Rising above the Somerset countryside between Taunton, Bridgwater and the coast, the Quantock Hills offer a wonderfully peaceful setting for walking. England’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – now known as a National Landscape – is characterised by wooded combes, heath-covered hilltops, quiet country lanes and beautiful viewpoints. 

There are walks in the Quantock Hills for almost every pace, whether you’re looking for a relaxed morning stroll followed by lunch at a country pub or a longer route across the open hills. 

Wildlife is another part of the experience. Red deer roam the landscape, while the open heathland and woodland provide habitats for an abundance of birds and other wildlife. 

For guests staying at BroadOak or The Blue Ball, the Quantocks are right on the doorstep, making a day spent walking one of the best ways to experience this beautiful part of Somerset. 

Wills Neck & Lydeard Hill 

For some of the finest views in the Quantock Hills, head towards Wills Neck, the highest point in the Quantocks. 

The surrounding trails cross open heathland and elevated ridges, with expansive views over the Somerset countryside and towards the Bristol Channel on clear days. Starting around Lydeard Hill gives you plenty of flexibility, allowing you to enjoy a shorter circular walk or continue further across the hills. 

It’s a particularly beautiful area in late summer when the heathland takes on rich purple tones, although the panoramic views make it worth visiting throughout the year. 

Best for: Panoramic views and classic Quantock scenery. 

Holford & Hodder’s Combe 

For something completely different, explore the wooded landscape surrounding the village of Holford. 

Hodder’s Combe leads you beneath a canopy of ancient trees, alongside streams and through one of the Quantocks’ atmospheric wooded valleys. The sheltered setting feels wonderfully removed from everyday life and provides a beautiful contrast to the open heathland found higher in the hills. 

There are several routes through the surrounding combes, so walks can easily be adapted depending on how far you want to venture. 

Best for: Woodland walks and peaceful mornings.

Cothelstone Hill 

Cothelstone Hill is a wonderful choice when you want impressive scenery without committing to a full day of walking. 

Routes around the hill lead through open countryside with beautiful views towards Exmoor, the Blackdown Hills and across Somerset. Its elevated position makes this an especially rewarding place to visit on a clear day. 

Pack a flask, find a quiet viewpoint and give yourself time to simply enjoy the landscape. 

Best for: Shorter scenic walks and sunset views.

Great Wood 

Great Wood is one of the most accessible places to enjoy the Quantocks and an excellent option for families or anyone looking for a gentler walk. 

A network of woodland trails winds beneath towering trees, with routes ranging from leisurely strolls to longer explorations into the surrounding hills. 

The woodland changes beautifully with the seasons, from fresh greenery in spring to rich autumn colour later in the year. 

Best for: Families, woodland walks and autumn escapes. 

Kilve & the Quantock Coast 

The Quantocks don’t end at the hills. Head towards the coast and you’ll discover one of Somerset’s most distinctive landscapes. 

Kilve Beach is backed by dramatic cliffs and is particularly well known for the fossils found along its shoreline. From here, coastal walking routes provide views across the Bristol Channel and towards the surrounding countryside. 

Combining a coastal walk with time exploring the hills allows you to experience two very different sides of the Quantock landscape in a single stay. 

Best for: Coastal scenery and something a little different. 

Crowcombe Park Gate 

Crowcombe Park Gate provides an excellent starting point for exploring some of the higher ground of the Quantocks. 

From here, paths stretch across open heathland and towards some of the landscape’s most impressive viewpoints. Expect wide skies, peaceful trails and the possibility of spotting the red deer that live throughout the hills. 

The exposed landscape can feel wonderfully wild compared with the wooded combes below. 

Best for: Open heathland and wildlife spotting.

Triscombe Stone & the Quantock Ridge 

For walkers wanting to spend a little longer exploring, the trails around Triscombe Stone open up onto the Quantock ridge. 

Following the higher ground gives you some of the area’s most expansive views, with routes connecting different sections of the hills and offering plenty of opportunities to extend your walk. 

Take your time, pack something to eat and make an afternoon of exploring this quieter corner of Somerset. 

Best for: Longer walks and adventurous days out. 

Nether Stowey & the Coleridge Way 

The Quantock Hills have a fascinating literary connection thanks to the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who lived in the village of Nether Stowey during the late 18th century. 

Today, the long-distance Coleridge Way begins in the village before travelling through the Quantocks and onwards towards Exmoor. 

You don’t need to tackle the entire trail. Following a shorter section provides a lovely combination of Somerset countryside, local history and traditional village scenery. 

Afterwards, return to Nether Stowey for a drink or relaxed lunch. 

Best for: History, villages and combining walking with a pub stop. 

When Is the Best Time to Walk in the Quantock Hills? 

One of the pleasures of the Quantocks is that there really isn’t a single walking season. 

Spring brings fresh greenery, woodland flowers and longer days. 

Summer is perfect for picnics, extended walks and evenings outdoors. 

Autumn transforms the woodland with beautiful colour and brings a particularly atmospheric quality to the hills. 

Winter offers crisp mornings, quieter trails and the perfect excuse to return to a warm country pub afterwards. 

Walking conditions can change quickly, particularly across exposed areas, so suitable footwear and checking the weather before setting out are always worthwhile. 

Where to Stay Near the Quantock Hills 

A countryside escape is even better when you can return somewhere special at the end of the day. 

For larger family gatherings, celebrations and group escapes, BroadOak offers an impressive private retreat surrounded by acres of Somerset countryside, with generous spaces for spending time together. 

For a stay filled with traditional character and easy access to the surrounding landscape, The Blue Ball offers another wonderful way to experience this part of Somerset. 

Both provide an ideal base for days spent exploring the Quantock Hills before returning to relaxed evenings together. 

Ready to Explore the Quantock Hills? 

Whether you’re planning an active walking weekend or simply want to add a few beautiful countryside walks to a relaxing Somerset break, the Quantock Hills offer space to slow down, explore and reconnect with the landscape. 

Make BroadOak or The Blue Ball your base and discover one of the South West’s most beautiful National Landscapes at your own pace.