New app to help you explore Ham Hill's Past

Released On 28th Apr 2021

We all want to explore the wonders of Ham Hill County Park, but now you can even do it with digital help through an app.

SSDC’s countryside rangers from Ham Hill have partnered up with Ordnance Survey to launch a digital trail through a free to download OS ‘Secret Stories’ app. The trail is called ‘Ham Hill’s Pits of Perils and Rampaging Romans tour’.

The app allows you to discover more of Ham Hill’s spooky nightlife, fantastic fossils and buried treasures along a trail that is approximately 1.3 miles long. It is packed full of activities and takes around one and a half hours to compete.

You can explore the Deep Quarry and learn about its inhabitants, create your own hibernation shelters in the hazel forests, and find out about the war scars and ancient dwellings which are still visible on Ham Hill today. The stories along the trail are told in a similar way to Horrible Histories, which make them fun and engaging for children and adults alike.

Assistant Engagement Ranger, Edd Chilcott, who designed the trail, said: “The Secret Stories Trail ‘Ham Hill’s Pits of Peril and Rampaging Romans tour’ was an absolute pleasure to create; the hill is so full of secrets and surprises and anyone who does this short tour is bound to find out something new about this stunning site.

“If you are interested in wildlife, history, natural history (as far back as Jurassic marine life), geology, or simply messing around in the great outdoors, then download the app ‘Secret Stories’ and look for ‘Ham Hill’s Pits of Peril and Rampaging Romans tour’. Click Map in the top right and it’s marked near South Petherton. Enjoy your walks, I hope to see you all up on Ham Hill soon!”

Countryside Manager Rachael Whaites says “This new free trail app at Ham Hill developed with Ordnance Survey, is a fantastic new way for people to learn about and have fun at Ham Hill.

“The trail will take you to new areas of Ham Hill and surprise you with the stories you are told. We hope that it will encourage families to explore more of Ham Hill and it’s a great way to get active and keep children entertained on a walk. Ham Hill has a wealth of stories to tell and by using this digital app you will really get to appreciate the wonder that is Ham Hill.

“This is the first time we have trialled a digital app at Ham Hill and we would love some feedback on what people think of it. If you download and use the app, please let us know what you think and complete our short questionnaire. There is a chance to win a £5 Ninesprings Café Voucher for surveys submitted by Friday 28th May.”

If you have an Apple device, simply download the app via the App Store.

If you have an Android device, download the app via the Google Play Store.