The best walks and hikes around Somerset

Yes, Somerset is a great place to hike with a dog. Many trails in areas like the Mendip Hills and Quantock Hills are suitable for dogs. For example, the Rutgers Ecological Preserve loop is an easy walk through woodland. Just be mindful of local guidance, especially around livestock, and note that some places like Kings Cliff require you to take all waste with you as there are no bins.

Somerset offers numerous circular walks that bring you back to your starting point. The Mendip Hills are particularly popular for loops, with trails around landmarks like Cheddar Gorge and Ebbor Gorge. For a moderately challenging circular route, consider the Orange Trail – Rutgers Ecological Preserve loop from Edison, which explores local woodlands over about 5.5 miles (8.8 km).

Absolutely. The region has many gentle walks perfect for a family outing. The Somerset Levels offer flat terrain, and places like Stockhill Wood are popular with families for peaceful walks. A great option is the Mettlers Pond loop from Franklin High School, an easy and relatively short walk that's ideal for all ages.

Yes, Somerset's coastline along the Bristol Channel provides some dramatic hiking opportunities. The South West Coast Path runs along parts of the coast, offering stunning views. You can explore the natural pier of Brean Down, discover fossils at Kilve Beach, or enjoy the scenery along the Quantock Hills coastline.

While not as common as in other regions, you can find waterfalls in Somerset, particularly along the coast. St Audries Bay, on the Quantock Hills coastline, is well-known for its picturesque waterfalls that cascade directly onto the beach, creating a unique sight for hikers exploring the area.

The Mendip Hills National Landscape is a top destination for hikers, known for its limestone ridges, gorges, and archaeological sites. You can explore famous locations like Cheddar Gorge and the quieter Ebbor Gorge. The area offers a wide range of trails, from challenging cliff-top walks to more gentle woodland strolls.

Somerset's trails cater to a range of fitness levels. You'll find many easy and moderate routes, especially across the Somerset Levels and in local nature reserves. For a greater challenge, the steep climbs in Cheddar Gorge or the long-distance trails across the hilly terrain of Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills will test more experienced hikers.

Many trails in Somerset are conveniently located near traditional pubs, making it easy to plan a walk with a rewarding meal or drink at the end. The villages dotted throughout the Mendip and Quantock Hills are excellent starting points for a walk that can finish at a local pub. Always check opening times in advance.

The trails around Somerset are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of landscapes, from the rolling hills and deep gorges of the Mendips to the wild moorlands of Exmoor. The well-maintained paths and stunning views are frequently mentioned as highlights.

Somerset has several highly-rated areas perfect for hiking. Key destinations include:

• Mendip Hills National Landscape: A favorite for its limestone hills, caves, and ancient sites.
• Cheddar Gorge Walk Path: Offers a challenging but rewarding cliff-top walk with incredible views.
• National Trust - Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve: A beautiful and often peaceful alternative to Cheddar, with excellent trails and views.
• Stockhill Wood: A popular choice for quiet, family-friendly woodland walks.

The Quantock Hills, England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer a remarkable diversity of terrain. You can expect to hike through ancient oak woodlands, open heathland with heather, and steep, narrow valleys known as 'combes'. The hills provide panoramic views across the Bristol Channel towards Wales.

Yes, you can. The Delaware and Raritan Canal provides a lovely, flat walking path. The Elmer B. Boyd Park via Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail is an easy 3.8-mile (6.1 km) route that follows the canal, offering a peaceful waterside experience.