Quantock Hills, Somerset

The Quantock Hills are a real hidden gem. Running from the Vale of Taunton Deane in the south to the Bristol Channel in the north, these small but perfectly formed hills offer truly sublime views, yet they’re a world away from nearby Exmoor in terms of visitors. On a clear day you can see the Mendips to the east, the Gower Peninsula to the north, Exmoor to the west and Blackdown Hills
to the south.

1.

Park in Holford and, with your back to the lane, follow the path that leads uphill and left from the back of the car park (ignoring the track that runs level past houses into Hodder’s Coombe, as this is the return route).

Turn sharp right around the top of a garden, then keep on this path as it leads you up on to the Quantock Hills. Go through a gate and on to access land. Carry straight on the main path, ignoring any paths left or right. As you gain height, look back for view over the Severn Estuary. When you come to a crossroads, carry straight on along a path that curves left below Lower Hare Knap.

Bear right on the main path. Detour right to the summit of Higher Hare Knap for great views. Back on the path, bear left when the path splits at a Y, then head right, uphill on a rocky path. Carry straight over at a crossing with a main path, and turn right after 200m to the summit Black Hill and amazing views towards Exmoor. Carry on right and follow the path, via a gate, to the top of Hurley Beacon.

2.

Return to the main path, then turn left and follow the main track along the spine of the hills. The hilltops around you are covered in gorse, heather and bracken and, in late summer, will be ablaze with colour. The diverse range of habitats on these hills provide ideal conditions for a myriad of species: newts, frogs and toads find homes in the dampers areas, while grass snakes and common lizards live in the undergrowth and nightjars and ravens patrol the skies.

After 300m you’ll come to Halsway Post, carry straight on (the right path), keep on the main path as a series of deep, stream-cut wooded coombes spread up the valley to your right. At the next junction take the right path and keep on to Bicknoller Post. From here you can enjoy superb views to the Exmoor coast.

3.

Turn sharp right and
take a path down Sheppard’s Coombe. It’s not immediately obvious, but you’ll soon pick up the path of a stream. You then follow the course of the stream as it winds its way along Lady’s Edge into the richly wooded Hodder’s Coombe. This is real highlight of the walk, as the path follows the meandering stream through twisty, lichen-covered oak trees.

Cross the river and continue on the other side, bearing left. Pick up a track on your left, then cross the water a second time and pick up a path that runs to the right of the stream. Keep to the lower path and continue beside the stream, through a gate and back to the car park.

Terrain

Well-defined rocky paths, with some steep climbs up on to the hills. The hills are crisscrossed with paths so you can easily extend or shorten your route.

How to get there
by car: Holford is 14 miles from Bridgwater on the A39.

by public transporT: Trains run to Bridgwater, then take a bus to Holford.

Refreshments

Chantry Tea Gardens

Sea Lane, Kilve TA5 1EG
01278 741457

The Plough Inn, Holford
TA5 1RY
01278 741232

Map
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 140.
Grid ref: ST 155 415

More info

Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
http://www.quantockhills.com

Bridgwater Tourist Information Centre, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater TA6 3AR 01278 436438

Visit Somerset

http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk