Skip to content
Dunster Castle from the parkland
Dunster Castle from the parkland | © James Aitken
Somerset

Dunster Castle Parkland Trail

Uncover the history and key features of the grade II listed parkland, with picturesque views of the castle and wider estate. Expect some uneven terrain and gentle slopes along the route.

Total steps: 9

Total steps: 9

Start point

Dunster Castle Car Park

Step 1

Begin near the top of the Dunster Castle car park (by Visitor Reception). Head into the Picnic Area to the bottom right corner.

Step 2

Head through the kissing gate in the bottom of the Picnic Area and down into the parkland where you will come to information about the Lost Garden. Continue walking along where you'll come to a fork in the path. Stick left to continue the parkland walk or head right to go to Bat's Castle.

Step 3

Walk along the path with the river to your right and the castle behind you. When you come to a fork in the path, head right to the Fish Ladder. Once you have explored this area, head out of the trees and continue on the path to the right.

Step 4

Continue walking and you will pass Loxhole Bridge on your right. You will find yourself near the drive entrance. Walk past the pedestrian gate on your right side and take care to cross over the drive. You will enter onto a muddy but well trodden path where you will find the Sheep Pen.

Step 5

Follow the path along with the perimeter fence and the A39 on your right side. Pass the fallen log on the left side and continue along the path through the undergrowth, taking care to stick to the path. You will then come to Canopy Corner.

Step 6

Once you have shaded from the sun or hidden from the rain, stick to the path and follow it around to the left, with the big tree in the centre of the parkland to your left. Walk past the gate to Dunster Steep car park on your right side. You want to take a right and head up the slope. Keep in mind that the terrain is uneven underfoot. This path is lined by trees and a fence on your right side. Follow along the path until you come to the Steep.

Step 7

Once you are finished at the Steep, you will come to a fork in the path. There is a gate to the right to go into the Steep or head straight on to come to Dunster kiln.

Step 8

Once you have explored the area around the kiln, turn back on yourself and come back to the path. Head right to come to Cannon's RIdge

Step 9

You are now at Cannon's Ridge with a view of the castle in front of you. Descend down into the car park to complete the trail.

End point

Dunster Castle Car Park

Trail map

A map of Dunster Castle's Grade II listed parkland.
A map of Dunster Castle's Grade II listed parkland. | © Crown Copyright and database right 2025 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

A view of the approach to Conygar Tower with the tower in the middle and surrounded by trees
Trail
Trail

Conygar Tower from Dunster Castle walk 

Enjoy a circular wander through tranquil woodland and discover an impressive folly built by Henry Luttrell to enhance the view from Dunster Castle.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.2 (km: 3.52)
A winter view over Exmoor from Grabbist Hill with tall conifers to the right and a footpath at the bottom
Trail
Trail

Grabbist Hill from Dunster Castle walk 

Enjoy this scenic walk to Grabbist Hill from Dunster Castle, which passes through ancient woodland and offers panoramic views over the surrounding area.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
A view of Dunster Castle, Lover's Bridge, and Dunster Watermill from Bats Castle Walk
Trail
Trail

Bats Castle from Dunster Castle Walk 

This longer walk up to Bats Castle, a well-preserved Iron Age hillfort, offers memorable views over the Bristol Channel and across Exmoor as a reward.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.0 (km: 6.4)
Dunster Castle from the parkland
Trail
Trail

Dunster Castle and Village circular walk 

Enjoy the impressive architecture and houses in the medieval village of Dunster on this walk, which also takes in memorable views of Dunster Castle.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.4 (km: 2.24)

Get in touch

Dunster Castle, Dunster, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6NY

You might also be interested in

A brown and white curly-haired dog sits on grass with some autumn leaves, with the blue jacket of its owner in the foreground
Article
Article

Visiting Dunster Castle and Watermill with your dog 

Dunster Castle is a two pawprint rated place. From wide open parkland to formal gardens, your dog walk needn’t be boring during your visit to Dunster Castle and Watermill.

The marble chimney and interiors in the Drawing Room at Dunster Castle, Somerset
Article
Article

Things to see and do at Dunster Castle and Watermill 

Explore 1,000 years of history at Dunster castle, from its collection of painted leather hangings – the only one of its kind in the UK – to its historic working watermill.