The best walks and hikes around Chard Town
4.2
(168)
854
hikers
23
hikes
Hiking around Chard Town explores the rolling hills and lush countryside of South Somerset. The region is characterized by its proximity to the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring steep-sided valleys and ancient woodlands. Many walking trails near Chard Somerset also lead around local nature reserves like the Chard Reservoir, offering level paths through meadows and woodland. The town's location, being one of the highest in Somerset, provides striking countryside views.
Best hiking trails around Chard Town
- The most popular hiking route is Chard to Wambrook loop, a 5.7 miles (9.1 km) trail that takes 2 hours 35 minutes to complete. This route uses a mix of footpaths and quiet lanes to explore the Blackdown Hills scenery.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Sunset View Over the River – Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve loop from Chard, a moderate 5.5 miles (8.9 km) path. The trail features a bird watching shelter and viewpoints over the river.
- Local hikers also love the Stone Railway Bridge – Donyatt Halt loop from Chard, a 6.6 miles (10.6 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 43 minutes.
- Hiking around Chard Town is defined by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and tranquil reservoir paths. The network of footpaths offers routes suitable for various fitness levels, from easy family walks to more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Chard Town are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 160 reviews. More than 800 hikers have used komoot to explore Chard Town's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
4.0
(1)
8
hikers
9.13km
02:33
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
13
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
11
hikers
10.6km
02:43
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
6.58km
01:48
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
11.8km
03:06
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Donyatt Halt Records for Donyatt Halt state: "This halt, opened on May 5th, 1928, has a single platform edged with wooden sleepers, and a small wooden shelter. A pathway leads up from the platform to the road, which crosses the line by an overbridge at the Ilminster end of the platform. An ornate oil lamp stands at the top of the path and there are various posts with brackets for hanging oil lamps in winter." It would be the guard's duty to light and extinguish these lamps. Five trains a day operated in each direction taking about 45 minutes for the 15 - mile journey from Taunton to Chard, having made stops at Thornfalcon, Hatch, Ilton, Ilminster and Donyatt. Donyatt.com
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Chard is a charming town located in Somerset, near the county borders of Devon and Dorset. Chard is a very notable town as it is the birthplace of powered flight. In 1848, in the town of Chard, Victorian aeronautical pioneer John Stringfellow first demonstrated that engine-powered flight was possible - and the rest is history!
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The Cotley Inn is a well-known traditional country pub located in Wambrook near Chard. The pub serves up a delicious menu of quintessential British meals in a cosy and welcoming setting.
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From this viewpoint on the border of the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty, you can enjoy wonderful views across the town of Chard and its surrounding countryside.
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Chard Reservoir is no longer used as a commercial reservoir but is managed as a nature reserve. A lovely, peaceful spot to stop and watch the water birds.
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Built in 1842 to provide water for the local canal this is now a nature reserve and fishing lake managed by South Somerset District Council.
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Nice statue of a girl waiting for the train that will never come along the well maintained gravel track but some sharp changes in direction make the run from ilminster to chard confusing if you expect to be on the old railway tracks
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Chard?
Yes, the area around Chard Reservoir is ideal for families. It offers level, paved trails suitable for all fitness levels and pushchairs. The Reservoir Car Park loop from Chard Junction is a gentle walk of about 2.4 miles (3.8 km) through the local nature reserve, perfect for a short family outing.
Can I take my dog on the walking trails near Chard?
Many trails around Chard are dog-friendly. The woodlands and open spaces at Castle Neroche, a former Iron Age hill fort, are particularly popular with dog walkers. Always check for local signage, especially near farmland where livestock may be present, and keep dogs on a lead where required.
What are the walking options in the Blackdown Hills AONB near Chard?
The Blackdown Hills offer numerous walking opportunities with steep-sided valleys and ancient woodlands. A great example is the Chard to Wambrook loop, which takes you through classic Blackdown Hills scenery on a mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes.
Where can I find good views while hiking near Chard?
For expansive views, head to Staple Hill. It's a well-regarded spot offering lovely vistas across Taunton and the surrounding countryside. The trails there lead through pretty pine woods to excellent viewpoints.
Are there any circular walks that start from Chard town?
Yes, there are several circular routes beginning in or near Chard. For a moderate walk with varied scenery, consider the Stone Railway Bridge – Donyatt Halt loop from Chard. This trail explores the local countryside and remnants of the old railway line.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Chard?
The walking routes around Chard are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Hikers often praise the region's mix of tranquil reservoir paths, quiet woodland, and the scenic beauty of the Blackdown Hills.
Is there a good spot for birdwatching on a walk?
The Chard Reservoir is a designated local nature reserve and a prime location for birdwatching. The Bird Watching Shelter – Sunset View Over the River loop from Chard specifically includes a shelter, making it an excellent choice for spotting species like herons and kingfishers.
Where can I find free parking for a walk?
Free parking is available at several popular trailheads. For example, Staple Hill, known for its great views, offers a free car park at the start of its walking loops. It's always a good idea to arrive early at popular spots, especially on weekends.
What is the terrain like on the walks around Chard?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find everything from flat, paved paths around the Chard Reservoir to undulating trails with some steeper sections in the Blackdown Hills. Many routes, like the Sunset View Over the River – Bird Watching Shelter loop from Chard, are on good paths with minimal elevation change, making them accessible for most walkers.
How many hiking trails are available around Chard?
There are over 20 hiking routes to explore around Chard on komoot. The collection includes an even split of easy and moderate trails, ensuring there are options for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes.
Are there any walks that include historical sites?
Yes, you can explore the area's history at Castle Neroche. This site features the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and a later motte-and-bailey castle, now managed by Forestry England. The surrounding woodlands are crisscrossed with trails offering a mix of history and nature.
Most popular routes around Chard Town
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