4.6
(67)
557
hikers
11
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Dunster offer access to the diverse landscapes of Exmoor National Park, situated on the edge of the village. The region features expansive high moorlands, ancient woodlands, and a coastline with paths along Dunster Beach. The terrain is characterized by hills such as Croydon Hill and Grabbist Hill, with the River Avill winding through the area, often alongside trails. Historical landmarks like Dunster Castle, Bat's Castle, and Gallox Bridge are integrated into many routes.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.5
(4)
20
hikers
10.7km
03:06
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
2.17km
00:37
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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6
hikers
3.36km
01:02
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
5.96km
01:48
200m
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
1.21km
00:20
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Dunster
Almost nothing reliable is known about the life of Saint George, to whom this church was dedicated, but veneration of him stretches back to early Christianity. A martyr identified with George is said to have lived in the third century. The legend of Saint George as the dragon slayer, however, is quite well known and widespread; he is often depicted—in paintings or statues—as the conqueror of the monster, often as a knight on horseback. The feast day of the very popular Saint George in the calendar of saints is celebrated on April 23rd in both the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. Among other things, he is the patron saint of the English kingdom, and some of the orders and decorations awarded there bear his name.
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National Trust preserved spot with beautiful views over Minehead.
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Almost nothing reliable is known about the life of Saint GEORGE, to whom the church of Dunster was dedicated, but the veneration of him goes back a long way to early Christianity. A martyr who is equated with George is said to have lived in the third century. The legend of Saint George as a dragon slayer is well known and widespread, however, and he is usually depicted - in paintings or as a statue - as the conqueror of the monster, often as a knight on horseback. The memorial day of the very popular George in the calendar of saints is celebrated on April 23rd in both the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. Among other things, he is the patron saint of the English kingdom, and some of the orders and decorations awarded there also bear his name.
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Village gardens cared for by the residents, but no dogs allowed 🥺
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Almost nothing reliable is known about the life of Saint GEORGE, to whom the church of Dunster was dedicated, but the veneration of him goes back a long way to early Christianity. A martyr who is equated with George is said to have lived in the third century. The legend of Saint George as a dragon slayer is well known and widespread, however, and he is usually depicted - in paintings or as a statue - as the conqueror of the monster, often as a knight on horseback. The memorial day of the very popular George in the calendar of saints is celebrated on April 23rd in both the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. Among other things, he is the patron saint of the English kingdom, and some of the orders and decorations awarded there also bear his name.
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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Lovely tearoom with friendly staff and outside seating space next to the river
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There are 11 hiking trails around Dunster that are easily accessible from the bus station. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from short village strolls to longer excursions into the surrounding Exmoor National Park.
Yes, Dunster offers several easy hiking trails perfect for a relaxed outing. For a gentle walk, consider the Dunster Village – Dunster Yarn Market loop from Dunster, which is just over 2 km. Another easy option is the Grabbist Hill – Dunster Village Gardens loop from Dunster, offering pleasant views and a moderate climb.
Absolutely. For a more extensive hike, the Dunster Village – Dunster Watermill loop from Dunster is a moderate 10.7 km route that takes you through diverse landscapes. While most routes are easy to moderate, the varied terrain of Exmoor National Park allows for longer, more strenuous walks if you choose to extend your exploration.
Yes, many of the trails accessible from the Dunster bus station are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike in the same convenient location. Examples include the Gallox Bridge – Dunster Watermill loop from Dunster and the Dunster Village – Dunster Watermill loop from Dunster.
Hiking from Dunster bus station offers access to a wealth of natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can explore ancient woodlands, follow the winding River Avill, and enjoy views from elevated areas like Croydon Hill. Notable attractions include the medieval Bat's Castle Iron Age Hillfort, the historic Gallox Bridge, and the distinctive Conygar Tower. The trails also provide glimpses of the magnificent Dunster Castle and its subtropical gardens.
Yes, Dunster is a great destination for family-friendly hikes. Many of the easier, shorter loops are perfect for children, offering engaging historical sites like Dunster Castle and the Dunster Working Watermill. The Dunster Village – Dunster Yarn Market loop from Dunster is a short and accessible option for families.
Dunster and Exmoor National Park are generally very dog-friendly. Most trails welcome dogs, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near livestock, wildlife (such as Red Deer and Exmoor Ponies), and in sensitive natural areas. Always carry waste bags and dispose of them responsibly.
Dunster offers beautiful hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn showcases stunning foliage across the ancient woodlands. Summer is ideal for longer days and warmer weather, though it can be busier. Winter offers crisp air and quieter trails, with the possibility of dramatic, misty landscapes. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, several routes offer fantastic viewpoints. While not directly from the bus station, many trails lead to elevated areas like Croydon Hill, providing panoramic views of the village, Dunster Castle, and the surrounding Exmoor landscape. For truly expansive views, trails can connect to areas like Selworthy Beacon or even Dunkery Beacon Summit (the highest point in Somerset), though these might require a longer hike or a short bus connection.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the seamless integration of historical landmarks like Dunster Castle and Gallox Bridge into the trails, and the accessibility of routes directly from the village. The combination of ancient woodlands, river paths, and elevated viewpoints makes for a truly rewarding hiking experience.
Dunster village itself, where the bus station is located, has a charming selection of pubs and cafes. Many hiking routes start and end in the village, making it convenient to enjoy refreshments or a meal before or after your walk. You'll find options ranging from traditional pubs to cozy tea rooms, perfect for recharging.


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