Somerset is home to some of the UK’s most breathtaking coastline, and the landscape is a simply stunning place to enjoy a ramble. We pick six spots ideal for a walk embracing the county’s beautiful beaches
This is a short walk of just over a mile that starts and finishes near the Quay West Car Park, Minehead. A gentle climb through historic woodland rich in wildlife, the path then leads to open heathland with magnificent views across the Bristol Channel and inland over Exmoor.
Budding geologists should take a detour to Culver Cliff beach to admire the medieval fish weirs which are now recognised as Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
A gorgeous stretch of beach with firm, golden sand, Brean beach is an ideal spot for sandcastle building, playing traditional beach games or a-sand-in-your-sandwiches picnic spot.
Make the one and half mile trip up to the top of the Down, where you will be rewarded with mesmerising views from the Somerset Levels on one side right across to some of the county’s best known features such as Glastonbury Tor and Mendip Hills. You might even spot a group of goats making their way round the Down!
This is a challenging eight and a half mile walk ideal for a full day’s hike sampling all the delights Porlock has to offer. Think woodland, saltmarsh, hills and picturesque villages, all with scenery, wildlife, culture and plenty of places to eat and drink.
It starts and finishes at Porlock Fire Station and takes in Hurlstone Point which you may want to explore. The remote and rocky realms tucked away behind the old coastguard are a wonder to see, and a great place to rest, before the long trek up to Bossington Hill. You definitely deserve a pint at Porlock’s charming, 13th century pub; The Ship Inn after!
This pretty five and a half mile walk starts and finishes at County Gate, a landscape where west Somerset and Devon meet. Not only does the location boast breathtaking views across East Lyn valley and Doone Country, stunning coastal scenery can also be enjoyed.
It’s especially beautiful in spring and early summer, when the gorse bursts into its beautiful yellow colour on the hillside above Wingate Combe as you curve towards it, and the banks of rhododendron to your right are a delicate lilac against the turquoise sea. Enjoy a picnic in the seclusion of Glenthorne beach, an ideal spot for lunch.
Roughly three and a half miles in length, on the Somerset and Devon border, you can take in Lynmouth beach where dogs are welcome all year round with an abundance of dog-friendly pubs along the way. Along the A39 Countisbury Hill where it also ends, taking in Iron Age hill forts and a Domesday Manor, all in a spectacular setting. Take in the idyllic woodland with beautiful waterfalls and a quiet, babbling river.
This is a lovely walk in spring, when swathes of bluebells and wild garlic blanket the ground and birdsong fills the air.
Fantastic views are guaranteed on this three mile walk at Sand Point, near Weston-Super-Mare. Panoramic vistas across the Bristol Channel out towards Wales can be enjoyed, and the fresh sea air is intoxicating as you explore the stunning landscape.
You’ll ramble over grassland and a salt marsh, towards the renowned Grand Pier and then to a delightful secluded cove which is a lovely spot to take a breath and soak in the sights. You’ll find Sand Bay at the end of the walk, passing two Bronze Age burial grounds on your route.
This article was updated by Martha Griffiths in 2021.
