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Volunteers climbing down the stairs towards the beach from Brean Down in autumn
Heading towards the beach at Brean Down | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Walking in Somerset

A spectacular natural sight awaits you at Cheddar Gorge, the largest gorge in England at about 400ft deep and 3 miles long. For gentle contrasts to Cheddar’s dramatic crags and pinnacles take a stroll through the Tudor parkland at Montacute House, and a river walk at Lytes Cary Manor is a tranquil haven.

Top walks in Somerset

The view from Gorge Walk at Cheddar Gorge
Trail
Trail

Cheddar Gorge trail 

Explore the famous cliffs of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, on this exhilarating National Trust walking route.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
People walking down stairs on a cliff from Brean Down, Somerset.
Trail
Trail

Brean Down coastal walk 

Go on a scenic coastal walk across Brean Down and discover one of the great landmarks of the Somerset coastline with history to discover and wildlife to spot along the way.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
A close-up photos of an old oak tree
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.8 (km: 2.88)
View across the Bristol Channel to Wales
Trail
Trail

Sand Point circular coast walk 

Follow this circular coastal walk for wildlife, archaeological features and great views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
A visitor and their dog walk through woods from Selworthy Beacon, Somerset
Trail
Trail

Selworthy and Bury Castle circular walk 

This three-mile circular walk takes in some of the very best views on Exmoor. Along the way, you'll get to explore an Iron Age enclosure known as Bury Castle.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
View of the manor house at Lytes Cary, with autumn flowering borders with purples and reds in the foreground
Place
Place

Lytes Cary Manor 

Choose from a number of routes taking between 30 minutes to 1 hour, with a river walk that loops around open fields.

near Somerton, Somerset

Fully open today
Sweeping view of Bossington and Porlock
Place
Place

Bossington 

A walk from Bossington village on the Holnicote Estate to Hurlstone Point is a must for spectacular sea views. Look out for porpoises and coastal birds.

Somerset

Partially open today
Golden sunshine lights up a view of Montacute House, surrounded by autumn trees
Place
Place

Montacute House 

There’s plenty to explore beyond the boundaries of Montacute House and garden with a number of walks that will take you through the Tudor parkland.

Somerset

Fully open today
View across fields from Beacon Hill at Staple Plan, Somerset
Trail
Trail

Staple Plain walk 

This wildlife-rich walk takes you through woodland, up Beacon Hill and back through lowland heathland. After taking in views across the Quantock Hills, look out for red deer, skylark and Dartford warbler.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
A wide earth track with overhanging beech trees and dappled sunlight shining through the branches
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.5 (km: 5.6)
Fyne Court is home to many species of fungi
Trail
Trail

Fyne Court wildlife walk 

Discover a wealth of wildlife on this gentle walk around Fyne Court Estate, starting near the old buildings in the courtyard, then around broadleaved woodland and grazed meadows.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
Walking in Selworthy Woods on the Holnicote Estate, Somerset
Trail
Trail

Walking in Exmoor: Day one 

Discover an 8-mile walk through Selworthy village to Selworthy Woods. Take in far-reaching panoramic views from Selworthy Beacon before descending to Bossington's pebble beach. Enjoy history with coastal and countryside views along the way.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 8 (km: 12.8)
The view from Dunkery Beacon, part of the Holnicote Estate, Somerset
Trail
Trail

Walking in Exmoor: Day two 

Tackle day two of the Exmoor walking challenge. It's a more challenging stretch but it's well worth the effort as you discover Heath fritillary butterflies on your route.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 16 (km: 25.6)
The countryside around Wellington Monument, Somerset
Trail
Trail

Monument meander at Wellington 

Discover a moderately challenging walk in the Somerset countryside taking in the beech-lined avenue, woodland and views around the edge of the National Trust's Wellington Monument.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Cheddar Gorge, local landmark, Somerset
Trail
Trail

Black Rock limekiln walk 

This is a gentle and easy walk through a hidden dry limestone valley, ending in a tranquil grassy area, ideal for a picnic.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Path through the woodland on the Webber's Post circular trail in Exmoor National Park, Somerset
Trail
Trail

Webber's Post walk 

This easy access trail for all the family takes in the rainforest surroundings of Exmoor National Park where you can discover a wealth of wildlife.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Male heath fritillary butterfly resting on a fern on the Holnicote Estate in Somerset.
Trail
Trail

Bin Combe butterfly walk 

A challenging trail through tall, dense bracken and the best place to go in pursuit of the rare heath fritillary butterfly in the north of Exmoor National Park.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
View over a field of sheep, a line of trees and a wide valley beyond at Cadbury Camp, Somerset
Trail
Trail

Cadbury Camp hill walk 

Climb up to the site of this Iron Age hillfort for stunning views across the Severn Estuary and Mendip Hills and a chance to spot wildlife including adders.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
National Trust omega at Cadbury Camp
Trail
Trail

Cadbury Camp ramble 

On this short Somerset walk, you'll encounter a variety of wildlife, the Cadbury Camp Iron Age hillfort, plus views across the Severn Estuary and Mendip Hills.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)

All walking in Somerset

    The west front of Montacute house as the sun begins to set behind it

    Discover more in Somerset

    From Tudor houses and hidden gardens to tors, gorges and natural piers, see what Somerset has to offer.