Top 13 Natural Monuments around Old Cleeve

Visitors frequently praise Beacon Hill Trig Point for its extensive views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. Another popular spot is Kilve Beach Fossil Beds, known for its unique geological formations and fossil hunting opportunities. Bicknoller Post also offers incredible views over moorland and coastline.

Yes, several natural monuments are great for families. Kilve Beach Fossil Beds is excellent for children interested in geology and exploring rockpools at low tide. The large grassy area behind the beach is perfect for picnics. Easy walks around areas like Holford Combe also offer scenic beauty without being too strenuous.

The region is rich in diverse geological features. At Kilve Beach Fossil Beds, you can observe wave-cut platforms of oil-bearing shale and lias, often embedded with ammonite fossils. The dramatic cliffs along Somerset's Jurassic Coast are layered with blue, yellow, and brown lias from the Lower Jurassic period. Other areas feature sandstone hills like Dunkery Beacon.

The area around Old Cleeve offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including challenging loops like the 'Northern Quantocks & Exmoor Coast loop from Watchet'. For running, there are moderate trails such as the 'Cedar House Bed & Breakfast – Chives Café loop from Old Cleeve'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore routes like the 'Dunster Village – Selworthy Beacon loop from Dunster'. You can find more details on these activities in the respective guides: Cycling around Old Cleeve, Running Trails around Old Cleeve, and MTB Trails around Old Cleeve.

Yes, St Audries Bay Waterfall is a notable natural monument where a waterfall plunges directly onto the beach. It's a unique sight and can typically only be reached on foot at low tide.

For panoramic views, spring and autumn often provide clear skies and vibrant landscapes, with fewer crowds than peak summer. Locations like Beacon Hill Trig Point, Bicknoller Post, and Dunkery Beacon are particularly rewarding during these seasons. Winter can also offer dramatic, crisp views, though conditions may be more challenging.

Many natural areas and trails around Old Cleeve are dog-friendly, especially within Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to check specific signage at each location. Beaches like Kilve Beach Fossil Beds often welcome dogs, but seasonal restrictions may apply.

For breathtaking views, head to Beacon Hill Trig Point on the Quantock Hills, which offers vistas along the coastline and across to Wales. Bicknoller Post also provides incredible views over moorland, woodland, and the coastline. Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, offers extensive views over the surrounding moorland and the Bristol Channel.

While primarily natural, some sites have historical connections. For example, Haddon Hill Trig Point was once the site of a U.S. Army military camp during the buildup to the Normandy landings in 1944. Bicknoller Post itself is a long-standing marker, having stood for over 60 years.

When exploring the natural monuments, it's recommended to wear appropriate footwear for varied terrain, bring layers of clothing as weather can change quickly, and carry water and snacks. For fossil hunting at Kilve Beach Fossil Beds, a small hammer and protective eyewear can be useful, but always check local guidelines for collecting. A camera is also a must for capturing the stunning scenery.

Areas within Exmoor National Park, such as Selworthy Beacon and North Hill, are excellent for wildlife spotting, including Exmoor ponies and various bird species. The serene Old Cleeve Woodland Burial Ground, with its woodland and wildflower meadows, also provides a peaceful habitat for birds and other small creatures, embodying ecological harmony.

While not always 'hidden,' Holford Combe within the Quantock Hills is a beautiful area known for its numerous stream crossings and scenic beauty, offering a rewarding experience for walkers and cyclists looking for a slightly less-trafficked route. The Old Cleeve Woodland Burial Ground also offers a uniquely peaceful and reflective natural environment.