The best walks and hikes around Old Cleeve

There are 17 hiking trails around Old Cleeve, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy strolls to more moderate hikes.

Yes, Old Cleeve offers 6 easy hiking routes that are suitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed walk. These trails often feature minimal elevation gain and picturesque scenery, such as river valleys or coastal paths.

Hiking around Old Cleeve offers incredibly diverse landscapes. You can explore the expansive views of the Brendon Hills within Exmoor National Park, enjoy scenic coastal paths along the Bristol Channel, or wander through tranquil wooded combes and river valleys. The region also features parts of the Quantock Hills, known for their beautiful vistas.

Many of the trails around Old Cleeve are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Roadwater and the Brendon Hills loop — Exmoor National Park is a popular circular route exploring the national park's varied terrain.

Old Cleeve's hiking trails often pass by significant historical sites. You can visit charming villages like Dunster with its impressive castle, or explore the well-preserved Cleeve Abbey near Washford. Other routes might take you past ancient Iron Age hillforts like Daws Castle, historic churches such as St Mary's in Nettlecombe, or the historic Watchet Harbour. You can also find highlights like Bat's Castle Iron Age Hillfort.

Absolutely. The region boasts scenic coastal walks, including routes that take in Blue Anchor Bay, known for its fantastic beach. Trails extend along the coast, offering views of the Bristol Channel and passing historical sites. The Dunster Village – Gallox Bridge loop from Blue Anchor connects inland beauty with coastal vistas.

The trails in Old Cleeve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to Exmoor National Park, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities. The historical points of interest and charming villages encountered along the way are also frequently highlighted.

While there are no routes classified as 'difficult' in our current selection, Old Cleeve offers 11 moderate hikes that provide a good challenge. These routes, particularly those venturing into Exmoor National Park and the Brendon Hills, can feature significant elevation changes and require good fitness.

Yes, many trails in the Old Cleeve area lead to excellent viewpoints. You can enjoy panoramic vistas from locations like Grabbist and Knowle hills, or from higher points within Exmoor National Park such as Dunkery Beacon. Highlights like Beacon Hill Trig Point also offer superb views.

Yes, you can find natural features like waterfalls in the vicinity. For instance, St Audries Bay Waterfall is a notable natural monument that can be incorporated into walks in the area, offering a beautiful sight.

Many of the trails in the Old Cleeve area are suitable for dogs, especially those exploring the countryside and coastal paths. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly around livestock or in nature reserves, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.

One of the longer routes is the Roadwater and the Brendon Hills loop — Exmoor National Park, which spans 8.4 miles (13.5 km). This moderate trail offers a substantial walk through varied terrain.