There’s something very magical about the Somerset Levels. When you stay here for your group holidays in the West Country, it soon gets a hold on you. The unique wetland landscape is dotted with peaceful villages, the wide-open fields, the rivers and tranquil nature reserves are a dream. These long summer evenings are perfect for a stroll; this is where time slows down, inviting you to embrace the laid-back pace of life. These are memories in the making.
Picture a dreamy summer day at your luxury large group holiday house on the Somerset Levels, time spent with the people you love most in the whole wide world. Round it off with an evening walk, going at your own pace, along the rhynes (pronounced reens) and rivers, following footpaths through lush meadows, climbing the hills for breathtaking views across the countryside, and spectacular sunsets. There aren’t many of those – hills, that is; the walking is mostly flat. The rewards are vast open skies, beautiful scenery and wildlife. All the while the charm, the sense of timelessness weaves its way around you. Here’s where you can breathe deep.
We’ve hand picked 5 of our favourite walks on the Somerset Levels, walks to be enjoyed on a warm summer evening, winding up at a quiet country pub for food or drinks.
Climb to the Top of Burrow Mump
Burrow Mump, in the village of Burrowbridge, is on the A361 between Glastonbury and Taunton; at 79ft it’s a short one – more of a mound than a hill. It won’t take you long to puff your way to the top where the ruins of St Michael’s Church stand as a memorial for over 11 thousand Somerset men and women who lost their lives during World War II. The views across the patchwork fields are incredible, the low evening sun casts a delicious golden glow over the old stone tower.
If you’re staying at Stathe (see Withymans and Whimbrels Barton) or Curload (See Riverside and Willowhayes), there’s a 4.5 mile circular walk along the River Parrett, otherwise there’s a National Trust car park at the foot of the hill.
Round off your evening with local pub food, or a pint of Somerset cider at The King Alfred Inn just along the road.
Enjoy the Views from Glastonbury Tor
From the middle of town, it’s a 2.5 mile round walk to the top of Glastonbury Tor and back. The climb to the summit will take 15-30 minutes and is so worth it for the panoramic views, rolling on for miles and miles across Somerset and further. Have a rest by the 15th century St Michael’s Tower, watch the sunset paint the sky.
Amble back down to town for eats at the historic George & Pilgrims Inn on the High Street, or go to Knights Fish Restaurant for award-winning fish and chips.
Stroll From Langport to Muchelney
This is an easy 3.5 mile walk from Langport, along a disused railway, following the River Parrett Trail on the way back. The river flows lazily along, cows contentedly graze and won’t take much notice of you. Take a detour into the village of Muchelney to pop your head in the church where the wagon roof ceiling is painted with colourful angels.
Factor in a short detour to The Halfway House at Pitney, gorgeously rustic, serving home made food, real ales and local ciders.
Spot Nature at Westhay Moor Nature Reserve
Dusk is the best time to visit Westhay Moor – one of the wetland nature reserves within the Avalon Marshes. Follow the 3km Otter Trail or the 1.5km Coot Trail to the bird hides where there are excellent views of the reed beds and wet woodlands. It’s so enchanting here as the wildlife transitions from day to night – bats come out, roe deer can be spotted, owls start to hoot, and you might even hear the booming of a bittern. Note, that only assistance dogs are allowed here.
Good for eats afterwards is The Bird, just a quick drive along the road.
See the Sunset From Brent Knoll
Back before the wetlands were drained, this 449ft remote hill between Weston-Super-Mare and Bridgwater was known as the ‘Mount of Frogs’! It rises prominently from low lying marshlands, and at the top there’s an Iron Age Fort – which means incredible views, this time of the Levels, the Mendips and the Bristol Channel. The walk from the village to the summit is short and steep – 1.5 miles there and back – and well worth it for those glorious views. The cool fresh air, the sun slowly sinking at the end of another hot summers day; keep it simple, keep it real.
At the foot of the hill is the Fox & Goose Inn where they serve good home cooked food.
Make sure you’ve got stout shoes on as the terrain can be uneven and a little muddy in places, even in the summer. Perhaps wear a hat and have your insect repellent handy too – these are wetlands and there will be midges and flies about.
Still, you should make the most of the beautiful summer evenings, wrapping up a day outdoors as the sun slips below the horizon and night tiptoes softly in. Go stretch your legs, fill your lungs with wholesome fresh air, natter as you walk, look out for wildlife, stop and take photos. This is the kind of thing that will stay with you.