Welcome to Minehead, a beautiful seaside town in Somerset, England.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous hike or a leisurely stroll, the area around Minehead has plenty of options.
In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite walks in the area – from the stunning South West Coast Path to the peaceful Horner Waterfalls.
Whether you’re looking for a quick morning stroll or an all-day hike, you’ll find something to suit you here.
So grab your hiking boots and let’s get started!
South West Coast Path: Dunster to Porlock
The South West Coast Path from Dunster to Porlock is an idyllic walk, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life! It’s an 8-mile hike that follows the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the sea and beautiful rolling hills.
Along the route, you’ll come across many interesting sights, including the ruins of Dunster Castle and the historic Porlock Weir.
The path is a great choice for families, with plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery. You can even extend your walk and take in the sights of the nearby Exmoor National Park.
The South West Coast Path is a great way to explore the area and get some much-needed fresh air. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful stroll, this walk is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Selworthy Beacon
Perched atop the hillside, Selworthy Beacon offers a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. The broad, grassy summit is a popular spot for hikers and casual strollers alike, with its impressive views stretching as far as the sea. It’s a short, easy walk to get to the top of the hill, but the rewarding views are well worth the effort.
Along the way, visitors to Selworthy Beacon will encounter plenty of interesting wildlife, as well as several species of wildflowers. The lush green valley below is full of sheep and cattle, while the sky is often filled with the sounds of birds.
Once at the top, visitors can take in a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the rolling hills, lush valleys, and glimmering sea. On a clear day, the view stretches far beyond the horizon, all the way to Wales and Exmoor National Park. The beacons of Porlock, Lynton, and Dunkery can all be seen in the distance.
Selworthy Beacon is a great spot for a peaceful walk and an unforgettable view.
Dunkery Hill
Rising up from the sweeping Somerset hills, Dunkery Hill stands tall and proud. It offers stunning views of the Exmoor National Park and beyond. It is the highest point in Exmoor, at a height of 519m (1,703ft). It offers a moderate to difficult climb for those seeking a challenge. It is a perfect destination for a good hike, with a variety of trails to choose from.
The most popular route to the summit is to take the path from the car park at Horner Woods. The climb is steep in some parts, but it doesn’t take long to reach the top. Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the rolling hills of Exmoor and out to the Bristol Channel. The best time to visit is on a clear day, when you can make out the Welsh coast in the distance, and the sunsets are truly breathtaking.
Horner Woods
Take in the lush greenery of Horner Woods as you make your way up to the summit of Dunkery Hill.
Horner Woods is a beautiful ancient woodland located in Exmoor National Park, Somerset. Its tranquil atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The area is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, including rare birds, insects, and trees.
There’s a network of trails which are easy to follow and lead to the summit of Dunkery Hill. The views from the top are simply stunning, and you can see for miles. It’s also a great spot for a picnic, and you can take in the sights and sounds of nature all around.
Horner Woods is a great spot to take a peaceful walk and immerse yourself in nature.
Coastal Path: Blue Anchor to Porlock Weir
Stretching from the village of Blue Anchor to the picturesque Porlock Weir, the Coastal Path is a stunning route that offers breathtaking views of the Somerset Coastline.
With an array of wildlife, including the rare and endangered water vole, the path is a great way to explore the area and take in some of the region’s natural beauty.
The walk takes around two and a half hours and is an easy to moderate route, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the stunning views along the way.
Starting from Blue Anchor, the path takes you along the coast before joining up with the Coleridge Way near Porlock Weir.
Here, you can take a break and enjoy a spot of lunch before continuing your walk along the coast.
The path takes you through a variety of landscapes including fields, woods, and coastal areas, with plenty of great photo opportunities along the way.
With its stunning views and varied landscapes, the Coastal Path from Blue Anchor to Porlock Weir is a great way to explore the area and take in some of the region’s natural beauty.
Valley of Rocks
Experience the Valley of Rocks and its rugged beauty up close as you explore its jagged cliffs and wind-swept landscape.
With its impressive rock formations, the Valley of Rocks is one of the most unique and memorable walks on the Exmoor Coast.
The steep cliffs are covered with grass and wildflowers and offer spectacular views of the Bristol Channel.
The Valley of Rocks is home to many species of wildlife, including the iconic goats that inhabit the area.
As you explore the area, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.
The area has a variety of options for walkers of all abilities, from easy to challenging.
Regardless of your experience level, a visit to the Valley of Rocks will leave you with a lasting memory of the stunning beauty of the Exmoor Coast.
Exmoor National Park: Dunkery Beacon
Leaving the Valley of Rocks behind, I headed to Exmoor National Park to conquer Dunkery Beacon. This is one of the most stunning and challenging hikes in the Minehead area. It’s a great way to get in touch with nature and truly explore the beauty of this part of England.
The hike to the top of Dunkery Beacon is a 4.5 mile trek with an impressive 552m ascent. The views, however, make the work worth it. During the first half, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, wild ponies, and heather. The second half of the hike will reward you with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Make sure to bring your camera to capture the amazing views from the top of the beacon.
Minehead to Porlock Weir
Continuing my exploration of Minehead, I set off for the quaint coastal village of Porlock Weir.
This 4-mile walk along the South West Coast Path takes you along the picturesque Somerset coastline.
The route starts off with a steep, winding climb up to the top of Minehead where you can see across the Bristol Channel to Wales.
Once you reach the top, you can take in the stunning views of the Exmoor coast and the open moorland beyond.
Most of the walk is a gradual descent, taking you through a variety of landscapes, from heathland to woodland.
You’ll pass through quaint villages and villages with pubs and tea rooms where you can stop and take in the stunning views.
Along the way, you’ll be able to spot plenty of wildlife, including a variety of birds and wildflowers.
At the end of the walk, you’ll reach the tranquil Porlock Weir, where you can take a break and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before heading back to Minehead.
Selworthy Circular Walk
After a great walk from Minehead to Porlock Weir, I decided to explore the Selworthy Circular Walk. This 3-mile walk is located in the Exmoor National Park and is a great way to take in the stunning views of the countryside.
Starting in the village of Selworthy, this walk takes you up and around the hills, taking in the villages of Bossington and Horner. As you walk, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful views of Exmoor, the Quantock Hills, and the Bristol Channel.
The walk also passes through some of the most famous landmarks in the area, including the Tors of Selworthy and Bossington. The route also passes by the ruins of Selworthy’s Old Church, which is believed to date back to the 12th century.
There are plenty of places to stop along the way to enjoy a snack or take some photos. The route is well marked and easy to follow, so you’ll be able to really take your time and explore the area.
At the end of the walk, you’ll be rewarded with some beautiful views and a feeling of accomplishment for completing the walk.
Bossington Hill
Climbing up Bossington Hill rewards you with stunning views of the Exmoor National Park and Quantock Hills.
This is one of the most popular routes from Minehead and is great for those who want to take a shorter walk with incredible views.
The route is approximately 4 miles long and follows the coastline from Bossington Beach, up to the summit of Bossington Hill.
From the summit, you get amazing views of the surrounding countryside and the Bristol Channel.
The hike is not too strenuous and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
On the descent, you can take a detour to the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate, where you can stop for a picnic or explore the many trails.
This walk is definitely worth doing for any Minehead visitor!
East Lyn Valley
Exploring the East Lyn Valley is an incredible way to experience the beauty of the Exmoor National Park. This valley is located in the Exmoor National Park in Somerset, and is home to some of the most beautiful and picturesque scenery in the area.
The East Lyn River runs through the valley, and the surrounding landscape is a mix of open moorland and lush green fields dotted with trees. It’s a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of trails to choose from.
One of the most popular walks is the East Lyn Valley Circular, which takes you through the stunning valley and along the river, offering up views of the wild Exmoor hills and a variety of wildlife. This walk can take anywhere between two and four hours, depending on your pace, and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
If you’re looking for something a bit longer, you can try the East Lyn Valley Longer Walk, which takes you further into the valley and is a great way to experience the stunning scenery.
Oare Marshes
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Oare Marshes, a tranquil coastal reserve located in the Exmoor National Park. This unique area is composed of saltmarsh, marshland, and meadows, with an array of wildlife and plants to explore.
The reserve has a network of footpaths that loop through the area, allowing visitors to explore the marshes and take in the views of the Exe estuary and the rolling hills of Exmoor.
There’s plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of birds, including the curlew, redshank, lapwing, and cormorant. This area is also home to a number of other wildlife, including otters, deer, and badgers.
The marshes are also a great spot for picnics, with picnic benches dotted around the reserve. Take a stroll and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area, and have a picnic in the meadows.
With its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere, Oare Marshes is one of the best walks in Minehead.
Haddon Hill
Take a hike up Haddon Hill and take in the glorious views of Exmoor National Park.
Stretching across the south-western tip of England, Exmoor National Park is one of the oldest parks in England. The park was established in 1954 and is now home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Haddon Hill is one of the highest points in the park and is a great place to start a hike. You’ll be able to take in the stunning panoramic views of the rolling hills and valleys of the area.
Along the hike, you’ll pass through meadows, woodlands, and ancient sites, including Iron Age hill forts and Bronze Age burial mounds.
The hike is moderately challenging, but with the right preparation and attitude, you’re sure to have an enjoyable experience.
With its amazing views and fascinating historical sites, Haddon Hill is a great place to take a walk to explore the natural wonders of Exmoor National Park.
Caratoke Point
Head to Caratoke Point for an unforgettable journey through Exmoor National Park’s stunning landscapes. Starting from the quaint village of Porlock and going for about 3 miles, this picturesque walk is one of the most beautiful hikes in Minehead.
The path follows the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel. Along the way, you’ll also get to see the rocky cliffs and coves, as well as the little hamlet of Culbone.
At the end of the walk, you can take in the stunning views from the summit of Caratoke Point, which boasts a height of over 1000 feet. It’s a great spot to admire the amazing panoramic views of Exmoor National Park while having a picnic.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, as this is one of those hikes that’ll be remembered for a lifetime.
Horner Waterfalls
Leaving Caratoke Point behind, I set out on an adventure to explore the Horner Waterfalls. Located on the slopes of Exmoor National Park, the waterfalls are just a short drive away from Minehead.
The area is filled with lush greenery and the sound of the cascading waterfalls is mesmerizing.
The trails that lead to the waterfalls are well-marked and suitable for all skill levels. As I followed the trails, I could see the beautiful Exmoor landscape as I hiked along. The trails are quite easy with moderate ascents and descents, so even a beginner hiker can find the hike manageable.
As I reached the falls, I was rewarded with a breathtaking view of the cascades. The falls are a stunning sight, with water cascading down a rocky outcrop and into a tranquil pool below. It was an amazing experience, and I highly recommend that anyone visiting Minehead take the time to explore the Horner Waterfalls.
Conclusion
My exploration of Minehead’s best walks has come to an end.
There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful area, and I’m so glad I was able to experience it all.
From Dunster to Porlock, Selworthy Beacon to Horner Waterfalls, each walk is unique and offers something special.
I’m exhausted from all the hiking and can’t wait to come back and explore more of Minehead’s gorgeous countryside.
Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, Minehead has something to offer everyone.
I’m already planning my next visit!