The best walks and hikes around Somerset

Yes, many trails in Somerset are dog-friendly. However, it's important to keep your dog under control, especially in areas with livestock like Exmoor National Park and the Mendip Hills. Places like the National Trust's Ebbor Gorge Nature Reserve are popular for walks with dogs, but always check local signage for specific rules and be prepared to keep your dog on a lead.

Absolutely. For a gentle and accessible outing, consider the Hiking loop from Highland Woods. It's a relatively short and flat trail, perfect for families with children. The Somerset Levels also offer many flat, easy-going paths if you prefer wide-open spaces without hills.

Yes, Somerset has many excellent circular routes. These loops allow you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. A great example is The Ledge Loop – Freetown-Fall River State Forest, which takes you through pleasant woodland. Many of the most famous walks, like the one around Cheddar Gorge, are also circular.

Somerset's coastline offers some fantastic hiking opportunities. The South West Coast Path, a famous long-distance trail, actually begins in Minehead. For a dramatic walk with stunning sea views, the trail around Brean Down is a popular choice, forming part of the England Coast Path.

The Cheddar Gorge walk is one of Somerset's most spectacular hikes. It's a moderately challenging circular trail that involves some steep climbs up the side of England's largest gorge. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views from the cliff tops. The path is well-trodden and a favorite for those seeking dramatic scenery.

The Quantock Hills, England's first National Landscape (AONB), offer a mix of open heathland, ancient oak woodlands, and panoramic views stretching to the coast. Trails here range from gentle strolls to more demanding treks, making it a versatile area for all levels of hiker.

Yes, the Somerset Levels and Moors provide a unique landscape for flat walking. This vast wetland area is crisscrossed by rivers, canals, and 'droves' (old farming tracks), offering miles of tranquil, level paths. It's an ideal choice if you want to enjoy wide-open skies and avoid strenuous climbs.

Many popular trailheads in the Mendip Hills have dedicated parking areas, though they can fill up on weekends. For example, walks starting near Priddy or at Black Rock often have designated spots. For popular attractions like Ebbor Gorge or Stockhill Wood, you'll find car parks, but it's always wise to arrive early to secure a space.

While Somerset is more known for its gorges and hills than for large waterfalls, you can find smaller cascades and picturesque weirs along its rivers, particularly in Exmoor National Park. The walk that includes the Tarr Steps often follows the River Barle, where you can enjoy beautiful riverside scenery and fast-flowing water.

The trails in Somerset are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's variety, from the challenging climbs and incredible views in the Mendip Hills to the peaceful, quiet woodlands found in places like Stockhill Wood.

Hikers in Somerset are drawn to its diverse and highly-regarded protected landscapes.

Popular spots include:

• Mendip Hills National Landscape: A favorite for its dramatic limestone gorges, caves, and ancient history.
• Cheddar Gorge Walk Path: Famous for its challenging climbs and spectacular cliff-top views.
• National Trust - Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve: A quieter alternative to Cheddar, offering beautiful woodland trails and views.
• Stockhill Wood: A peaceful forest area popular with families and dog walkers.

Yes, Somerset is home to several notable long-distance footpaths. The most famous is the South West Coast Path, which starts its 630-mile journey in Minehead. Others include the Coleridge Way, which crosses the Quantocks and Exmoor, and the West & East Mendip Way, which traverses the length of the Mendip Hills.