Top 9 Best Somerset Walks | Lantern & Larks

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Where to walk in Somerset

We know the British countryside can sometimes be a bit chilly, and even a little wet underfoot... But that's no excuse to stay cooped up indoors! Especially when we can offer you the opportunity to discover Somerset and its glorious surroundings from a tranquil glamping site, in the comfort of one of our luxury colonial-style hideaways.

Here at Kittisford Barton, we are extremely proud to be situated in the midst of a countryside rich in different habitats, buzzing with wildlife and crisscrossed all over with some of the greatest Somerset walks. So grab your wellies (don't be afraid of a little mud!) and come prepared for some heart-pumping, adventure seeking, no matter the season.

So, where should you go?

Kittisford Barton

You don't have to wander far at all, if you don't fancy it! The glamping site sits in the vicinity of a 260-acre organic working farm, so guests can explore the fields and woodlands, wander down to the ponds or pay a visit to the animals. This is a great one for those with youngsters in tow as there is no travelling involved, you can keep the walks short and sweet, plus the little ones love meeting the friendly inhabitants, this being one of the best family walks in Somerset. Read about Kittisford Barton > https://www.lanternandlarks.co.uk

Brown cow in a barn

Somerset Coastal Walks

Exmoor National Park

Just half an hour's drive takes you north to the incredible Exmoor National Park. Famous for its sense of remoteness, Exmoor offers endless stretches of open moorland and rugged, uncultivated heathland. The National Park stretches right up to the Somerset coastline where it forms the Exmoor Heritage Coast, which is protected for its history and heritage. Here you will find fantastic beaches, interesting little towns, high sea cliffs and wonderfully craggy scenery. This is also the home of the South West Coast Path, England's longest trail and one of the best walks in south Somerset. Find out about it here, or take a look at all the walks and trails Exmoor has to offer on the website > http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Costal path sea view Lynmouth

Bridgwater Bay

Slightly further along this same stretch of coast you will find the Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve. It is under an hour away from Kittisford Barton and looks out over the Bristol Channel. Here you will be able to wander the mudflats and saltmarshes while looking out to sea. This protected wetland habitat is really important for wildfowl and waders, so it's a great place for keen birdwatchers. Make your way to Steart Marshes and walk the boardwalk path amongst all the wetland wildlife. At Steart Point, if you're really up for a trek, you can pick up the River Parrett Trail at the mouth of the River Parrett and this will lead you inland along the estuary. Find out more > http://steart.wwt.org.uk

Eurasian curlew bird flying next to the sea

Countryside & Woodland Walks in Somerset

Blackdown Hills walk

From Kittisford Barton you can see the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) forming an incredible backdrop. Just a 30 minute drive will take you to a walk around Blagdon Hill and Adcombe Wood. It's roughly 5 miles long, and not the easiest of routes, but there's some really rewarding scenery! Find out more about the area or look up all the walking routes here > http://www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk

Person hiking hill walking Blackdown Hills

Quantock Hills

To the north of Kittisford Barton are the Quantock Hills AONB. This is a smaller area than the Blackdown Hills, at just under 40 square miles, though the range of habitat is still exceptional, being some of the best walks in north Somerset. A great variety of different length walks will expose you to Jurassic coastline, deep wooded valleys, high heathland summits and wide open farmland, being one of the best walks in north Somerset. Discover more here > http://www.quantockhills.com

Quantock Hills lone tree on the hill

Dartmoor

Another of Britain's famous National Parks. To be able to reach two of them from the same base is a privilege. Dartmoor is a slightly longer drive, it's just to the west of Exeter and it will take you about an hour to reach Haytor Vale and the start of the historic 18-mile Templer Way. The national park is webbed with an incredible amount of walks though, so wherever you venture in Dartmoor, you're sure to find a suitable route. Just take a look at all of these > http://www.visitdartmoor.co.uk! The national park is famous for its tors, craggy hills topped with outcrops, which give the landscape its distinctive and instantly recognisable appearance. The moor is also incredibly rich in history; it has the largest collection of bronze-age structures in the UK, not to mention large prehistoric menhirs, stone circles, Dartmoor crosses and Neolithic remains.

Sunset at Dartmoor national park

Circular Walks in Somerset

Dunster

Just a 45 minute drive from the site, this beautiful, yet easy circular walk takes in the medieval village of Dunster, the West Somerset Railway and Dunster Castle. Take your time wandering through the village, and perhaps pop into the castle during this three and a half mile walk. This is one of the best walks in Somerset for anyone who likes a chance to pop into the odd café during their stroll.

Glenthorne

This picturesque walk starts and ends at Country Gate, where West Somerset meets Devon. Around five and a half miles long, this walk will take you along stunning coastlines and through beautiful countryside. We’d especially recommend visiting during spring and early summer, when the flowers start to bloom. You’ll be captivated by the bright yellow of the gorse above Wingate Come, and the waves of purple rhododendron. It’s an hour's drive back to the site, so why not pack a picnic lunch and settle down to enjoy the scenery for just a little longer?

Night walks in Somerset

If you’re looking for a slightly different way to enjoy a walk during your glamping holiday in Somerset, why not wait until the sun goes down? Walking at night, done safely and properly, provides opportunities to not only see different animals, sights and sounds than you would during the day, but experience a different, more tranquil atmosphere under the stars. Just remember to bring a torch, spare batteries, a charged mobile phone and wither walk the route in the day or join a guided walk.

Shapwick and Sculthorpe Moors

One walk that is worth staying up late for is a night-time stroll through Shapwick or Sculthorpe Moor. The Hawk and Owl Trust run a selection of guided evening and nighttime walks through the year, including the popular ‘Owl prowl’, which gives visitors and opportunity to hear and perhaps even spot the reserves’ tawny owls, followed by a warming plate of fish and chips! Find out what events are on during your stay here.