Somerset, in South West England, is a county of contrasts — from the dramatic gorges of Cheddar to the wide-open Somerset Levels, from the Quantock and Mendip Hills to the wild edges of Exmoor National Park. It’s a county where walking holidays and outdoor adventures are steeped in history, folklore, and timeless countryside.
Walkers can follow long-distance trails like the Coleridge Way, climb Glastonbury Tor, or stride out on the South West Coast Path at Minehead, its official starting point. With rolling hills, open moors, and atmospheric lowlands, Somerset offers variety at every turn.
South West Coast Path (Start Point: Minehead)
The country’s longest National Trail begins in Minehead, Somerset, before tracing the entire South West peninsula.
Coleridge Way
A 51-mile trail inspired by poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, running from Nether Stowey through the Quantocks and Brendon Hills to Lynmouth on the Devon border.
Mendip Way
A 50-mile trail across the Mendip Hills National Landscape, from Weston-super-Mare to Frome. Expect limestone gorges, caves, and sweeping views.
River Parrett Trail
A 50-mile walk from the source of the River Parrett in Dorset to its mouth at Bridgwater Bay, crossing the Somerset Levels.
Somerset’s walking destinations combine heritage and landscape. Glastonbury, with its Tor and abbey ruins, is both a pilgrimage site and a perfect base for exploring the Levels. Meanwhile, Minehead serves as the gateway to the South West Coast Path and Exmoor.
