Dunkery Beacon
Comment(4 votes)
Gain (+/- 10%): 757m (2486ft)
Total (+/- 10%): 1499m (4917ft)
Loss (+/- 10%): 741m (2431ft)
Max. Elevation: 510m (1673ft)
Public Transport
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Waypoints
Several bus services in Somerset and Exmoor call at Porlock. From the church in the town centre, take the road heading south. The bridleway to Hawkcombe Woods is just 200m from the church.
Follow the path into the woods. Cross the river so you walk along the south side and follow it through the woods. Keep your eyes peeled for birds in the trees and along the riverbanks in this beautiful nature reserve.
The footpath leaves the wood and heads towards Lucott Farm. Pick up the bridleway heading up Tarr Ball Hill.
The path heads out onto the moor and meets the moorland road. It's open access land so you can wander as you please! Head for the high ground, where you will pick up the path to Dunkery Beacon.
The highest point in Somerset! If you are lucky, you may spot red deer here, or even the famous Exmoor ponies. Follow the path on to Dunkery Hill.
Veer north off the hill and down the slope towards the Dunster Path and Horner Wood.
More spectacular woodland walking on the way home, through Horner Wood. Follow the Windsor Walk to the small village of Horner. Stop to admire the water mill and packhorse bridge.
Now named the Coleridge Way, the path takes you around the foot of Ley Hill and back into Porlock. Time to hunt out one of those world famous cream tea!
This was the first place I ever got lost! Thick cloud, inexperienced Duke of Edinburgh (bronze) group, and, er...holding the compass upside down and heading west instead of east! Lesson learned.
Well this is where I nearly got my first taste of hyperthermia. In May! Never underestimate how the hills here can catch the weather.
Well, this is probably the place I saw from the other side of Bristol channel when I was walking along the beautiful coast of Wales.