The Best Walks in Somerset and Surrounding Areas
Somerset and its neighbouring counties are full of beautiful walks, from gentle riverside strolls and family-friendly nature trails to rugged hilltop hikes with big views. Whether you’re looking for an easy pushchair-friendly path, a serious hike or a full-day adventure across moorland and coast, this guide picks out some of the best routes in and around Somerset.
Brean Down
One of Somerset’s finest coastal walks, climbing to a dramatic headland more than 90m above the Bristol Channel. You get huge coastal views, wildlife and fascinating history, including the old fort.
Cheddar Gorge
Probably Somerset’s most dramatic landscape walk, taking you high above England’s largest gorge, with spectacular limestone cliffs and panoramic views across the Somerset Levels.
Cothelstone Hill
A beautiful Quantock Hills walk with open countryside, woodland and far-reaching views. Particularly good if you want a quieter alternative to Somerset’s better-known walking spots.
Glastonbury Tor
One of Somerset’s most iconic walks. The climb to St Michael’s Tower rewards you with exceptional views across the Levels, while the Tor’s history and legends make the walk much more than just a viewpoint.
Ham Wall
Fantastic for a gentle wildlife walk through the Somerset Levels. The wetlands are famous for birdlife, and it’s an especially good choice for families and people who don't want a strenuous hill walk.
Brent Knoll
A distinctive hill rising dramatically above the flat Somerset Levels. The summit gives you excellent views towards the Mendips, Bristol Channel, Glastonbury Tor and surrounding countryside.
Fyne Court
One of the best woodland choices on the Quantocks, with peaceful paths, streams and lots of nature. A particularly enjoyable option for families who prefer exploring woods to tackling big hills.
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Dunkery Beacon
The highest point in Somerset, making this one of the county’s essential walks. On a clear day the views from Exmoor stretch for miles across Somerset and beyond.
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Haytor Rocks
This one is actually in Devon, on Dartmoor, but it's well worth including. The enormous granite outcrops create a spectacular destination, and climbing around the rocks makes it especially fun for adventurous families.
Tarr Steps
One of Exmoor’s most beautiful walks, centred around its famous ancient-looking stone clapper bridge. The combination of river, woodland and wildlife makes this a lovely family walk.
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Puzzlewood
Another that's outside Somerset, in Gloucestershire, but it's one of the most magical woodland walks around. Twisted trees, moss-covered rocks, bridges and unusual pathways give it an almost fantasy-film atmosphere.
Canonteign Falls
In Devon, this combines walking with spectacular waterfalls. Its main waterfall walk climbs through ancient woodland and gardens to the 70m Lady Exmouth Falls, with easier lakeside walks available too.
Ashton Court Estate
Just outside Somerset in Bristol, with hundreds of acres of parkland and woodland to explore. You can combine it with Leigh Woods for a much longer walk, with impressive views towards the Avon Gorge.
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Leigh Woods
Beautiful ancient woodland overlooking the Avon Gorge. It's particularly special for its veteran trees, wildlife and views towards the Clifton Suspension Bridge, with both short and much longer routes possible.
Lytes Cary Manor
An excellent choice for a gentler countryside walk. There are several waymarked routes through woodland, fields and alongside the River Cary, with wildlife, wildflowers and the historic manor adding interest.
