4.6
(1802)
17,263
hikers
24
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Compton Bishop offer access to the varied landscapes of the Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by dramatic limestone geology, including prominent hills like Crook Peak and Wavering Down, which provide panoramic views. From higher ground, hikers can observe the flat, low-lying Somerset Levels. The area features a mix of species-rich grasslands, ancient woodlands, and heathland, providing diverse terrain for exploration.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.6
(5)
75
hikers
3.30km
01:02
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
36
hikers
3.44km
01:04
130m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
21
hikers
3.21km
00:57
90m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
4.48km
01:22
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
16
hikers
4.53km
01:24
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Sticking out from the end from the ridge of rock that runs from the Mendips Crook Peak offers views over from Exmoor too Wales. A particularly great ride from Wavering down back along the ridge.
1
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Excellent summit, run from either the car park below or over the ridge from Weavering Down. The top is rocky with great views over towards the Mendips, out to Weston Super Mare and the sea and down the M5.
0
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Wavering Down at 211 m has a trig point and epic views of the Mendip Hills. The ridge between Crook Peak and the top of Winscombe Hill is a brilliant run in either direction.
0
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No lights when we passed through—use bike lights / torches if you’re scared of the dark!
2
0
There are 16 easy hiking trails around Compton Bishop, offering diverse routes through the Mendip Hills and surrounding landscapes. In total, komoot lists 24 hiking tours in the area.
Easy hikes in this area often provide panoramic views. Routes like the Crook Peak loop from Compton Bishop offer expansive vistas across the Somerset Levels and towards the Bristol Channel. From higher points like Wavering Down, you can see Weston-super-Mare, the Chew Valley, and the Quantock Hills. The Mendip Hills themselves are characterized by dramatic limestone geology.
Yes, many of the easy trails around Compton Bishop are circular. For example, the Crook Peak loop from Compton Bishop and the Wavering Down Trig Point loop from Axbridge are both excellent circular options that allow you to start and end in the same location.
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the dramatic limestone geology of the Mendip Hills. Highlights include the iconic Cheddar Gorge, which offers impressive cliffs and caves. You might also encounter the Wavering Down Trig Point, providing stunning views, or the Black Down Summit, known for its heathland and wild ponies.
Yes, some easy trails incorporate historical elements. The Shute Shelve Tunnel loop from Axbridge takes you through the historic Shute Shelve Tunnel, a disused railway tunnel that is now part of a walking route. The village of Compton Bishop itself also features the 13th-century Church of St Andrew, which can be part of local walks.
The easy trails in Compton Bishop are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 120 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse terrain, the stunning panoramic views from peaks like Crook Peak and Wavering Down, and the well-defined paths through ancient woodlands and grasslands.
Many of the easy trails are suitable for families, offering manageable distances and gentle ascents. Routes like the Shute Shelve Tunnel loop from Axbridge provide an engaging experience with a unique historical feature. The Strawberry Line, a traffic-free trail nearby, is also excellent for family walks.
While specific routes are not detailed with pub stops, the village of Compton Bishop is home to the New Inn, which can be incorporated into local walks. The Strawberry Line, a traffic-free trail in the area, also offers opportunities for refreshments along its route.
The Mendip Hills offer beautiful hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers to the calcareous grasslands, while autumn showcases stunning foliage in the ancient woodlands. Summer provides longer daylight hours for exploration, and even winter walks can be rewarding with crisp air and clear views, though conditions may vary.
Yes, all the trails featured in this guide are classified as easy, making them ideal for beginners. Routes such as the Crook Peak loop from Compton Bishop are relatively short (around 3.3 km) with moderate elevation gain, providing a rewarding introduction to hiking in the area without being overly strenuous.
Many trailheads around Compton Bishop and nearby villages like Axbridge offer parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for designated parking areas near your chosen starting point.
While popular spots like Crook Peak offer stunning views, exploring routes that delve into King's Wood, with its nature reserve and ancient trees, can provide a more secluded experience. The varied terrain of the Mendip Hills means there are always quieter paths to discover away from the main viewpoints.


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