The best walks and hikes around West Pennard

There are over 300 hiking routes to explore in the area. The selection is well-balanced, with about 160 easy trails perfect for casual walks, 132 moderate routes for a good challenge, and 11 difficult hikes for more experienced walkers.

Yes, the region is very welcoming to dogs. A popular choice is the National Trust's Ebbor Gorge, a nature preserve with trails through a limestone gorge that many visitors enjoy with their dogs. Just be mindful of any livestock in fields and local signage regarding leads.

For a very gentle and flat walk that's great for all ages, the Soccer Field – Swimming Spot loop from Baltonsborough is an excellent option. It's a short, easy loop that's perfect for a relaxed family outing.

The area has many excellent circular routes. For a longer, more varied day out that combines history and nature, consider the Gog and Magog Ancient Oaks – Glastonbury Tor loop from North Wootton. This moderate trail takes you past ancient trees and offers rewarding views.

Hikers in the area often visit several key locations known for their scenery and trails:

• Mendip Hills National Landscape: A highly-regarded area offering numerous trails through limestone hills, caves, and historic sites.
• Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve: Part of the Avalon Marshes, this is a favorite spot for its flat gravel trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
• Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve: A popular nature preserve featuring a dramatic limestone gorge with varied walking paths.
• Combe Hill Wood: A well-liked local wood offering pleasant, shorter walks with lovely scenery.

For expansive views, the Mendip Hills are a top destination. The trails there, particularly the cliff-top walks around Cheddar Gorge, offer dramatic scenery. Closer to West Pennard, any route ascending Glastonbury Tor provides 360-degree panoramas of the Somerset Levels.

Yes, the region has several beautiful woodlands. Combe Hill Wood is a popular choice for its pleasant and accessible trails. For a more rugged experience, the paths through Ebbor Gorge take you through ancient woodland, and Great Breach Wood in the Polden Hills also offers a diverse network of footpaths.

The trails here are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the variety of the landscape, from the unique wetlands of the Avalon Marshes to the commanding views from hills like Glastonbury Tor. The well-maintained network of public footpaths connecting historical sites and nature reserves is also a common highlight.

While many rural trailheads are best reached by car, you can access some key areas via public transport. Bus services connect local towns like Glastonbury and Wells, which serve as excellent starting points for many popular walks, including those to Glastonbury Tor and into the Mendip Hills.

Parking availability varies by trail. For popular attractions like Glastonbury Tor or nature reserves like Ebbor Gorge, there are often designated pay-and-display car parks. For more rural routes starting from villages, you may find on-street parking, but be sure to park considerately. Some local pubs also offer parking for patrons who are walking in the area.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find gentle, flat paths through the wetlands of the Somerset Levels and Avalon Marshes, which are great for easy walks. The landscape also features rolling hills like Pennard Hill and the prominent Glastonbury Tor, which involve moderate ascents. For more challenging hikes, the nearby Mendip Hills offer steeper, more rugged limestone paths.