Staple Plain walk
This walking trail takes you down through broadleaf woodland, into a bracken-filled combe and up to the top of Beacon Hill for views across the Quantock Hills and beyond. Continue through lowland heathland, listening and looking out for red deer, skylark and Dartford warbler in this wildlife-rich environment.
Total steps: 8
Total steps: 8
Start point
Staple Plain car park, grid ref: ST116410
Step 1
Head towards the car park entrance, then go left past a wooden gate and fence to a track in the corner of the car park which is waymarked down into Weacombe Combe. The track heads steeply down at first, alongside woodland.
Step 2
Follow the track down until it joins a path running along the bottom of Weacombe Combe. Turn left and follow this path up the combe, keeping the stream on your right. About half of the way up, the path crosses the stream. Cross over and continue to follow the path up the combe.
Step 3
At the top of the combe (on the opposite side where several tracks meet) is Bicknoller Post. From here, on a clear day, you can see over to Minehead and Dunkery Beacon in Exmoor. Turn left at these tracks and follow it away from the two hawthorn trees either side of the track, with Bicknoller Post behind you on the right.
Step 4
When the track splits keep right and then continue walking straight on. Keep walking up the stony tracks in roughly a straight (northerly) direction.
Step 5
Head over the crossroads and walk roughly 218yd (200m), where you will see a grassy track leading off to the left.
Step 6
Follow this path up a gentle slope to the triangulation point; a concrete trig point.
Step 7
Once at the trig point stop to take in the views: Wales, Steep Holm in the Bristol Channel, Weston-Super-Mare, Brean Down, Bridgwater Bay, Quantock Common, Exmoor and Minehead can all be seen from here.
Step 8
The trig point is sited on a mound of stones (a cairn) with another a few metres away and a path just to the left of it. Head down this path until you reach the car park. While going down this path you'll pass through heathland of varying different ages, which attracts a range of wildlife, and also some bracken covered areas.
End point
Staple Plain car park, grid ref: ST116410
Trail map
More near here
Woodland Hill circular walk
A short walk through mixed woodland and nearby heathland that is a haven for native wildlife and has evidence of early human settlement.
Drove Road, Great and Marrow Hills walk
A 3.5-mile walk around some of the quiet and scenic parts of Somerset's Quantock Hills, taking in ancient trackways used by humans for centuries.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Things to do at Fyne Court
Fyne Court is a haven for wildlife with clues to its past life as an Arcadian garden. You can also explore the Quantock Hills, with enjoyable walks and captivating views.
Eating and shopping at Fyne Court
Why not pop by the Courtyard Café and treat yourself to a drink or a tasty treat? Or delve into your next adventure by picking up something from the second-hand bookshop?
Walking in Somerset
From the majestic crags of Cheddar Gorge and the sea views at Bossington to gentle strolls through Tudor parkland at Montacute House, these are some of the best walks in Somerset.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.