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United Kingdom
England
South West England
Somerset
West Somerset District

Dunster

The best walks and hikes around Dunster

4.6

(67)

555

hikers

40

hikes

Hiking around Dunster offers diverse landscapes, ranging from wooded hills and dense forests to open meadows and coastal paths. The region is characterized by the winding River Avill, the elevated Croydon Hill offering panoramic views, and its position bordering Exmoor National Park. Trails often incorporate historical features such as Dunster Castle, perched on a steep hill, and the Iron Age hillfort of Bat's Castle. This varied terrain provides a rich environment for outdoor exploration.

Best hiking trails around Dunster

  • The…

Last updated: April 25, 2026

4.8

(14)

69

hikers

#1.

Dunster Castle, Bat's Castle & Gallox Bridge loop from Dunster — Exmoor National Park

6.64km

01:59

210m

210m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Popular around Dunster

Enchanting valleys and dramatic coastline — Exmoor National Park

MTB Trails around Dunster

Road Cycling Routes around Dunster

Running Trails around Dunster

Cycling around Dunster

Gravel biking around Dunster

Other adventures around Dunster

Enchanting valleys and dramatic coastline — Exmoor National Park

Hiking Collection by

Kit P

Tips from the Community

Marcus Andrews-Mackay
May 29, 2025, World War II Type 24 Pillbox

There's a few of these running both ways towards Minehead and Blue Anchor. With the walls covered with cobbles, they are hard to see against the shingle bar at the top of the beach. Their position meant there was no cover for anyone attempting a landing over the flats.

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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.

Translated by Google

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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.

Translated by Google

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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.

Translated by Google

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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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FARID L
January 11, 2024, Conygar Tower

The Conygar Tower in Dunster, Somerset, England, was built in 1775 and has been designated as a Grade II listed building. It is a circular, 3-storey folly tower built of red sandstone situated on a hill overlooking the village.

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Lovers Bridge is positioned over the River Avill in Dunster Village in Somerset by the grounds of the well-known Dunster Castle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes around Dunster?

Hiking around Dunster offers a diverse landscape, from wooded hills and dense forests providing cool shade, to open meadows and coastal paths. You'll find trails winding along the River Avill, and climbs to viewpoints like Croydon Hill and Bat's Castle offering panoramic views across fields, forests, and the distant coastline.

Are there easy hiking options suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, Dunster has plenty of easy hiking options. Out of 41 total routes, 25 are classified as easy. A great choice for families is the Dunster Castle, Bat's Castle & Gallox Bridge loop, which is 4.1 miles (6.6 km) and combines historical landmarks with scenic views.

What historical landmarks can I see while hiking in Dunster?

Many trails in Dunster integrate historical attractions. You can explore the iconic 11th-century Dunster Castle, the Iron Age hillfort of Bat's Castle (also known as Black Ball Camp), the medieval Gallox Bridge, and the 18th-century folly of Conygar Tower. The village itself also boasts over 200 listed buildings, including the 14th-century Dunster Tithe Barn.

Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers?

While many trails are easy to moderate, there are a couple of more challenging options for experienced hikers. The region's varied terrain, including climbs to viewpoints like Croydon Hill, can provide a good workout. For more extensive and challenging routes, Dunster also serves as an ideal base for exploring the sweeping hills of Exmoor National Park, and the nearby South West Coast Path offers extensive hiking possibilities.

Can I find circular walking routes around Dunster?

Yes, many of the hiking routes around Dunster are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Dunster and Conygal Tower loop from Dunster Beach is a moderate 5.8-mile (9.4 km) circular path that offers coastal views.

What are the best viewpoints to experience the scenery around Dunster?

For breathtaking views, consider hiking to Croydon Hill, which offers panoramic vistas across fields, forests, and the distant coastline. The Black Ball viewpoint, near Bat's Castle, is another excellent spot to appreciate the region's diverse scenery, including views over the Bristol Channel to South Wales and inland to the Quantock Hills and Exmoor.

Are there any unique natural features or attractions to discover?

Beyond the general landscapes, Dunster is home to the unique Dunster Tall Trees Trail, featuring a Douglas fir reputedly the highest tree in England and the country's tallest magnolia. The River Avill also provides pleasant riverside walks, and the area is part of Exmoor National Park, known for its sweeping hills and diverse wildlife.

What do other hikers say about the trails in Dunster?

The hiking routes in Dunster are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 60 reviews. Hikers often praise the combination of historical landmarks, varied terrain, and scenic views, making for a rewarding outdoor experience.

Are the trails around Dunster suitable for dogs?

Many trails in the Dunster area are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the diverse landscapes with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or in sensitive wildlife areas, and to check specific trail regulations if available.

How long do hikes around Dunster typically take?

Hikes around Dunster vary in length and duration. Easy routes like the View of Dunster Castle – Blue Anchor Bay loop, which is 4.3 miles (6.9 km), can be completed in about 1 hour 45 minutes. Longer, moderate trails, such as the Dunster Village – Dunster Watermill loop at 6.6 miles (10.7 km), might take around 3 hours.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in Dunster?

Dunster offers enjoyable hiking throughout much of the year. The woodlands provide cool shade during warmer months, while the varied terrain and historical sites are appealing in spring and autumn. Even in winter, many trails are accessible, though conditions can be wetter. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Are there places to eat or drink along the hiking routes?

The village of Dunster itself has pubs and cafes where you can refuel before or after your hike. Some routes may pass through or near the village, offering convenient stops. It's always a good idea to carry water and snacks, especially on longer trails.

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