The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Curland

If you’re looking to play "King of the Hill," Neroche Castle is your ultimate hidden playground in the Blackdown Hills. This isn't your typical fairytale stone fortress; it’s a massive Norman "motte-and-bailey" earthwork that looks like a giant green multi-layered cake. Ancient Earthworks: Scramble up the steep banks to see the impressive defensive ditches that kept invaders out nearly 1,000 years ago. Epic Views: On a clear day, the summit offers a "top-of-the-world" vista stretching all the way to the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel. Woodland Wanders: The surrounding forest is perfect for a shadowy, atmospheric stroll through the pines.

An informative 3D view of the geology under the landscape of Neroche and Staple Hill

Castle Neroche is a significant historical site in Somerset, England, located on the northern escarpment of the Blackdown Hills. It is not a standing stone castle today, but rather a complex of impressive earthworks that reveal a long history of use.

My only visit to this area so far. Was ok, but not really anything that gripped me.

If you like finding Ordinance Survey triangulation points Staple Hill is a good one to seek out. It’s located in the woodland on the left of the pathway if you are travelling up from the carpark. Be prepared to seek it out though. It is not visible from the path and blends in nicely against the backdrop of trees.

Came across a section of old wall, after going to inspect it, beyond it were ruinous buildings and foundations. there were so many just hidden in bushes and trees. No signs to say what they were, and nothing found online. I wonder what was here and when these buildings were from?

Beautiful panoramic views across miles upon miles of countryside.

The church of st Peter is of norman origin and is listed as a Grade 1 building. The Chancel ( area around the Altar ) dates back to the 14th century. The North aisle was added about a century later, but the south porch and vestry were added much alter on in the 1800's. The Church has 6 bells, the oldest dating to the 1400's The crenellated three stage tower has merlons ( Designed slits for observations or firing ) Note on my pictures what appear to be gargoyles, but in fact are actually hunky punks ( grotesque gothic decorations which serve no purpose, unlike Gargoyles which are used a drainage features for water on the roof ).