Whitehole, Leigh upon Mendip, England

## Overview Whitehole is a natural spring located in the village of Leigh upon Mendip (also known as Leigh-on-Mendip), nestled in the Mendip Hills of Somerset, England. The Mendip Hills are renowned for their limestone geology, which naturally filters rainwater through layers of carboniferous limestone, giving rise to numerous springs and resurgences throughout the area. Whitehole sits along the valley of the Mells Stream, a picturesque watercourse that winds through this part of the Mendips. The spring is privately owned and maintained, but visitors have historically been welcome to access the water at no cost. Local residents and visitors have reported that the water tastes clean and fresh, and the spring has been used as a drinking water source by the community. That said, water quality can vary over time, and anyone collecting water should make their own assessment before consuming it. The surrounding landscape is quintessentially rural Somerset — rolling green hills, hedgerow-lined lanes, and quiet woodland along the stream banks. Whitehole Hill, which gives the spring its name, rises above the valley and offers pleasant walking terrain. ## Directions 1. **From Marsh Lane or Ham Hill:** Head towards Whitehole Hill. Once you reach the hill, park your vehicle in a suitable spot and follow the footpath along the bank of the Mells Stream for approximately two to three miles to reach the spring. 2. **From Pitten Street (in Leigh upon Mendip):** Take a left turn onto Whitehole Hill. Follow this lane, which leads down towards the valley and the spring. The GPS coordinates for the spring are **51.232334, −2.46002**. These can be entered into a sat-nav or mapping app to help pinpoint the location, though the final approach is on foot along the stream bank. ## What to Expect Whitehole is a peaceful, rural spring set along the Mells Stream in a quiet corner of the Mendip Hills. The walk along the stream bank to reach the spring is scenic and relatively easy, passing through green pastureland and wooded stretches typical of the Somerset countryside. The spring is generally a reliable water source, though at least one visitor has reported finding it dry on occasion — likely during prolonged dry spells, as limestone springs in the Mendips can be sensitive to seasonal rainfall patterns. If you're visiting specifically to collect water, it may be worth checking with locals or visiting after a period of wet weather. Because the spring is on private land, visitors should be respectful of the surroundings and any posted guidance from the landowner. There are no formal facilities at the site, so come prepared for a countryside walk. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wetter months when the stream-side path can be muddy. The area around Leigh upon Mendip is well worth exploring in its own right, with historic churches, quiet lanes, and connections to the wider Mendip Hills walking network.