The best walks and hikes around Thornfalcon

Yes, the area around Thornfalcon is excellent for gentle walks. The landscape is defined by level canal towpaths and riverside paths. A great option is The Old Van Heusen Factory loop from Firepool Lock, which is a short, mostly flat walk along the River Tone. The paths along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal are also very accessible.

There are many circular routes available. For a moderate walk that takes in the local scenery, consider the Homemade Cakes and Jams Stand loop from Creech St Michael. It's a relatively flat loop that follows local footpaths and offers a pleasant experience of the Somerset countryside.

For a more strenuous day out, the nearby Blackdown Hills offer fantastic, challenging terrain. The View of the Blackdown Hills – Castle Neroche loop from Stoke St Mary is a demanding hike that rewards you with significant elevation and expansive views across the landscape.

Many trails in the region are dog-friendly, especially the open paths in the Quantock and Blackdown Hills. Ramscombe Great Wood is a popular spot for dog walkers, known for its serene and peaceful woodland trails. As always, please keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and follow any local signage.

Hikers in the region enjoy a variety of landscapes. Some of the most popular spots include:

• Wills Neck: The highest point in the Quantocks, offering wonderful, far-reaching views. It's a favorite for those seeking a rewarding climb.
• Cothelstone Hill: Another highly-regarded spot in the Quantocks with stupendous views from its open summit.
• Ramscombe Great Wood: A serene woodland area perfect for peaceful walks among the trees.
• Netherclay Community Woodland: A lovely local spot with pathways to explore along the river, appreciated for its pretty scenery.

For some of the best views in the region, head to the Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A hike to Wills Neck, the highest point in the Quantocks, provides extensive vistas across Somerset and the Bristol Channel. Cothelstone Hill is another local favorite, renowned for its stupendous panoramic views.

Yes, the canal towpath offers a fantastic, level walking route. The Maunsel Lock – Iron Railway Bridge loop from Creech St. Michael is a great example, following the towpath for a significant portion of the walk. This route allows you to enjoy the tranquil waterside scenery and industrial heritage of the canal.

The Quantock Hills offer a dramatic contrast to the flat Somerset Levels. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty features a mix of steep-sided combes, open heathland, and ancient oak woodlands. The terrain is varied, providing everything from gentle strolls to strenuous climbs with rewarding views.

Netherclay Community Woodland is a great choice for a woodland walk near Taunton. It's a well-loved local spot with plenty of pathways to explore through the trees and along the river. For a larger forest experience, Ramscombe Great Wood in the Quantocks offers serene and peaceful walks in a beautiful setting.

There are nearly 300 hiking routes to explore around Thornfalcon on komoot. These range from easy, family-friendly strolls along the river to difficult, full-day hikes in the surrounding hills, offering something for every ability level.

The routes are well-regarded by the komoot community, with over 2,000 hikers having explored the area. Reviewers often praise the variety of the landscape, from the peaceful, flat canal paths to the stunning views from the tops of the Quantock and Blackdown Hills.