Brendon Hills

5 miles (7.5 km)

Explore the Brendon Hills range on this challenging walk in the Exmoor National Park. The hills are a less well known area of the county so provide an opportunity for a quieter walk in idyllic surroundings. The attractive landscape consists of streams, rivers, rolling hills and wooded valleys.
The walk starts from the village of Wheddon Cross near Cuttcombe. You then pick up the Coleridge Way and climb to Lype Hill, the highest point in the range at 1,388 feet (423�m). From here you can enjoy lovely views over the attractive Somerset and Exmoor countryside. The route then passes Lype Common and Colly Hill before descending to the village of Luxborough where you can enjoy refreshments.
To continue your walking in the area you can climb the nearby Dunkery Beacon or pick up the Samaritans Way South West. There are also good woodland walking trails if you head north to Croydon Hill Iron Age hill fort�from Churchtown.
If you continue east along the Coleridge Way you will come to Combe Sydenham Country Park.
Here you will find 500 acres of woodland, parkland and gardens surrounding a Grade I listed 15th century manor house.

Brendon Hills Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Brendon Hills Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Brendon Hills OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Brendon Hills Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In Wheddon Cross you can enjoy refreshments at the splendidly named Rest and Be Thankful Inn. The 19th century coaching inn has an interesting history having originally been a staging post for travellers on their way between Dunster and Dulverton about 200 years ago. The bar area has a traditional country pub atmosphere, with log fires in winter and a good menu. There is a skittle alley and a pool table here too. You can find the inn at a postcode of TA24 7DR for your sat navs. The pub is nicely positioned in the Snowdrop Valley with tours and walks to the valley accessible from the bus leaving right from the door.�They also provide good quality accommodation if you need to stay over.
Near Clatworthy reservoir there's the pretty little village of Langley Marsh. Here you'll find the noteworthy Three Horseshoes. The historic country pub dates all the way back to the 17th century. It sits in a lovely spot at the foot of the Brendon Hills and has an attractive interior with cosy fires. There's also a good pub garden and a very good menu. The inn can be found at a postcode of TA4 2UL for your sat navs.�

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head south from Lype Hill and you can enjoy another climb to Haddon Hill. There's excellent views over Wimbleball Lake from the heather topped hill.
A few miles north east there's the worthy town of Watchet to visit. The attractive town has an interesting maritime history with museums and a 16th century inn. There's also a picturesque harbour and a fossil rich beach to explore as well.
On the south eastern side of the hills you will find the lovely Clatworthy Reservoir near the market town of Wiveliscombe.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Somerset Walks and the Exmoor Walks pages.