Brean Down Fort, Somerset: A Walk Among Nature and Ruins

Theres no denying that Brean Down Fort makes a gorgeous vista with its rugged cliff edge and impressive fort ruins jutting out to sea. Plus on a clear day you’ll get stunning panoramic views stretching as far as South Wales! This 19th century fortress is neatly perched high above the choppy and (sometimes) murky waters of the vast Bristol Channel. A fascinating landmark and natural pier which can be found along the West Coast of England, roughly 9 miles south of Weston-super-Mare in Somerset. A perfect place to enjoy a scenic clifftop walk, and breathe in the fresh salty sea breeze!

Centuries of history has been unearthed at Brean Down Fort, from stone-age humans to the remains of a Roman temple. Not forgetting the ancient bones of the long extinct wooly rhino and mammoth that have been found hidden beneath the soil.

Today you’ll find the impressive ruins of a large Victorian naval fort. A fort that once played a vital role in protecting the Bristol Channel from a possible French Napoleonic invasion, and rearmed during the Second World War for weapon testing. With numerous nooks and crannies to explore, the Brean Down ruins are a great place to let children’s imaginations fun wild. Or for you to step back in time and imagine the troops of soldiers that once worked here.

Brean Down Fort provides an blowy circular clifftop walk that’s bursting with scenic coastal views and wildlife. A place for you to see history and nature in one sweeping glance.

Ready to visit? Heres everything you need to know to help plan your trip.

In this article...

Whats the address for Brean Down Fort?

To reach Brean Down Fort you may begin to wonder if your sat-nav’s gone awol, sending you driving through one ginormous caravan park!

If that thought crosses your mind, just know that you haven’t missed a turn. Continue going and the road will eventually open back up, and you’ll see the carpark with the stairs snaking up the side of the cliff in the background.

Pop this address into your google maps: Brean, Somerset, TA8 2RS

Does Brean Down Fort have a carpark?

There is a National Trust carpark near to the start of the Brean Down Fort walk, although it’s not the biggest! The parking charge here is £6 for all day parking (which is the only duration option) or it’s free for National Trust Members. Not bad seeing as the walk itself is free!

Alternatively, if the tide is out you can park directly on the sandy beach. Keep an eye on it though as the Bristol Channel has the second highest tidal range in the world. Things here can change pretty swiftly and the last thing you want is to be at the top of the fort watching your car getting washed away in the waves!

The what3words for the carpark is: ///Reflected.private.able

How hard is it to walk to Brean Down Fort?

Not going to lie, its a pretty gruelling start!

The first section of this walk doesn’t dilly-dally and is the toughest part by far.

From the carpark you’ll make your way over to the staircase that’s embedded directly into the side of the rugged cliff edge. There are 200 steps (give or take) which zig-zag their way to the top and can feel a little unrelenting. If your legs haven’t turned to jelly by the time you’re up, then it will have certainly got your blood pumping if nothing else. There are wider parts along the way to pull over and get out the way of other walkers, whilst you stop for a breather.

You’ll be pleased to know that once you’ve completed the stairs the rest of the walk is pretty smooth sailing. Due to the steep start though, I would class this walk as an easy-moderate walk overall.

How many miles is the walk?

The walk out on the peninsula is fairly short at 1.5 miles each way, so only 3 miles (4.8km) to complete the full loop. It will take you roughly 50 minutes to just over an hour, making it perfect choice for little ones to join in! You’ll want to allow longer though, to have enough time to explore the fort itself.

Is Brean Down Fort wheelchair & pushchair friendly?

The main route isn’t wheelchair or pushchair friendly as its full of steps. However, there is an alternative 4km route you can take, which guides you on a gentler incline along the old military road.

Although its classed as the accessible route, its uneven in places and would only be suitable for an all-terrain mobility scooter. This route is also a good option if you plan on bringing a baby or toddler, although it would be a struggle in a basic stroller. Ideally you would need something with all-terrain wheels to get around this walk.

Visiting Brean Beach

This sandy 7 mile stretch of dog friendly beach makes a lovely spot for children to play and perhaps fly a kite. Although, it isn’t the best beach to go and splash about in the sea. Much like near-by Weston-super-Mare (which has gained the nickname ‘Weston-super-mud’) When at low tide both beaches expose their vast mud flats, which pose potential danger. You’ll see warning signs along this beach advising you to avoid going on them, as you risk getting stuck in the sinking mud!

Things are safer at high tide. But as it’s the Bristol Channel, the brown murky waters aren’t the most enticing in my opinion. Over nearer to the cliff of Brean Down you’ll find plenty of rock-pools. Providing lots of fun for youngsters to search and explore.

A big perk of this beach is you can park directly on the sand, making unloading all your beach gear an absolute breeze! And as this beach stretches for miles on end, I’ve yet to see it crowded with people.

Are there any toilets?

There are free public toilets near the carpark but you wont find any up on the peninsula, so remember to use them before you begin your walk. The compact toilet block is in urgent need of a refurb, as they aren’t the nicest loos. It’s handy that they are there though, even if they are pretty grim.

Just close your eyes and pinch your nose!

Is there anywhere to get food and refreshments?

There’s nothing once you’re up on the clifftop. So don’t expect to find a café or ice cream van once you’ve arrived at the fort. However, there are two handy cafes near the carpark; Brean Down Cafe & Cafe Tea Rooms. Which sell your usual cafe items like pasties, sausage rolls, chips, toasted sandwiches, cakes and ice-creams. Plus of course hot and cold drinks, and even doggy ice-cream for your pooches.

How to do the Brean Down Walk

Once your car is parked and paid for, it’s time to feel the heat in your legs as you take on the most challenging part of the route. Head past the cafe’s and begin your assent up the stairs. Take your time and don’t forget to stop for breathers along the way. One to catch your breath and two, to admire those scenic coastal views.

Once you’ve made it to the top. You can either go straight over and join the path track, or go left and walk over the grassy hills. We always opt for the latter.

The grassy track will ebb and flow the entire way to the fort, so expect to trudge up a few gentle little hills . Along the way you’ll pass a trig point, where you’ll be able to see Weston-Super-Mare in the distance.

Continue walking up and down the hills and eventually the fort appears lower down on the tip of the peninsular.

Make your way down to the fort and walk over the bridge. Then enjoy reading the information boards that are dotted about the place and have fun exploring all the rooms. Some of which are remarkably intact.

Take a stroll out towards this little tower where you’ll be able to see Steep Holm island in the background.

When it’s time to leave, head back out and over the bridge but this time keeping left. Returning back along the gravelled path rather than across the grass.

Follow the gravel track along this side of the peninsular, until you arrive back at the stairs. Then make your way back down towards the carpark.

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