The best walks and hikes around Skilgate

There are over 10 hiking trails around Skilgate, offering a mix of easy and moderate options. Specifically, you'll find 6 easy routes and 6 moderate routes to explore.

Yes, Skilgate offers several easy hiking trails. For example, the Haddon Hill Trig Point – Exmoor Pony loop from Wimbleball Dam is an easy 4 km route, perfect for a relaxed walk with less elevation gain. Many paths around Wimbleball Lake are also suitable for families.

Hiking around Skilgate offers diverse natural features, including undulating countryside, small streams, and mixed woodlands. You'll find expansive views from hillsides, especially around the Brendon Hills and Haddon Hill. The area is also close to Exmoor National Park, providing access to its protected landscapes, and features like Wimbleball Lake and Hawkridge Ridge.

Yes, many of the trails around Skilgate are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Haddon Hill and Bury loop — Exmoor National Park, which is a moderate 10.7 km circular path offering panoramic views.

Hikers can discover several interesting points of interest. You might encounter the historic Bury Stone Bridge and Ford, a picturesque packhorse bridge. For stunning views, consider visiting the Haddon Hill Trig Point or exploring Hawkridge Ridge, which offers tremendous views of fields and valleys.

Many trails around Skilgate and within Exmoor National Park are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or during ground-nesting bird seasons. The varied terrain, from woodlands to open hillsides, provides excellent opportunities for walks with your canine companion.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 240 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, the expansive views from the hillsides, and the peaceful atmosphere of the mixed woodlands and areas around Wimbleball Lake.

While Skilgate itself is a small village, its proximity to areas like Wimbleball Lake and nearby towns means you can find amenities. For example, the Bridge Cottage Tea Room is a nearby option for refreshments. Exploring villages on the edge of Exmoor National Park will also offer pubs and cafes.

Skilgate offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases beautiful colors in the mixed woodlands. Summer is ideal for longer days and warmer weather, and even winter can be rewarding with crisp air and unique views, especially around Wimbleball Lake, though conditions can be more challenging.

Yes, parking is generally available at popular starting points for trails, especially around key areas like Wimbleball Lake and Haddon Hill. These locations often have dedicated car parks for visitors accessing the trails.

Hikes around Skilgate vary in length and duration. You can find shorter, easy walks like the 4 km Haddon Hill Trig Point – Exmoor Pony loop, which takes about an hour. Longer, moderate routes, such as the Wimbleball Lake loop from Haddon Hill (14.7 km), can take around 4 hours to complete.

Yes, Skilgate is located on the southern edge of the Brendon Hills and is very close to Exmoor National Park, which is a protected landscape. Additionally, nearby Somerset Wildlife Trust Reserves like Huish Moor, Langford Heathfield, and Rewe Mead provide dedicated spaces to experience nature and enjoy scenic walks.