The best walks and hikes in Somerset

Yes, many trails in Somerset are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially in areas with livestock like the Mendip Hills or Exmoor. The Ebbor Gorge loop from Deerleap is a great shorter walk through woodland that is often enjoyed by dog walkers.

Absolutely. Somerset has numerous trails suitable for beginners and families. For a walk with fantastic coastal views that isn't too strenuous, consider the Brean Down loop. It's a relatively short and rewarding walk along a dramatic headland.

The Mendip Hills offer many excellent circular routes. For panoramic views, the Wavering Down & Crook Peak loop is a fantastic choice. This moderate hike takes you across classic Mendip terrain with rewarding vistas from the top.

Exmoor offers a wilder experience with vast heather moorland, deep wooded valleys (combes), and a dramatic coastline. You can experience its ancient landscape on the Tarr Steps & Withypool loop, which features the famous clapper bridge and follows the beautiful River Barle.

Yes, the walk to the iconic Glastonbury Tor is a must-do. The Glastonbury Tor loop from Glastonbury Abbey is a moderate walk that rewards you with 360-degree views over the Somerset Levels.

There are over 3,000 hiking routes to discover across Somerset. They range from easy strolls on the Levels to challenging treks across the hills and moors, so there's a trail for every ability.

The trails in Somerset are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the incredible variety, from the stunning views in Cheddar Gorge to the peaceful riverside paths in Exmoor.

The Blackdown Hills offer a mix of woodland and countryside paths. A great option is the Castle Neroche & Curland loop, which takes you through an ancient Iron Age hillfort and along a section of the Herepath Trail.

Several areas are particularly popular with hikers for their unique landscapes.

Mendip Hills National Landscape: A local favourite, known for its limestone hills, caves, and ancient historical sites.

Cheddar Gorge Walk Path: This is a must-do for its challenging climbs and spectacular cliff-top views.

National Trust - Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve: A quieter alternative to Cheddar, this reserve offers peaceful woodland trails through a limestone gorge.

Yes, the South West Coast Path, Britain's longest National Trail, actually begins in Minehead, Somerset. From there, it follows the stunning Exmoor coastline, offering some of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the entire path.

Hiking on the Somerset Levels offers a completely different experience to the county's hills. Expect flat, expansive landscapes crisscrossed by waterways. It's a fantastic area for birdwatching, especially in winter, and provides a unique sense of tranquility and open space.

Yes, besides the start of the South West Coast Path, Somerset is crossed by several long-distance routes. These include the Mendip Way, which traverses the best of the Mendip Hills, and the River Parrett Trail, which follows the river for 50 miles through the heart of the county.