The best walks and hikes around Wedmore

The area offers a fantastic variety. To the south, you'll find the Somerset Levels, which are very flat and feature wetland paths alongside drainage channels known as rhynes. To the north, the Mendip Hills provide more challenging terrain with limestone ridges, rolling hills, and steeper climbs that reward you with panoramic views.

Yes, the Isle of Wedmore is a great starting point for several circular routes. These walks allow you to explore the immediate countryside, passing through small hamlets and offering far-reaching views across the surrounding flatlands without needing to drive to a trailhead.

For an easy and engaging walk with family, the Hiking loop from Meare is a great option. It's a short, flat trail of about 2 miles (3.2 km) that explores the wetlands, making it manageable for little legs.

Many trails in the area are dog-friendly, but it's important to be mindful of the landscape. In the Somerset Levels, you'll encounter a lot of birdlife and sometimes grazing livestock, so keeping your dog on a lead is essential. The woodlands in the Mendip Hills, such as at Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve, are also popular with dog walkers.

For expansive views across the unique, flat landscape of the Levels, seek out trails that take you to the top of the surrounding hills. The trails within the Mendip Hills National Landscape often provide elevated viewpoints looking south. A popular choice for dramatic scenery is the cliff-top walk at Cheddar Gorge, which offers breathtaking vistas.

The Somerset Levels are a haven for wildlife. The Westhay Moor Nature Reserve – Shady Drove loop is particularly good, taking you through a restored peatland habitat with hides for observing a wide array of birds. The area is internationally important for wading birds and waterfowl, especially in winter.

Yes, for a more strenuous day out, head to the Mendip Hills. The area features steeper climbs and more rugged terrain. The Westhay Moore, Meare, & Division Rhyne loop offers a long-distance challenge of over 12 miles (20 km) across the flatlands, testing your endurance rather than climbing ability.

For walks starting in Wedmore itself, there is on-street parking and a village car park, but be sure to check for any time restrictions. For trails in the surrounding nature reserves like Westhay Moor or Ham Wall, there are often dedicated pay-and-display car parks at the main entrances.

Many routes in the region can be planned to pass through charming villages with traditional pubs. For example, you can plan a walk around the Nyland Hill area that starts or finishes near the Strawberry Special Pub in Draycott, allowing for a rewarding meal or drink after your hike.

There is a vast network of trails to explore, with over 500 hiking routes around Wedmore. These range from short, easy strolls on the Levels to more demanding full-day hikes in the Mendip Hills, so there's something for every fitness level.

The komoot community rates the hiking here very highly. Reviewers often praise the incredible diversity of the landscape, from the unique, bird-filled wetlands of the Somerset Levels to the stunning, far-reaching views from the limestone ridges of the Mendip Hills.

Absolutely. The Cheddar Reservoir loop from Chapel Allerton is a popular moderate hike. It's a fairly flat, circular path of about 6.3 miles (10.1 km) that follows the water's edge, providing consistent, open views throughout the walk.