Bicknoller Combe, Weacombe Combe, Lady's Edge and Rams Combe Loop

Starting from the village of Bicknoller, nestled on the western edge of the Quantock Hills in Somerset, this loop hike covers approximately 27 km (16.8 miles) with a total elevation gain of around 700 metres (2,300 feet). The trailhead is easily accessed from Bicknoller, which lies just off the A358 between Taunton and Williton. For those arriving by public transport, the nearest railway station is Taunton, from where local buses or taxis can take you to Bicknoller. Drivers will find limited parking in the village, particularly near the church or village hall.

Bicknoller Combe and Weacombe Combe

The route begins by ascending gently through Bicknoller Combe, a classic Quantock valley lined with ancient woodland and lush ferns. Early on, you’ll notice the steep-sided combe, a haven for wildlife such as roe deer, badgers, and a variety of woodland birds. The path climbs steadily, gaining about 200 metres (650 feet) in the first 4 km (2.5 miles), and the woodland gradually gives way to open heathland as you approach the ridge.

Crossing over to Weacombe Combe, the landscape opens up, offering sweeping views across the Bristol Channel to Wales on clear days. The combe itself is a mosaic of heather, gorse, and bracken, and in late summer, the hillsides are painted purple with blooming heather. Keep an eye out for skylarks and buzzards overhead, and listen for the distinctive call of the stonechat perched on gorse bushes.

Lady’s Edge and the High Quantocks

After about 10 km (6.2 miles), the trail reaches Lady’s Edge, one of the highest points on the Quantocks at over 340 metres (1,115 feet). This section is exposed and can be windy, so pack accordingly. The ridge offers panoramic views south towards Exmoor and north to the coast. The Quantock Hills are England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and this stretch showcases why: rolling moorland, ancient hedgerows, and distant sea views.

The area is steeped in history. Bronze Age burial mounds, or barrows, dot the ridge, and the ancient drove roads you follow have been used for centuries by shepherds and traders. The Quantocks inspired poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, who walked these very hills in the late 18th century.

Descent through Rams Combe and Return

The descent into Rams Combe is steep in places, dropping nearly 150 metres (500 feet) over 2 km (1.2 miles). The combe is quieter, with fewer walkers, and the path winds through mixed woodland and open glades. In spring, bluebells carpet the forest floor, and you may spot red deer moving silently through the trees.

The final section of the loop follows a series of bridleways and quiet country lanes, passing through small hamlets and farmland. The last few kilometres are relatively gentle, with rolling fields and hedgerows leading you back to Bicknoller.

Navigation and Safety

The route is well-trodden but can be indistinct in places, especially across open moorland and in wooded combes. Carry a detailed map and compass, and use HiiKER for up-to-date GPS navigation and trail conditions. Weather on the Quantocks can change rapidly, so bring layers, waterproofs, and enough food and water for a full day’s hike. Mobile phone signal is patchy in some valleys.

This loop offers a classic Quantock experience: varied terrain, rich wildlife, and a sense of history at every turn.