The best walks and hikes around Minehead

Yes, many trails are designed as loops. A great option that combines history with nature is the Dunster Village – Gallox Bridge loop from Alcombe. This moderate walk takes you through the historic village of Dunster and past its famous medieval packhorse bridge.

For an easy and accessible walk, the View of Minehead Beach – Minehead Bay loop from Alcombe is a great choice for families, offering lovely coastal views without much difficulty. Another fantastic option is the short Tall Trees Trail at Nutcombe Bottom, which is a gentle 600-metre path through a forest with some of England's tallest trees.

Dogs are widely welcomed on trails around Minehead and in Exmoor National Park. However, this is a landscape with grazing livestock and sensitive wildlife, so you should keep your dog on a lead, especially on open moorland and near farm animals. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions.

The area offers several spectacular viewpoints. Dunkery Beacon is the highest point in Somerset and provides incredible panoramic views across Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. For stunning coastal scenery, Bossington Hill and Hurlstone Point are highly-regarded spots overlooking Porlock Bay. North Hill, rising directly above Minehead, also offers fantastic 360-degree views.

The region is rich with ancient woodlands. Horner Wood National Nature Reserve offers beautiful walks through ancient oak woods along the bubbling Horner Water. The trails here can also be used as a starting point for a more challenging hike up to Dunkery Beacon. For a unique experience, the Tall Trees Trail at Nutcombe Bottom near Dunster takes you through a forest of exceptionally tall conifers.

The South West Coast Path officially begins in Minehead. You can find the start marked by a large sculpture of a map held by two hands, located on the seafront. From here, the 630-mile national trail heads west along the coast towards Porlock Weir and beyond.

Hiking in Exmoor National Park from Minehead involves a rich variety of terrain. You can expect to encounter open, heather-clad moorland, steep wooded valleys (known as combes), dramatic coastal cliffs, and gentle riverside paths. Trails range from well-maintained footpaths to more rugged, uneven tracks across the moors.

Yes, there are plenty of options for easier walks. The promenade along Minehead's sandy beach is flat and fully accessible. For a gentle introduction to the local trails, consider a walk through the beautiful Blenheim Gardens in the town centre or a stroll around the picturesque harbour at Porlock Weir.

Absolutely. Many walks pass through or near charming villages that have traditional pubs. The historic village of Dunster, for example, is a popular stop on several routes and has pubs perfect for a post-hike meal. Similarly, the harbour at Porlock Weir is a great destination with places to eat and drink after exploring the coastal paths.

Minehead is served by buses that connect it to surrounding towns and villages, providing access to various trailheads in Exmoor National Park. The West Somerset Railway, a heritage steam line, also runs between Minehead and Bishop's Lydeard, stopping at several villages like Dunster that are excellent starting points for walks.

The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning variety of scenery, from the dramatic coastal cliffs of the South West Coast Path to the peaceful, ancient woodlands of Exmoor. The well-marked paths and the mix of challenging climbs and gentle strolls are also frequently mentioned.

While many car parks in the town centre and along the seafront are pay-and-display, you can often find free parking in more rural locations. Some popular walking spots like Horner Wood and certain lay-bys near trailheads on Exmoor may offer free parking, but these can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It's always best to arrive early.