Somerset may be known for its endless rolling fields, traditional scrumpy cider and broad farmer accent. But it’s also home to some of the most scenic and varied walks around.
I have been lucky enough to spend my entire life enjoying the laid-back beauty of this Cheddar cheese loving county. And because I’m Somerset born and bread, I like to think that I know the area pretty well. I would say I know it like the back of my hand, but thanks to sat nav’s and Google maps my road name knowledge is pretty weak!
Nonetheless, Somerset is my home and a county that I get the opportunity to explore a lot of. Therefor, I thought I would round up 8 of my favourite short Somerset walks for you to do this year. All of which are under 3 miles long, making them great options for all fitness abilities and all ages.
So, lace up your walking boots and get ready to take a stroll around some of these incredible places.
In no particular order, here’s my list of the best short walks to do in Somerset.
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1. Cheddar Gorge – an impressive clifftop walk
Expect to see some utterly breathtaking vistas at Cheddar Gorge; it’s popular for a reason!
If you arrive by car make sure you drive along the serpentine road, as it weaves its way between the craggy gorge and makes for a magical experience. Keep your eye’s peeled along the way as you could catch a glimpse of some wild mountain goats balancing on the cliff face, and perhaps some brave rock climbers too.
Cheddar gorge is millions of years old and is absolutely fabulous to explore. It’s also the largest gorge in the whole of the England, which means it attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The start of the walk is a little strenuous to summit the cliff, but all is forgiven once you’re up there!
Read this article to learn how to do the clifftop walk on either side of the gorge, plus I share how to do Jacobs Ladder and the look-out tower for free!!
Don’t look down if you’re afraid of heights!
Total distance: Approx 3 miles/ 1.9km (loop one side of gorge)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Cost: Free (if you follow my route)
How to do the walk: Cheddar Gorge Walk
2. Glastonbury Tor – a short spiritual hike in Somerset
Is there anywhere in Somerset that’s more iconic than Glastonbury Tor? I don’t think so!
This natural hill has seen people trudge up its slopes for millennia. Whether thats for its famous spiritual pull, or just to enjoy the extensive panoramic views across the Somerset levels.
The colourful market town of Glastonbury is known worldwide for not only the Tor, but for also for Glastonbury festival (even though that’s actually over in Pilton) Both of which attract visitors from all around the globe, year after year.
The mystical walk up Glastonbury tor is a fairly steep incline, but it makes for a great short walk to do in Somerset. If you want to know how to do the Glastonbury Tor loop, I cover everything in this article.
Total distance: 1.3km/ 0.8 mile loop (can be made shorter by going up/down the same way)
Difficulty level: Easy/intermediate
Cost: Free
How to do the walk: Glastonbury Tor Walk
3. Burrow Mump – views across the Somerset levels
Burrow Mump is sort of like a miniature Glastonbury Tor, and legend has it; this historic site has strong links to the Saxon King Alfred. At Burrow Mump you’ll find another castle ruin that’s perched high on a hill, with endless 360 views across the low laying land of the Somerset Levels.
It’s a shorter and less laid out walk compared to Glastonbury Tor, as the route here is just a trodden path thats worn it’s way into the grassy mound. But it attracts far fewer visitors than its popular big sister, which means you can quite often have the place to yourself. Or perhaps just a herd of sheep for company!
See where to park, and learn some interesting history about Burrow Mump here.
Total distance: 300 meters (total up & down)
Difficulty level: Easy
Cost: Free
How to do the walk: Burrow Mump
4. St Audries Bay – a waterfall walk
Waterfalls are somewhat lacking in the county of Somerset. It’s not something we’re really known for! However this gorgeous waterfall at St.Audries Bay is super unique and well worth a visit.
A rather steep path followed by some steps leads you down on the pebbled beach, which means getting back up can send your heart-rate going! Once on the beach you’ll see these unusual wave-cut terraces that have been carved into the rock. Then head around the corner and you’ll spot the waterfall flowing over the vivid red rock.
As with all waterfalls, they are best seen following heavy rain, as thats when they are most powerful.
You’ll need to time your visit with the tide to be able to reach it, and if you’re feeling it, you could even brave a wild shower beneath it!
Want to visit? Find out everything you need to know about St.Audries bay here.
Total distance: Approx 1km/ 0.6 mile (there and back)
Difficulty level: Easy (down) Intermediate (back up)
Cost: Walk is free, but you will have to pay to park your car at the campsite.
How to do the walk: St.Audries Bay
5. Ebbor Gorge – go for a fun scramble
Just outside of the quaint village called Wookey Hole, you’ll discover this epic gorge that was once home to cavemen and Wooley Rhinos!
Ebbor Gorge is super fun, and theres a section here where you actually get to scramble your way up inside the gorge. However, if you don’t think you could manage the scramble, there is a different route you can take which avoids clambering your way up the gorge, yet still connects up with the viewing point at the top.
Trees, caves and endless ferns make this place feel very prehistoric, and its a great place to let little ones imagination run riot!
Total distance: 3km / 1.8 mile (loop)
Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate
Cost: Free
See how to do the walk: Ebbor Gorge
6. Brean Down Fort – a short coastal walk in Somerset
Step back in time for this breezy coastal walk, and soak up the views stretching as far as South Wales.
Theres no denying that Brean Down Fort makes for a gorgeous vista with its rugged cliff edge and impressive fort ruins jutting out to sea.
Although the start or this walk is pretty challenging with a steep staircase taking you up the side of the cliff, the rest is smooth sailing. The route takes you all the way to the tip of the peninsular, where you get to discover an old Victorian navy fort.
Total distance: 4.8k/3 miles (loop)
Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate
Cost: Walk is free, but you will have to pay to park your car (unless you have a National Trust membership)
See how to do the walk: Brean Down Fort
7. Dunkery Beacon – walk Somerset’s highest peak
Dunkery Beacon isn’t quite the same as hiking up Snowdon, but it is the highest peak in Somerset and Exmoor!
The grassy mound is covered in a blanket of purple heather during certain months of the year, and when the sky is clear it offers incredible views all the way to Wales.
Even thought this is the highest peak in Somerset and Exmoor, the walk isn’t strenuous at all. Of course some effort is required as it’s uphill, but the route is only 1/2 mile each way which makes it rather easy.
Making Dunkery Beacon a great option if you’re bringing children along. Especially if they are seeking an adventure, or if they want to say they have climbed the highest peak in Somerset!
Total distance: 1 mile/ 1.6km (1/2 mile each way)
Difficulty level: Easy
Cost: Free
See how to do the walk: Dunkery Beacon
8. Nutcombe Bottom – visit England’s tallest tree
I have to confess, this isn’t much of a walk. The entire loop is only 600 meters, BUT, you will get to see the tallest tree in England. So for that reason, it’s made it on to this list!
Nutcombe Bottom is just outside of Dunster, and home to the Tall Trees Trail. Which is where you’ll get to marvel at the tallest tree in England.
It’s worth a quick visit to see the record holding tree, before heading off to somewhere else nearby. Read all about it and other places you can combine this walk with here.
Total distance: 600 meters
Difficulty level: Easy
Cost: Free
See how to do the walk: Nutcombe Bottom
Hopefully this list has given you inspiration for some lovely short walks to do in Somerset. I’d love to know which one is your favourite, or any others you recommend doing.
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- Nutcombe Bottom, Somerset: England’s Tallest Tree (Tall Trees Trail)
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