Somerset's Long-Distance Walks

The county of Somerset is criss-crossed by many long-distance trails. These range from the relatively short Quantock Greenway to the longest National Trail, the South West Coast Path. All the trails are designed so that walkers and their dogs can enjoy the beauty of the varied landscape, from the flatlands and wildlife of the Levels and Moors to the dramatic rugged coastline of Exmoor. Some of them also have an historical value, such as the Celtic Way which links the ancient sites of Western Britain and the Monarchs Way - a route followed by Charles II after his defeat at Worcester. Whichever trail you choose, all can be enjoyed to the full over days and weeks using local accommodation, or broken into smaller sections for an interesting day out.

1) Mendip Way

This beautiful trail is 50 miles in length and stretches from Weston super Mare to Frome. The Western part of the trail begins at Uphill on the Bristol Channel and has magnificent views of the Somerset Levels. It eventually traverses the Central Mendip Plateau and leads down to the magnificent Cheddar Gorge, the picturesque city of Wells and pretty secluded valleys before reaching Frome.

2) Liberty Trail

One of the shorter trails in the county, extending for 28 miles from Ham Hill in South Somerset to Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast. It specifically follows the route that many of the men walked (to Lyme Regis) in 1685 to join the Monmouth rebellion. On Ham Hill, the Liberty Trail links to some of the other long-distance trails, including the Monarchs Way.

3) Monarchs Way

An historical 610 mile trail which runs from Worcester to Shoreham in East Sussex. It closely follows the route taken by Charles II after his loss at The Battle of Worcester in 1651. The trail enters Somerset near Chewton Mendip, crosses the Mendip Hills to Yeovil and then leaves the county as it enters Dorset. It re-joins again at Crewkerne in South Somerset, before running East to Shoreham.

4) Macmillan Way

The Lincolnshire coastal town of Boston is the start of this trail which stretches for 290 miles towards the Dorset coast at Abbotsbury. It enters Somerset in the north-east of the county and crosses the Frome Valley and the woodlands of the Stourhead Estate before reaching Bruton and Castle Cary. Here, one can take the main route to Abbotsbury, or join the Macmillan Way West to Barnstaple.

5) Leland Trail

A trail which is named after John Leland who was keeper of the Royal Libraries for King Henry VIII. This 28 mile trail follows Leland's route (between 1535 and 1543) as he crossed South Somerset looking for England's antiquities - this search was commissioned by the king.

6) River Parrett Trail

A 50 mile trail that can be enjoyed as one route, or split into a series of shorter walks. This pleasant, comfortable walk uncovers the wetland landscape of the Somerset Levels and Moors, including its wildlife, villages and famous orchards.

7) Channel to Channel Walk

The Ramblers Association devised this 50 mile walk from Lyme Bay in Dorset to Bridgwater Bay in Somerset. The route begins in Seaton in Devon and follows quiet lanes and tracks - many besides the River Yarty. It also passes through the County town of Taunton before ending at the old port of Watchet.

8) West Deane Way

This 45 mile walk is a great way to explore the countryside of the Vale of Taunton Deane. It follows the River Tone and skirts the Brendon Hills and the Quantock Hills. The walk is specifically designed to take in the villages of this unspoilt Somerset area - these are home to cosy pubs and Inns that provide food and overnight accommodation.

9) Celtic Way

If you're feeling really fit, this is a wonderful 722 mile walk which passes through the ancient sites of Western Britain. This linear route is based on marks left on the landscape by early travellers and settlers, such as barrows, stones and circles. In Somerset, the walk starts near Alfred's Tower and runs to Glastonbury. Here, one can go over the Levels to the Quantocks and Exmoor, or turn south into the old kingdom of Wessex.

10) Quantock Greenway

A lovely route which traverses the villages, farmland, hills and moors of the Quantocks. The walk can be done in a day, or spread over several days using local accommodation.

11) South West Coast Path

The longest national trail and it is based on a footpath established by coastguards who patrolled the South West Peninsula on foot, whilst looking for smugglers. For their convenience, several coastguard cottages were built along the route and some are still standing. The walk starts at Minehead before climbing North Hill, past Selworthy Beacon on Exmoor to Porlock. It then continues along the coast of West Somerset to the Devon border.

12) Macmillan Way West

A spur route from the Macmillan Way that starts at Castle Cary and continues across the Somerset Levels and Moors to the Quantock Hills and Dunster. It then traverses the wildest parts of Exmoor to Barnstaple in Devon.

13) Two Moors Way

This walk runs from Ivybridge in South Devon to Lynmouth in North Devon - a route of 102 miles that links Dartmoor and Exmoor. It explores many beautiful areas, including the Barle Valley, open moorland and finishes with a spectacular descent into Lynmouth.

14 ) Tarka Trail

A 180 mile route based around Barnstaple in North Devon. The story 'Tarka The Otter' by Henry Williamson was written around actual locations in the area - hence the name of the trail. The walk touches the fringes of Exmoor and includes it's remote, heathery plateau.