The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Somerset

Somerset offers a vast network of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find nearly 2,400 routes suitable for various ages and abilities, with over 1,100 classified as easy and another 1,000 as moderate, ensuring plenty of options for your family adventure.

Somerset boasts incredibly diverse landscapes perfect for family exploration. You can hike through the dramatic limestone gorges of the Mendip Hills, explore the rugged moorland and woodlands of Exmoor National Park, or enjoy the coastal views along the Quantock Hills. The flat Somerset Levels offer unique wetland environments, while iconic spots like Glastonbury Tor provide panoramic vistas.

Yes, many family-friendly routes in Somerset are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. For example, the Brean Down loop — English Coast Path offers an easy coastal walk, or you could try the Glastonbury Tor loop from Glastonbury Abbey for a moderate climb with rewarding views.

Somerset is rich in natural wonders. You can explore the impressive Cheddar Gorge, a dramatic limestone landscape, or visit the iconic Glastonbury Tor. Other highlights include the ancient Tarr Steps in Exmoor National Park and the stunning views from Dunkery Beacon Summit, the highest point in Exmoor.

Absolutely! Many trails offer fantastic viewpoints. The Wavering Down & Crook Peak loop from Winscombe Hill in the Mendip Hills provides breathtaking vistas. Climbing Glastonbury Tor also rewards hikers with panoramic views across the Somerset Levels. For coastal views, the Brean Down loop is an excellent choice.

The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in Somerset, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 5,200 ratings. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse scenery, well-maintained paths, and the variety of routes suitable for all ages, from gentle riverside strolls to more adventurous hill climbs.

Yes, Somerset offers several family-friendly routes that incorporate water features. The Wimbleball Lake loop from Haddon Hill in Exmoor National Park is a great option for a walk around a beautiful reservoir. Additionally, the Tarr Steps & Withypool loop follows the River Barle, offering picturesque riverside scenery.

Somerset is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for family hikes, with blooming wildflowers and warmer temperatures. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter can be magical, especially in areas like the Mendip Hills, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While popular spots can get busy, Somerset has many quieter alternatives. Ebbor Gorge, often described as a less crowded but equally impressive alternative to Cheddar Gorge, offers a beautiful circular path through a limestone valley. Exploring the Polden Hills or some of the lesser-known trails in the Quantock Hills can also provide a more tranquil experience.

Many towns and villages in Somerset, which serve as starting points for hikes, are accessible by local bus services. For example, routes around Glastonbury are often reachable by public transport. It's always recommended to check specific bus routes and timetables for your chosen trail's starting point to plan your journey effectively.

Yes, Somerset has numerous easy, shorter trails perfect for toddlers and young children. These often feature relatively flat terrain and engaging points of interest. Look for routes described as 'easy' and with shorter distances, such as the Brean Down loop, which is just over 4 km and offers gentle coastal walking.