The best walks and hikes around Somerset

Yes, Somerset offers a great selection of circular walks. Many trails are designed as loops, so you can end your hike where you started without retracing your steps. For a straightforward woodland walk, consider the Somerset Forest loop from Macosquin, which is a popular choice for an easy outing.

Somerset is generally very dog-friendly. Many trails, including those in nature reserves like the popular Ebbor Gorge, welcome dogs. However, always be mindful of local regulations. Some areas, especially farmland or moorland during nesting season, may require dogs to be on a lead. Also, be aware that some locations like Kings Cliff may not have waste bins, so you'll need to carry out any dog waste.

There are numerous easy trails suitable for the whole family. Look for shorter routes with minimal elevation gain. The Somerset Forest loop from Coleraine is a great example of an easy, accessible walk through woodland that's perfect for an afternoon with children.

For a more demanding hike, the Mendip Hills offer steep climbs and rewarding views. The cliff-top walk at Cheddar Gorge is a local favorite known for its challenging ascents and spectacular scenery. The terrain can be rugged, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

Absolutely. Somerset's coastline along the Bristol Channel is a highlight. The South West Coast Path begins in Minehead and offers some of the highest coastal walking in England. For a shorter but equally dramatic coastal experience, the walk around Brean Down provides stunning views across the channel.

The Mendip Hills National Landscape is a top destination for hikers, known for its limestone gorges, ancient history, and sweeping views. You can find everything from challenging gorge scrambles to gentle woodland strolls. The area around Stockhill Wood is a popular spot for a peaceful walk among the trees.

Yes, Somerset is crossed by several notable long-distance trails. The most famous is the South West Coast Path, which starts in Minehead. Others include The Mendip Way, which traverses the Mendip Hills, and the Coleridge Way, which runs through the Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park. A route like the Hiking loop from Coleraine can give you a taste of the local long-distance feel.

The trails around Somerset are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the incredible variety, from the dramatic cliffs of Cheddar Gorge to the peaceful woodlands and the wild, open spaces of Exmoor. The mix of stunning natural landscapes and rich history is a frequently mentioned highlight.

Many Somerset hikes are steeped in history. You can explore ancient sites like the Tarr Steps, a prehistoric clapper bridge in Exmoor, or walk to the iconic Glastonbury Tor. The Mountsandel Fort – Mountsandel Fort loop from Coleraine is a great option that takes you around the site of an ancient fort.

You can find nearly 40 curated hiking routes around Somerset on komoot. These range from easy, family-friendly strolls to more moderate and difficult treks, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

The views are incredibly diverse. Along the coast, you'll get sweeping panoramas of the Bristol Channel. From the top of the Mendip Hills, such as on the Cheddar Gorge cliff-top walk, you can see for miles across the Somerset Levels. In Exmoor, you'll find dramatic moorland vistas and deep, wooded valleys.

While Somerset is more known for its gorges and hills than for large waterfalls, you can find smaller cascades and beautiful riverside walks, particularly in Exmoor National Park after heavy rain. The walk near the Tarr Steps follows the River Barle through a scenic nature reserve, offering lovely water views.