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Best canyon hikes in Somerset
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Best canyon hikes in Somerset

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

Here are some great hikes to explore in Somerset.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Holford - The Great Road - Beacon Hill and Smith's Combe

Somerset, England · star 5.0 (1) · 8.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 8 min

2

Easy

West Deane Way

Somerset, England · star 4.1 (8) · 69.4 km · Est. 4 days

3

Medium

Quantock Hills Trail from Dead Woman's Ditch

Somerset, England · star 4.0 (4) · 14.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 48 min

4

Difficult

South West Coast Path

Somerset, England · star 5.0 (176) · 1028.2 km · Est. 51 days

5

Medium

Blue Anchor to Widecombe in Moor via the Two Moors Way

Somerset, England · star 4.0 (1) · 194.2 km · Est. 11 days

6

Easy

Hoaroak Valley Archaeology Walk

Somerset, England · star 4.0 (1) · 9.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 6 min

7

Easy

Ham Woods - Croscombe and Knowle Hill from Shepton Mallet

Somerset, England · star N/A (0) · 11.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 48 min

8

Easy

Withypool to Exe Head via Two Moors Way

Somerset, England · star 4.5 (2) · 28.9 km · Est. 2 days

9

Easy

Bedlam and Great Elm from Mells

Somerset, England · star 4.0 (1) · 7.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 38 min

10

Easy

West Compton and North Wootton from Pilton

Somerset, England · star N/A (0) · 12.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 46 min

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Reviews for canyon hikes in Somerset

Rebbeca Hammes avatar

Holford - The Great Road - Beacon Hill and Smith's Combe

ScoutSeeker99 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Claire Taylor avatar

West Deane Way

Claire Taylor · reviewed almost 5 years ago

star star star star star

It'll not blow your box apart and there's a lot of road walking, but there are some absolutely stunning sections with beautiful views. It's very rural with only a couple of places to buy food, but it was also amazingly quiet and we hardly saw any other humans despite it being a bank holiday weekend.

Lex Harris avatar

Quantock Hills Trail from Dead Woman's Ditch

Al3xHarr1s · reviewed 7 months ago

star star star star star

Nice walk with varied scenery. Some good hills. Went on a small road a bit but otherwise very pleasant.

Tim Martyn avatar

South West Coast Path

Tim Martyn · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Love this trail and So far completed 7 times! Recommend to anyone. It’s spectacular. Completed in 34 days camping along the way.

Ludivina Kihn avatar

Blue Anchor to Widecombe in Moor via the Two Moors Way

TrailfoxTracer36 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Somerset

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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