The best walks and hikes around Somerset

Yes, Somerset offers a great selection of circular walks. These routes are perfect for exploring an area without having to retrace your steps. For a challenging loop with incredible views, the cliff-top walk at Cheddar Gorge is a local favorite. For something more moderate, the walk around Ebbor Gorge offers a peaceful experience through a nature reserve.

Somerset's coastline provides some dramatic hiking opportunities. The South West Coast Path begins in Minehead and runs along the edge of Exmoor, featuring some of the highest sea cliffs in England. For a shorter but equally impressive coastal walk, the trail around Brean Down offers panoramic views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.

Many trails in Somerset are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check for specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock. The Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve is a popular spot for dog walkers, offering beautiful woodland paths. Remember to keep dogs on a lead where required and to take all waste with you, as bins are not always available.

Absolutely. For a gentle and accessible walk suitable for all ages, the Southern Trails loop is a great option. Another excellent choice for families is a walk through Stockhill Wood, which has relatively flat paths and is a peaceful environment for children to explore.

For those seeking a challenge, the Mendip and Quantock Hills offer steep climbs and rewarding views. The trek to Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, is a strenuous but classic Somerset hike. For a long-distance challenge, the Mendip Way long-distance trail covers 50 miles of varied and demanding terrain.

The Mendip Hills National Landscape is a distinctive limestone ridge known for its spectacular gorges, dry valleys, and ancient history. Hikes here often feature dramatic cliff-top paths, like the one at Cheddar Gorge, and offer expansive views over the Somerset Levels. The area is also rich in wildlife and unique flora.

Yes, the Quantock Hills, England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer a wonderful mix of heathland, ancient woodland, and coastal views. A popular hike is the ascent to Will's Neck, the highest point in the Quantocks, which provides panoramic vistas across Somerset and the Bristol Channel.

Many trailheads in Somerset are accessible by public transport, particularly those near larger towns like Weston-super-Mare, Wells, and Frome. Buses often serve villages within the Mendip and Quantock Hills. It is always recommended to check local bus and train schedules in advance to plan your journey.

Walking on the Somerset Levels offers a completely different experience from the county's hills. The landscape is flat and expansive, characterized by wetlands, drainage channels known as rhynes, and abundant birdlife. It's an ideal area for gentle, leisurely walks with wide-open skies and a sense of tranquility.

While Somerset is more famous for its gorges and coastline, you can find smaller waterfalls and cascades, particularly within Exmoor National Park after heavy rainfall. Trails along the River Barle, such as the one near Tarr Steps, or in the deep wooded combes (valleys) of the Quantocks can feature charming water features.

The trails around Somerset are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the incredible variety of landscapes, from the stunning coastal cliffs of Exmoor to the dramatic limestone scenery of the Mendip Hills.

There are over 150 hiking routes to discover around Somerset on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls on the Levels to challenging multi-day treks along long-distance paths like the Mendip Way, ensuring there's a trail for every ability level.