The 20 Most Amazing Peaks in Somerset

The highest point in Somerset is Dunkery Beacon Summit, located within Exmoor National Park. It stands at 520 meters (1,705 feet) and offers spectacular 360-degree views across the Bristol Channel to Wales, Exmoor, and Dartmoor.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting Beacon Batch summit trig point in the Mendip Hills, which provides vistas over the Bristol Channel, Weston-super-Mare, and the Chew Valley. Crook Peak also offers fantastic views in every direction, including the Somerset Levels and the Bristol Channel.

Yes, several areas are suitable for families. The Mendip Hills, particularly around Black Down Summit, offer open access and opportunities to spot wild ponies. The ascent to Glastonbury Tor is also popular with families, offering a rewarding climb with historical significance and great views.

Somerset's peaks are rich in history. Glastonbury Tor is topped by the ruins of St Michael's Church and is steeped in Arthurian legend. Beacon Batch and Black Down Summit feature Bronze Age burial sites. Brent Knoll, though not listed as a highlight in the guide, is known as an Iron Age fort.

Somerset offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, with options ranging from easy to moderate trails. For example, there are routes like the 'Cheddar Gorge loop' or 'Glastonbury Tor loop'. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as the 'Western Somerset Levels loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking in Somerset and Cycling in Somerset guides.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. For instance, the 'Cheddar Gorge loop from Cheddar' and the 'Brean Down loop' are both rated as easy. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes in Somerset guide.

The Mendip Hills, a designated National Landscape, are known for their distinctive limestone ridges, gorges, and caves. They feature unique heathland habitats, such as those found on Black Down, supporting specific plant species like heather and gorse, and are home to wild ponies. This geological character sets them apart from the open moorland of Exmoor or the isolated hills of the Levels.

Glastonbury Tor is famous for its distinctive, tiered, cone-shaped appearance, rising dramatically from the flat Somerset Levels. Topped by the iconic St Michael's Tower, it holds strong links to King Arthur and various myths, making it a significant cultural and spiritual landmark.

Yes, many peaks offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. Black Down Summit in the Mendip Hills is known for its wild ponies and supports a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates due to its valuable heathland habitats. The open moorland of Exmoor around Dunkery Beacon also hosts diverse wildlife.

Visitors frequently enjoy Beacon Batch summit trig point, which is the highest point in the Mendip Hills and highly rated for its views and archaeological significance. Dunkery Beacon Summit is also very popular as the highest point in Somerset, offering extensive vistas. Glastonbury Tor is another favorite, appreciated for its unique character and historical connections.

For more challenging experiences, areas within Exmoor National Park, such as around Selworthy Beacon, can offer strenuous climbs, especially when incorporating sections of the South West Coast Path. The Mendip Hills also provide challenging routes with rocky terrain, particularly around Crook Peak.

The Quantock Hills, a designated National Landscape, were the first area in England to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They are known for their diverse landscapes, despite being compact, and offer extensive views over much of Somerset and across to the Welsh coast. Wills Neck is the highest point within the Quantocks.