on the OS maps as a bridleway into Ilminster. It may be possible to park in the health centre in Ilminster if not travelling any further. Phone to get permission.
Grid ref: ST 333 097 Chard reservoirGrid ref: ST 351 146 Ilminster
The Taunton Stop Line was a defensive line that was designed and constructed to contain any breakthrough by the enemy, during World War 2, until reinforcements could arrive. Stop Lines used a combination of geography and construction to make continuous defences. As you ride the line you will come across Pill Boxes, Machine Gun placements, anti-tank gun placements, anti-tank ditches, infantry trenches and many other defences. It was built in 1940. The line starts from Chard but for equestrian purposes it looks best to park at the car park near Chard reservoir and follow the Sustrans route 33 north. The whole stop line ran for about 50 miles but this section is 3.2miles long with diversion at Peasmarsh Farm Grid: ref ST 339 124 where it follows a gated horse handled lane avoiding the main road. It re-joins the railway line marked on the OS maps as a bridleway into Ilminster. It may be possible to park in the health centre in Ilminster if not travelling any further. Phone to get permission.
Grid ref: ST 333 097 Chard reservoirGrid ref: ST 351 146 Ilminster
