Somerset walks

Best Somerset Walks for Scenic Countryside Trails and Coastal Views

From the dramatic cliffs of Cheddar Gorge to the peaceful moorland trails of Exmoor, Somerset offers some of England’s most varied countryside walking.

One moment you can be exploring ancient woodland paths, and the next you are standing high above the countryside with views stretching across the Somerset Levels and towards Dorset. From well-known landmarks to secret walks in Somerset hidden away from busy tourist routes, there is always something new to discover.

Best Walks in Somerset

Dunkery Beacon

No guide to Somerset walks would be complete without mentioning the beautiful Exmoor National Park. This popular Dunkery Beacon route begins near Wheddon Cross and takes walkers across open moorland, wooded combes, and some of the highest ground in Somerset.

This moderate 13–14 km Somerset walk usually takes around 5 hours to complete and rewards walkers with stunning panoramic views across Exmoor. The route feels wonderfully remote in places, especially during quieter mornings when the moorland is covered in mist. Anyone interested in walking in Somerset for dramatic scenery and peaceful countryside will find this route unforgettable.

Cheddar Gorge

Located in North Somerset near Winscombe and Sandford, Cheddar Gorge is a well-known walk in Somerset and one of the county’s most challenging routes. This demanding 21 km trail requires a full day to complete and includes steep ascents and rugged terrain.

The route climbs around 349 m and offers breathtaking views over Cheddar Reservoir, limestone cliffs, and the surrounding countryside. Cheddar Gorge is also internationally recognised for its caves and rock climbing. Although this Somerset walking route may be difficult for beginners, there are several shorter and easier trails nearby that still allow visitors to experience the beauty of the gorge without completing the entire route.

Quantock Hills

The Quantock Hills are among the most scenic places for walking in Somerset, known for their wooded combes, heathland, and peaceful countryside atmosphere. This moderate route begins at the Quarry car park near Ramscombe and explores parts of Ramscombe Forest and the surrounding hills.

At around 6 km in length, this Somerset walk takes approximately 2 hours and is ideal for walkers looking for a shorter countryside route. The mixture of woodland trails and open hill views creates a peaceful and relaxing walking experience, especially during autumn when the forest colours begin to change.

Mendip Hills

Located near Shipham, the Mendip Hills offer some of the most accessible walks in Somerset for beginners and families. This easy 6 km route through Rowberrow Warren passes through woodland trails and gentle hillside paths surrounded by quiet countryside.

The walk usually takes around 2 hours and is especially enjoyable during spring and summer when the woodland is full of colour and birdsong. Some sections can become muddy after heavy rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended. For those looking for a relaxed Somerset walking experience without difficult climbs, the Mendips are an excellent choice.

South Cadbury

Situated between South Cadbury and Sutton Montis, this scenic countryside trail follows parts of Corton Ridge and offers beautiful views across the Somerset Levels and towards the Dorset Hills.

This moderate 14–15 km Somerset walk takes around 4-5 hours to complete and combines rolling countryside, open ridge walking, and peaceful rural landscapes. The route feels especially quiet compared to some of Somerset’s more popular destinations, making it one of the more peaceful walks in Somerset for those wanting to avoid busy tourist areas.

Hidden and Secret Walks in Somerset

While places like Cheddar Gorge and Exmoor attract large numbers of visitors, many secret walks in Somerset remain peaceful and relatively unknown.

Nynehead

Located near Wellington, the Nynehead stroll offers one of the most peaceful walks in Somerset, combining riverside scenery, open countryside, and local history. This easy 4 km circular route follows quiet footpaths through lush fields and along sections of the Grand Western Canal.

The walk usually takes just over an hour to complete and is perfect for a relaxing afternoon away from busy tourist areas. Along the route, walkers can explore historic canal features, including the restored lift bridges and remnants of the old canal system. The quiet atmosphere and gentle terrain make Nynehead an excellent choice for casual walkers looking to experience a slower and more peaceful side of Somerset walking.

Culmstock Beacon

Located near Wellington Without, Culmstock Beacon is a hidden gem for Somerset walking. This easy 7–8 km trail is both family-friendly and dog-friendly, with sections of woodland, heathland, and open countryside.

The route usually takes around two to three hours and provides stunning views from the beacon itself. Walkers should note that some sections may become muddy after rainfall, so dry weather conditions are ideal. Parking is typically found safely along nearby roadside areas.

Selworthy Beacon and North Hill

For walkers searching for more scenic and secret walks in Somerset, the Selworthy Beacon and North Hill route is an outstanding choice. Beginning in the National Trust car park near the village of Bossington, this 13 km route takes around four to five hours to complete.

The trail combines countryside views, coastal scenery, and open hill walking, creating one of the most varied Somerset walks in the county. The route can also be completed in reverse, depending on whether walkers prefer a gentler ascent or descent around Selworthy Beacon.

Wedmore

Situated near the village of Weare and close to Axbridge, the Wedmore countryside route is one of the lesser-known walks in Somerset despite being located near the popular Cheddar Gorge area. The moderate 10–11 km trail passes through peaceful farmland and quiet country lanes before reaching the historic Ashton Windmill, a Grade II* listed landmark.

The walk typically takes around three hours to complete and offers wide countryside views across the Somerset Levels. Visitors planning a Sunday walk can also explore Ashton Windmill when it is open to the public between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm. During the summer months, the windmill also opens on Wednesday afternoons, making this route an excellent choice for walkers interested in combining Somerset walking with local history and rural scenery.

The Best Time of Year for Walking in Somerset

Spring in Somerset feels fresh, peaceful, and full of new life. Between March and May, hedgerows begin to bloom with wildflowers, lambs appear across the fields, and woodland paths become vibrant with greenery. Walking in Somerset during spring is especially enjoyable in areas like the Mendip Hills and the quiet countryside trails surrounding local villages.

Summer brings warm weather, bright countryside views, and ideal conditions for longer Somerset walks. Coastal routes near Exmoor National Park and the Somerset Levels become especially beautiful beneath golden sunlight, while village pubs and tea gardens create a lively atmosphere across the county.

Autumn transforms Somerset into a landscape of deep orange, copper, and golden colours. Woodland trails and quiet country lanes become covered in fallen leaves, while cooler temperatures create ideal walking conditions.

Winter in Somerset can feel wonderfully peaceful and dramatic. Frost often settles across the fields during early mornings, while fog drifts over the Somerset Levels, creating a calm and almost magical landscape.

Why Somerset is One of England’s Best Walking Destinations

Somerset stands out as one of England’s most rewarding regions for countryside walking thanks to its remarkable variety of landscapes and routes. From the dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain of Cheddar Gorge to the open moorland of Exmoor and the quieter paths through villages, farmland, and hidden countryside, the county offers something for every type of walker.

Whether you are looking for challenging hikes with sweeping ridge views, relaxed woodland trails, or peaceful routes away from busy tourist areas, Somerset delivers year-round opportunities to explore on foot. Its mix of coastal scenery, rolling hills, historic landmarks, and lesser-known walking routes makes it one of the most diverse and enjoyable walking destinations in the UK.