Heather-covered hills of Exmoor National Park at sunset, overlooking the Somerset coastline in South West England.

Somerset – Moorland, Mendip Hills, and Coastal Levels

Limestone ridges, upland moor, and low-lying wetlands between the Bristol Channel and the Somerset Levels

Somerset is a county of upland moorland, limestone hills, river valleys, and coastal plain in South West England. Walking routes cross Exmoor National Park and the Mendip Hills National Landscape and follow the South West Coast Path, West Mendip Way, River Parrett Trail, and Samaritans Way South West, linking places such as Minehead, Porlock, Wells, Glastonbury, and Bridgwater along ridge tracks, woodland paths, and estuary routes.

Much of the terrain is firm but varied underfoot. Moorland paths, bridleways, field tracks, and canal and river towpaths allow steady progress, with regular climbs on Exmoor and the Mendips and flatter ground across the Somerset Levels and coastal marsh.

The landscape shifts between areas. Exmoor forms higher open moor with heath and deep combes, the Mendip Hills provide limestone ridges and dry valleys, and the central Levels become low, flat pasture and wetland crossed by drainage channels and raised paths.

Towns and villages are spaced along ridges and valley edges, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes across connected countryside.

Trails and Routes Through Somerset

South West Coast Path

A National Trail following the Bristol Channel coastline between Minehead and Brean Down on cliff-top paths, beaches, and headlands.

West Mendip Way

A long-distance route crossing the Mendip Hills between Uphill and Frome on limestone ridges and farmland tracks.

River Parrett Trail

A riverside route following the River Parrett between the Somerset Levels and the Bristol Channel on levees and field paths.

Samaritans Way South West

A multi-day route linking Bristol and Wells with Minehead across hills, valleys, and rural countryside.

Strawberry Line

A traffic-free former railway path between Yatton and Cheddar used for walking and cycling.

Walking Character

• Moorland and heath on Exmoor
• Limestone ridges and dry valleys
• Flat wetlands and drainage channels
• Cliff-top coastal paths
• Field tracks and bridleways
• Villages and small market towns
• Upland and lowland mixed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Somerset located?

Somerset is in South West England between Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire, bordered by the Bristol Channel to the north.

What defines walking here?

A mix of upland moor, limestone hills, flat wetland, and coastal paths with both steady climbs and level sections.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The South West Coast Path National Trail, West Mendip Way, and several riverside and regional routes cross the county.

Is the terrain steep?

Exmoor and the Mendip Hills include regular climbs, while the Somerset Levels and estuary sections are largely flat.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers firmer ground and longer daylight, while winter conditions can be muddy or waterlogged on the Levels.