The 5 Most Amazing Peaks around Somerton

The most popular peak is Glastonbury Tor, known for its extensive views and the ruins of St Michael's Church. Other highly regarded spots include St Michael's Tower on St Michael's Hill, offering breathtaking views over Montacute, and Burrow Mump, a distinctive hill with a ruined church that becomes an island during winter floods.

Yes, many of the peaks offer accessible walks suitable for families. For instance, Burrow Mump is a distinctive, lower hill that stands out from the flat land, making for an interesting and manageable walk. Lollover Hill also has a pleasant trail for short walks with 360-degree views.

The peaks around Somerton are rich in history. Glastonbury Tor features the ruins of the 15th-century St Michael's Church and is associated with Arthurian legend. St Michael's Tower on St Michael's Hill is an 18th-century folly on the site of a former Norman castle. Burrow Mump hosts a Grade I listed ruined church and was originally a Norman motte and bailey castle.

The peaks offer beautiful experiences year-round. For Glastonbury Tor, sunrise or sunset are particularly picturesque, though it can be windy. During winter floods, Burrow Mump becomes an island, offering a unique sight. Generally, spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking, while summer offers longer daylight hours.

Yes, the area around Somerton offers various outdoor activities. For mountain biking, you can explore trails like the 'Market House – Hedgecock Hill Wood loop' or 'Ham Wall Nature Reserve – Willow Walk loop'. For running, options include the 'River View – Duck Pond loop' or 'The Market Cross of Somerton loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the MTB Trails around Somerton and Running Trails around Somerton guides.

The peaks around Somerton offer extensive and diverse views. From Glastonbury Tor, you can see the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire, and even Wales. St Michael's Tower on St Michael's Hill provides breathtaking vistas over Montacute village and the Somerset countryside. Lollover Hill, despite its modest height, offers 360-degree views due to its position on the edge of the Somerset Levels.

Yes, several peaks are excellent for wildlife spotting. Walton Hill, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is a thriving habitat for butterflies, various plants, and other wildlife. The surrounding Somerset Levels and other natural areas also support diverse birdlife and other creatures.

The difficulty levels vary. Peaks like Glastonbury Tor and St Michael's Tower on St Michael's Hill are generally considered intermediate, requiring comfortable footwear due to potentially steep or uneven paths. Lower hills like Burrow Mump or Lollover Hill offer easier, shorter walks suitable for beginners or those seeking a less strenuous experience.

Yes, many of the peaks can be incorporated into circular routes. For example, Lollover Hill has a pleasant trail that can be combined with a visit to the nearby Wildlife Trust-managed Dundon Hill for a longer circular walk. Local guides often feature routes that loop around these prominent features, allowing you to experience the diverse landscape.

The peaks around Somerton are unique due to their prominence in a relatively flat landscape, particularly the Somerset Levels. This creates dramatic visual contrasts, with hills like Glastonbury Tor and Burrow Mump often appearing as islands during winter floods. Their rich historical and mythological significance, combined with their natural beauty, sets them apart.

Comfortable footwear is essential for all hikes, especially on peaks like Glastonbury Tor where it can be quite windy. Layered clothing is advisable to adapt to changing weather conditions, and a waterproof outer layer is recommended, particularly during cooler or wetter months.