The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Brompton Regis

There are over 15 family-friendly hiking trails around Brompton Regis, with 12 of them rated as easy, making them perfect for families with children of all ages. The area offers a wonderful variety of landscapes within Exmoor National Park.

The trails around Brompton Regis offer a diverse experience, from gentle paths around Wimbleball Lake to slightly more undulating routes on Haddon Hill. You'll find a mix of wooded valleys, open moorland, and lakeside paths, all within the beautiful Exmoor National Park. Many routes are well-maintained and suitable for families.

Yes, Brompton Regis is excellent for circular family walks. A great option is the Wimbleball Dam – Wimbleball Lake and Dam loop from Brompton Regis, which is an easy 4.3 km loop. Another popular choice is the Haddon Hill Trig Point – Exmoor Pony loop from Wimbleball Dam, offering a shorter 4 km easy walk with potential wildlife sightings.

Many family-friendly routes will take you past the stunning Wimbleball Lake, a focal point for recreation. You might also encounter the prominent Haddon Hill Trig Point, offering superb views. Further afield, but accessible from the area, are the historic Tarr Steps clapper bridge and the highest point in Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon Summit.

Many trails in Exmoor National Park, including those around Brompton Regis, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially around livestock and wildlife, and to check specific route details for any restrictions. The area around Wimbleball Lake is generally welcoming to dogs.

Parking is generally available at key access points, particularly around Wimbleball Lake. There are designated car parks which often serve as starting points for many of the popular family routes. For example, routes like the Haddon Hill Trig Point – Exmoor Pony loop often start from Wimbleball Dam where parking facilities are present.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Brompton Regis, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 670 ratings. Hikers frequently praise the stunning views over Wimbleball Lake, the peaceful atmosphere of the Exmoor National Park, and the well-marked paths that make navigation easy for families.

Absolutely! The area is rich in wildlife. On Haddon Hill, you might spot the famous Exmoor ponies, especially on routes like the Haddon Hill Trig Point – Exmoor Pony loop. The woodlands and areas around Wimbleball Lake are also excellent for bird watching, with hides available for better viewing opportunities.

Brompton Regis offers beautiful hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and new life, while summer provides longer daylight hours and warmer weather, perfect for lakeside picnics. Autumn showcases stunning foliage, and even winter can be magical with crisp air and fewer crowds, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, after a refreshing family hike, you can find amenities around Wimbleball Lake, including a coffee shop. For a traditional Exmoor experience, the George Inn in Brompton Regis village offers refreshments and pub lunches in a charming setting with views of the surrounding hills.

For families with older children or those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Wimbleball Lake loop from Haddon Hill is a moderate 14.7 km route that offers extensive views and a good workout. Another excellent option is the Haddon Hill and Bury loop, a moderate 10.7 km trail exploring more of the Brendon Hills.