Brent Knoll
This nice circular walk climbs to a prominent hill on the Somerset Levels. The route runs for just over 3 miles, providing fine views to the coast. There's also a visit to the two villages at the foot of the hill which both have interesting old churches to see.
The walk starts at the village of Brent Knoll which lies a short distance to the west of Brent Knoll hill. From here you can pick up footpaths heading north east to the 137 m (449 ft) summit of the hill. Here you will find the noteworthy Brent Knoll Camp an Iron Age hill fort, with multiple ramparts (multivallate) following the contours of the hill, broken only by the main entrance on the eastern side. It has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is now in the care of the National Trust. There are great views over Burnham on Sea and Brean to enjoy from here too.
After exploring the hill top the route descends north to the village of East Brent. Here you can visit the interesting 15th century church which is Grade I listed. It's also a good place to stop for refreshments at what is roughly the half way point on the walk. The Brent Knoll Inn has a good menu and a lovely beer garden to relax in. You can find it just to the east of the village at postcode TA9 4JG.
After exploring East Brent the route then picks up footpaths on the northern side of the hill. These bend round to the west to return you to the finish point back in the village.
To continue your hill climbing in the Somerset Levels head north east to Compton Bishop and try the climb to Crook Peak.
The hill is also located very close to Burnham-on-Sea. Here you can enjoy some lovely coastal walks at Brean Down and the Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve.
Brent Knoll Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Brent Knoll Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Brent Knoll OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Brent Knoll Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Burnham on Sea Walk starts from the nearby town and takes you north along the lovely wide beach and up onto Brean Down. It's a fine stretch of coast which passes the distinctive 19th century Burnham Lighthouse and the noteworthy 13th century church at Brean village.
Just to the east is the worthy settlement of Axbridge. The historic town includes a medieval town square, several half timbered buildings, an early 1600s pub and the Tudor King John's Hunting Lodge which houses a fine local museum. From here you can enjoy walks to Cheddar Reservoir and the specatcular Cheddar Gorge.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Somerset Walks and the Mendip Hills Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Brent Knoll vicarage
Brent Knoll
East Brent: Brent Knoll from the north. An Iron Age hillfort was built at the top of the hill, the interior - an area of 1.6 hectares - now lost to archaeological investigation, quarried for its Lias sandstone. Before the monks of Glastonbury Abbey drained the Somerset levels in medieval times, the hill must have been virtually isolated, an island surrounded by marsh. It now belongs to the National Trust
Brent Knoll hill fort. Taken at the top of Brent Knoll looking toward Burnham on sea and Brean.
Jubilee bonfire memorial on Brent Knolll. As well as being an ancient hill fort, Brent Knoll is one of the highest points in this flat countryside (c. 136 m), a very suitable place for a bonfire to celebrate the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of Queen Victoria.
View over the beautiful countryside from the summit of Brent Knoll.
View over East Brent, Somerset, to Crook Peak. The steeple on the right is of the parish church of St Mary the Bléssed Virgin.
