The best walks and hikes around Somerset

Somerset offers an extensive network of public rights of way, totaling over 6,100 km. On komoot, you'll find a curated selection of routes to explore, including easy walks suitable for all abilities.

Yes, Somerset has many gentle trails perfect for families. For example, the Arcola Bluffs Trail offers an easy, scenic experience. Many areas like Chew Valley Lake also provide accessible paths with beautiful views.

For a delightful walk featuring a waterfall, consider the St. Croix Boom Site Waterfall Trail. Additionally, the region's diverse landscapes, particularly in areas like Exmoor National Park, often feature charming cascades after rainfall.

Yes, many trails in Somerset are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Willow Falls loop from Willow River State Park is a great example of a circular route, offering varied scenery.

Somerset is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the dramatic limestone formations of Cheddar Gorge, the ancient woodlands of Ebbor Gorge, or the expansive moorland of Exmoor National Park. The Quantock Hills also offer stunning coastal views and ancient combes.

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences in Somerset, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from dramatic gorges and rolling hills to tranquil lakeside paths and rugged coastlines, offering something for every preference.

While komoot currently features mostly easy routes for Somerset, the region itself offers more challenging options. For instance, the Mendip Hills and Exmoor National Park contain routes with significant elevation changes and longer distances, such as sections of The Mendip Way or the South West Coast Path.

Many towns and villages in Somerset are served by public transport, providing access to various trailheads. While specific public transport details for each komoot route are best checked locally, areas like the Mendip Hills and Exmoor have routes that can be reached via regional bus services.

Somerset offers great hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings wildflowers to the grasslands, summer provides long daylight hours for exploring the coast and moorland, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage in the woodlands. Even winter walks can be beautiful, especially in sheltered valleys or on crisp, clear days.

Absolutely. Somerset is steeped in history. You can hike to iconic landmarks like Glastonbury Tor for panoramic views, or explore the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps in Exmoor. The Coleridge Way in the Quantock Hills also follows paths that inspired the famous poet, offering a blend of nature and literary history.

Many trails across Somerset are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.

Somerset is full of stunning viewpoints. For incredible 360-degree vistas, hike to Wills Neck in the Quantock Hills or Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in Exmoor. Cheddar Gorge also offers breathtaking clifftop views, while Glastonbury Tor provides expansive outlooks over the Somerset Levels.