Combe Hay Spring

## Overview Combe Hay Spring is a charming public drinking spring nestled in the small, picturesque village of Combe Hay, located in the rolling countryside just south of Bath in Somerset, England. The village itself sits within the Cam Brook valley, an area shaped by the underlying oolitic limestone geology of the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills — a rock formation well known for filtering and mineralising groundwater as it percolates through ancient layers of stone. This geological setting has given rise to numerous natural springs throughout the Bath region, many of which have been used as drinking water sources for centuries. Combe Hay is a quiet, unspoiled hamlet with a handful of historic stone cottages, a medieval church (the Church of St. Margaret), and deep roots stretching back to the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was recorded as "Cumbe." The village's name derives from the Old English *cumb* (a short valley) and *hæg* (an enclosure), reflecting its sheltered position in the landscape. The spring itself is housed in a small stone alcove — a traditional style of spring housing common across Somerset and the wider West Country, where local communities historically built protective stonework around valued water sources to keep them clean and accessible. Visitors have reported that the water flows plentifully and tastes clean, and the spring has historically been used as a local drinking water source. As with all natural springs, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions, so visitors should use their own discretion. ## Directions 1. From the centre of Bath, head south on the A367 (Wells Road) toward Radstock. 2. After approximately 2 miles, turn right onto the minor road signposted for Combe Hay. This turning comes shortly after passing through Odd Down. 3. Follow the narrow lane as it descends into the Cam Brook valley toward Combe Hay village — the road winds steeply, so take care. 4. As you enter the village, look to your right for the spring, which is set into a small stone alcove at the roadside. 5. Parking is very limited in the village, as the lanes are narrow. There may be space to pull over carefully near the spring, but be mindful of residents and passing traffic. **GPS Coordinates:** 51.337984, -2.382837 ## What to Expect Combe Hay Spring is a modest but lovely roadside spring, typical of the historic village springs found across Somerset. The water emerges into a small stone alcove — a beautifully simple piece of vernacular architecture that blends into the surrounding honey-coloured Bath stone buildings of the village. The flow has been described as plentiful, and the setting is peaceful and scenic. Combe Hay is a very small and quiet village with no shops or services, so come prepared. The surrounding countryside offers excellent walking opportunities, including footpaths along the Cam Brook valley and connections to the Limestone Link long-distance trail. The nearby remains of the historic Somersetshire Coal Canal — an 18th-century waterway that once passed through the valley — add further interest for history enthusiasts. The spring is accessible year-round, though the narrow lanes into the village can be muddy or slippery in wet weather. Visitors should bring their own containers if they wish to collect water.