The best walks and hikes around Ashcott
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Hikes around Ashcott explore the Somerset Levels, a unique landscape of sprawling wetlands, reedbeds, and peat moors. The area is dominated by the Avalon Marshes, which includes the Shapwick Heath and Ham Wall National Nature Reserves. The trails are generally flat and follow well-maintained paths and drainage channels, making it an accessible region for walking and wildlife observation.
Best hiking trails around Ashcott
- The most popular hiking route is Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, a 4.4 mile (7.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This route offers a comprehensive experience of the restored peatland landscape and its diverse habitats.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Avalon Marshes – Ham Wall Nature Reserve loop from Meare, an easy 3.4 mile (5.4 km) path. The trail circles the reedbeds and open water of the reserve, a key area for birdwatching.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Glastonbury Market Cross – Glastonbury High Street loop from Meare, a 7.7 mile (12.4 km) trail leading through the wider Levels landscape, often completed in about 3 hours.
- Hiking around Ashcott is defined by expansive wetlands, reedbed paths, and ancient peat moors. The network of trails offers options for different ability levels, with most routes being flat and well-surfaced.
- The routes in Ashcott are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 250 reviews. More than 2,600 hikers have used komoot to explore Ashcott's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
5.0
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39
hikers
7.15km
01:48
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
56
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(3)
48
hikers
4.05km
01:01
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
54
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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38
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5.82km
01:28
0m
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve is a significant wetland situated just outside of Glastonbury in Somerset. There is a very diverse array of important wildlife species in this reserve, including the great white egret, a rare and majestic bird that was once extinct in the UK but has now made a comeback thanks to the reserve's conservation efforts. If you're interested in nature and wildlife, then this is an absolute must-see if visiting the Glastonbury area.
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Ham Wall Nature reserve is an important wetland reserve just outside of Glastonbury in Somerset that hosts a wide variety of habitats and wildlife. Whilst strolling around the reserve, you may be lucky enough to spot some of the local residents, including otters, water voles, marsh harriers, and a variety of dragonflies and damselflies. The reserve is a perfect place to unwind and relax and a must-see if in the area.
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The A frames have been replaced with gates so it's much easier for bikes to enter now.
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Lovely little cafe at the Avalon marshes centre.
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Deep in the Somerset Levels, the wetlands at Ham Wall Nature Reserve teem with wildlife. If you're lucky you might spot rare water voles and otters, bitterns and kingfishers, and huge flocks of murmurating starlings, all with views to Glastonbury Tor.
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There are A frame barriers at both ends of the trail over the NNR. Although these are wider than the barriers at Ham Wall they may restrict larger bikes, trailers, etc. Photos of barriers uploaded.
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Trail over the Ham Wall RSPB reserve, which can be busy with walkers. Note - if you've got anything much wider than a normal road bike you may struggle to get it through the A frames at the ends of the trail. The photos I've uploaded show one of the frames, with a tourer with 42cm bars for comparison. Apparently the gate at one end (west) of the trail has a RADAR lock but not the gate at the other end. Very poor accessibility.
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Lotte horse box at the side of Ham Wall path that does drinks and ice cream etc
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks near Ashcott?
Yes, the area is ideal for families. The trails are generally flat and well-maintained. A great option is the Ham Wall Nature Reserve loop from Meare, a short and easy walk of about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) that offers fantastic opportunities to see wildlife from accessible paths.
What is the best time of year to visit for wildlife watching?
The Avalon Marshes offer incredible wildlife sightings year-round. Spring is known for the booming calls of the rare bittern, while summer brings a host of dragonflies and butterflies. However, winter is particularly famous for the spectacular starling murmurations, which are a must-see natural event.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in the nature reserves?
Dogs are welcome in many areas, but there are restrictions to protect the sensitive wildlife. In Shapwick Heath and Ham Wall National Nature Reserves, dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times. Please follow local signage as some paths and hides may not permit dogs at all.
Where can I find good views on a walk near Ashcott?
While most walks are on the flat Levels, you can find excellent panoramic views from nearby Walton Hill. From its vantage point, you can see across the entire wetland landscape, with Glastonbury Tor being a prominent feature in the distance. It's a great spot to appreciate the scale of the Avalon Marshes.
Are there any circular walks available?
Most of the popular walks in the area are loops. The trails within the nature reserves are designed to be circular, allowing you to explore different habitats and return to your starting point. The Hiking loop from RSPB Ham Wall is a great example of a straightforward circular route through the heart of the wetlands.
What do other hikers say about the trails around Ashcott?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 250 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique, tranquil atmosphere of the wetlands, the excellent opportunities for birdwatching, and the flat, well-maintained paths that make the area so accessible.
Where is the best place to park for walks in the Avalon Marshes?
The main nature reserves have dedicated car parks. Both the RSPB Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve have their own parking areas, which are the most convenient starting points for exploring the trails within them. Be aware that parking can be busy, especially during peak events like the starling murmurations.
Can I walk to Glastonbury Tor from the Ashcott area?
Yes, it's possible to undertake a longer walk to Glastonbury. The Glastonbury Market Cross – Glastonbury High Street loop from Meare is a moderate 7.7-mile (12.4 km) route that connects the marshes with the town, offering a full day's hike across the Somerset Levels.
What kind of wildlife might I see?
The Avalon Marshes are a wildlife paradise. You have a high chance of seeing various water birds like herons, egrets, ducks, and swans. The area is famous for rare species like bitterns and marsh harriers. Keep an eye out for otters in the waterways and listen for Cetti's warblers in the reedbeds. The Avalon Hide is a particularly popular spot for birdwatchers.
What is the landscape like on these hikes?
Hiking here means exploring a unique flat landscape of sprawling wetlands, vast reedbeds, and open water, all part of the Somerset Levels and Moors. The trails follow a network of old peat tracks and drainage channels called 'rhynes'. The scenery is defined by its immense sense of space and tranquility, with long views towards Glastonbury Tor.
What is the Sweet Track?
The Sweet Track is a prehistoric wooden walkway built around 3807 BC, making it one of the oldest known trackways in the world. While the original is preserved in the peat below, you can walk along a reconstructed section within the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's Neolithic past.
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