Best mountain peaks around Brent Knoll include the prominent Brent Knoll hill, an isolated outcrop on the Somerset Levels reaching an elevation of 137 to 139 meters. This location offers extensive panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Polden Hills, Glastonbury Tor, and the Bristol Channel. Brent Knoll holds significant historical and archaeological importance, featuring the remains of an Iron Age hillfort and Roman-era discoveries. It also presents geological interest as an isolated hill formed from Jurassic-period rocks.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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Sticking out from the end from the ridge of rock that runs from the Mendips Crook Peak offers views over from Exmoor too Wales. A particularly great ride from Wavering down back along the ridge.
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Bleadon Hill at 143 m is a high point towards the western edge of the Mendip Hills. The road crosses the summit, but there is a nice viewpoint and parking area.
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Excellent summit, run from either the car park below or over the ridge from Weavering Down. The top is rocky with great views over towards the Mendips, out to Weston Super Mare and the sea and down the M5.
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If it has rained a lot, then recommend if you want to go up and down a different way, you ascend from the north and descend on the south. The south has steps; the north is slippery and steep and needs trail shoes if not dry for some time. If only going up and down, do from the south. On a clear day, there are great views - Glastonbury, the Quantocks, Exmoor, the Welsh coast and the Brecon Beacons and the Mendips. It was once an Iron Age fort; the Romans called it "the Isle of Frogs" as it looked like a squatting frog from some angles and in those days, the marshes had not been drained. And at Easter, on the east side, a local group erects three crosses.
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if just the climb you can park in the village. climb about 15-20 min
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The most prominent peak in the area is Brent Knoll itself, an isolated outcrop offering extensive panoramic views. Other must-visit spots include Crook Peak, known for its rocky terrain and fantastic views across the Somerset Levels, and Wavering Down Trig Point, which provides impressive vistas including glimpses of Cheddar Reservoir. Additionally, Brean Down Trig Point offers the highest point at Brean Down nature reserve.
From Brent Knoll's summit, you can enjoy extensive panoramic views of the Polden Hills, Glastonbury Tor, the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge, the Bristol Channel, Wales, and the Quantock Hills. Crook Peak offers views across the River Axe, the Somerset Levels, and to Bristol, while Wavering Down Trig Point provides impressive vistas including Cheddar Reservoir.
Yes, Brent Knoll has significant historical importance. Its summit features the grassy remains of an Iron Age hillfort with multiple ramparts, and Roman coins have been discovered there. It was known by the Romans as 'The Mount of Frogs'. Brean Down Trig Point is also near an old Palmerston Fort, built to defend the UK.
Several footpaths lead up Brent Knoll, offering rewarding walks, though some paths, particularly on the north side, can be steep. For more detailed hiking options, you can explore various routes in the region, such as the 'View of the Somerset Levels – View of Brent Knoll loop from East Brent'. Find more hiking trails at Hiking around Brent Knoll.
Yes, some areas are family-friendly. For instance, View from Bleadon Hill is noted as a family-friendly viewpoint with parking. When walking on hills like Wavering Down and Crook Peak, be aware of grazing wild ponies and sheep, and keep dogs under control.
The landscape around Brent Knoll is home to wildlife such as foxes, rabbits, and badgers, alongside a variety of wildflowers and insects. Wavering Down and Crook Peak are part of a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), featuring ancient woodland and calcareous grassland that supports nationally rare plant species like the Cheddar pink.
Brent Knoll itself has paths that can be steep, especially on the north side, requiring appropriate footwear if wet. The south side has steps. Crook Peak features a rocky terrain. Many of the highlighted peaks are classified as 'intermediate' difficulty, suggesting a moderate challenge suitable for regular hikers.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails. However, on hills like Wavering Down and Crook Peak, which are managed nature reserves with grazing wild ponies and sheep, it is important to keep your dog under close control and on a lead at all times to protect the rare plants and animals.
Yes, the area offers various options for cycling and running. You can find cycling routes like the 'View from Crook Peak – Webbington Road loop from East Brent' at Cycling around Brent Knoll. For runners, there are trails such as the 'Giles's Copse loop from Brent Knoll'. Explore more running trails at Running Trails around Brent Knoll.
Brent Knoll is a notable example of denudation, an isolated hill formed from Blue Lias rocks from the Jurassic period, capped with Midford Sands. It stands out because the surrounding landscape was eroded by the waters of the Bristol Channel, leaving this distinctive outcrop.
For Brent Knoll, you can often find parking in the village. For other viewpoints, such as View from Bleadon Hill, there is a dedicated parking area at the summit.
Visitors consistently praise the stunning panoramic views from the summits, which often stretch across vast landscapes including the Somerset Levels, the Bristol Channel, and distant hills. The historical significance of sites like Brent Knoll's Iron Age fort and the rich natural beauty, including rare plants and wildlife, are also highly appreciated.


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