Somerset, located in the southwest of England, offers a stunning variety of landscapes perfect for walkers. From the dramatic cliffs of the Exmoor coastline to the peaceful levels and moors, and the historic sites scattered throughout, Somerset provides a wealth of opportunities for exploration on foot. Whether you’re looking for a vigorous hike or a gentle stroll, you’ll find plenty of options in this diverse county.
Popular Walks in Somerset
1. Cheddar Gorge
- Length: Circular walks vary, around 3-5 miles typically
- Start/End: Cheddar village
- Highlights: This spectacular limestone gorge boasts cliffs rising 450 feet and is the largest gorge in the UK. Walking routes around the gorge offer breathtaking views and pass through unique limestone grassland habitats, home to diverse flora and fauna, including feral goats.
2. Quantock Hills
- Length: Various routes, from short strolls to longer hikes
- Start/End: Many trails start from the village of Crowcombe or the town of Taunton
- Highlights: The Quantock Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and provide extensive views across Somerset to the sea. The area features heathland, oak woodlands, and ancient parklands, perfect for walking and wildlife watching.
3. Glastonbury Tor
- Length: About 1.5 miles (circular)
- Start/End: Glastonbury town
- Highlights: The iconic hill overlooking Glastonbury, known for its spiritual significance and the tower on the summit, the remains of a 14th-century church. The walk is steep but offers panoramic views of the Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills, and Exmoor.
4. Mendip Way
- Length: Approximately 50 miles, often broken into manageable sections
- Start/End: From Weston-super-Mare to Frome
- Highlights: This long-distance trail traverses the Mendip Hills through varied landscapes including wooded valleys, gorges, and green fields, offering extensive views and passing through charming villages.
5. Exmoor National Park Coastal Walks
- Length: Various lengths
- Start/End: Popular starting points include Porlock and Lynmouth
- Highlights: Exmoor’s coastline offers some of the most dramatic and rugged landscapes in the UK, with high cliffs and views across the Bristol Channel. The South West Coast Path provides excellent walking options along this striking coastline.
6. Bath Skyline Walk
- Length: About 6 miles (circular)
- Start/End: Bath city center
- Highlights: Managed by the National Trust, this popular walk offers stunning views of the city of Bath and its surrounding countryside. The route takes in meadows, ancient woodlands, and hidden valleys, making it one of the most scenic urban walks in the UK.
Tips for Walking in Somerset
- Prepare for Varied Weather: Always bring appropriate clothing as weather can change quickly, especially on the coast and higher ground.
- Navigation: Carry a reliable map and a compass, particularly for longer rural walks where wayfinding might be more challenging.
- Respect the Environment: Stick to marked paths to protect natural habitats and reduce erosion. Be mindful of local wildlife.
- Local Amenities: Plan your walks to incorporate local pubs, cafes, or landmarks. Somerset villages offer great spots for refreshments and learning more about the local culture and history.
- Safety Measures: Let someone know your planned route and expected return, especially when tackling more isolated areas.
Walking in Somerset provides a delightful experience with its rich mix of cultural history, natural beauty, and welcoming towns and villages. Each walk offers a unique way to engage with the landscape, whether you’re exploring rugged hills, peaceful fields, or historic sites.
- Walks from Alford
- Walks from Amesbury
- Walks from Ash Priors
- Walks from Ashton
- Walks from Ashwell
- Walks from Batcombe
- Walks from Bath
- Walks from Bathpool
- Walks from Bathpool
- Walks from Beer
- Walks from Blagdon
- Walks from Broadway
- Walks from Burford
- Walks from Carhampton
- Walks from Catcott
- Walks from Charlton Horethorne
- Walks from Cheddar
- Walks from Churchill
- Walks from Clatworthy
- Walks from Clevedon
- Walks from Clutton
- Walks from Coleford
- Walks from Combe Hay
- Walks from Corston
- Walks from Cucklington
- Walks from Dulverton
- Walks from Ford
- Walks from Frome
- Walks from Galhampton
- Walks from Glastonbury
- Walks from Henley
- Walks from High Ham
- Walks from Holywell
- Walks from Ilchester
- Walks from Keinton Mandeville
- Walks from Knowle
- Walks from Langham
- Walks from Langport
- Walks from Lansdown
- Walks from Litton
- Walks from Merriott
- Walks from Montacute
- Walks from Newbridge
- Walks from Newton St Loe
- Walks from North Cadbury
- Walks from North Wootton
- Walks from Northfield
- Walks from Outwood
- Walks from Portland
- Walks from Ridgeway
- Walks from Shalford
- Walks from Shoreditch
- Walks from Stoke St Gregory
- Walks from Stone
- Walks from Sutton
- Walks from Taunton
- Walks from Tickenham
- Walks from Triscombe
- Walks from Upton
- Walks from Wales
- Walks from Walton
- Walks from Wellington
- Walks from Wells
- Walks from Westfield
- Walks from Weston
- Walks from Whitchurch
- Walks from Wraxall
| Walking Trail | Distance |
|---|---|
| Castles and Coast Way | 19 km / 12 miles |
| Coleridge Way | 80 km / 50 miles |
| East Mendip Way | 30 km / 19 miles |
| England Coast Path – Brean Down to Minehead | 92 km / 57 miles |
| England Coast Path – Hinkley Point Inland Alternative | 5 km / 3 miles |
| Exe Valley Way | 84 km / 52 miles |
| Exe Valley Way: Variant to Exe Head | 14 km / 9 miles |
| King Arthur Way | 249 km / 155 miles |
| Land’s End Trail | 488 km / 303 miles |
| Leland Trail | 51 km / 32 miles |
| Liberty Trail | 45 km / 28 miles |
| Limestone Link (Cotswolds to Mendips) | 58 km / 36 miles |
| Macmillan Way – Abbotsbury-Langport Link | 64 km / 40 miles |
| Macmillan Way – Boston to Abbotsbury | 467 km / 290 miles |
| Macmillan Way West – Castle Cary to Barnstaple | 164 km / 102 miles |
| Mary Michael Pilgrims Way | 563 km / 350 miles |
| Mendip Way | 79 km / 49 miles |
| Monarch’s Way | 946 km / 588 miles |
| Quantock Greenway | 58 km / 36 miles |
| River Parrett Trail | 80 km / 50 miles |
| Samaritans Way South West: Bristol to Lynton | 166 km / 103 miles |
| South West Coast Path National Trail | 1014 km / 630 miles |
| Tarka Trail | 127 km / 79 miles |
| Two Counties Way | 90 km / 56 miles |
| Two Moors Way (Devon Coast to Coast) | 172 km / 107 miles |
| West Deane Way | 72 km / 45 miles |
| West Mendip Way | 48 km / 30 miles |
| Wivey Way | 39 km / 24 miles |