Local Walks
Having lived in Sedgemoor the majority of our lives we know the area well, including the hidden gems! At Laurel Farm Glamping, we have a portfolio of local walking and cycling routes available to guests during their stay and have links with local bike hire if you don’t want to bring your own. We have put together some of our favourite local walks to share with you, including links to maps and routes where available. If you’d like any more information on any of the walks, or others, please just let us know as we’d be happy to help!
In Brent Knoll, a 30 minute walk up The Knoll is a must when visiting us - especially on a clear day or at sunset as the views are stunning and stretch for miles. Park in the village or near the Church and take various footpaths (see link for more info). Walk features steps at the top but moderate difficulty. Toilets at Village Hall on main road through the village.
Ralph’s Woods in Brent Knoll is also a beautiful wander in any season - again park in the village or at the Church then walk Hill Lane (country road) over The Knoll until you reach the woods on the left through the gate. Toilets at Village Hall on main road through the village.
For Berrow beach (quieter than Burnham beach) park opposite Co-op then take the zebra crossing and path down the side of the shop. Go through the gate onto the golf course then head straight on over the path. Follow the path until you reach the beach via a wooden footbridge. Be sure to take care of golfers by following the signs & warnings, and when you get onto the beach try and note the opening of the dunes onto the beach - it can all look much of the same if you walk left or right then return to find the path back! Walking left will take you to the low lighthouse and right takes you (eventually) to Brean. There are various other public foot paths back across the golf course/through residential roads back to Berrow if you can find them! No public toilets in Berrow; time restricted free parking opposite co-op.
Brean Down - a National Trust car park is the start point by car, then take either the steep steps or the gradual road climb to the top, and to the end out to sea for the fort. A longer and more challenging walk but rewards with fantastic views towards Burnham, Weston and across to Wales. Public toilets at main car park.
Brean Down Way - this walking and cycling route between Brean and Weston-Super-Mare can be started and finished at various points - we particularly like parking at or near Uphill Wharf, walking through the boatyard (and visiting the café when it’s open) and joining the path through the gate at the bottom of the cliffs. Climb the slope and take the grass on your left back on yourself to reach the tower which is open with stairs to the top for panoramic views. Back to the path and through the next gate, down the hill and through various gates and fields. When you reach the road, turn right following the fence, then take the first path on your left as the road bends round. The next section offers variation in landscape and takes you on to Diamond Farm, then into Brean village. When you reach the main road, then right until you reach the T Junction; turn left for shops, or turn right for Brean Down. A moderate walk with only one climb at Uphill. Toilets at boatyard car park or in Brean Down main car park.
Burnham-on-Sea promenade stretches for 1 mile and is safety and flat for a leisurely stroll at high or low tide, during the day or at sunset. Parking is either time limited in town (some unlimited) or paid in car parks and sea front (sea front is free October-March). Extend the walk by starting at the far right end with the sea in front of you, and follow the sea wall until you reach the Sailing Club, then take the river walk. Toilets next to Burnham on Sea tourist information on seafront, or Apex car park.
Burnham’s short River Walk connects the seafront at the Sailing Club to the Apex Park and Lake, along the River Brue. It is all flat and suitable for bikes. Toilets in Apex car park.
Apex Park and Lake can be accessed via Burnham sea front and river walk, or using car park on Marine Drive then taking the circular moderate 40 minute stroll round the lake with lots of wildlife and in full bloom in Summer. There are toilets in the car park and a cafe van selling hot drinks and snacks.
Huntspill River is an easy stroll with various sections to start and finish. We recommend parking here - then walk away from the main road on the track. When you reach a minor road, follow the track straight over the Road and cattle grid until you reach the end. You can wait left (on grass path) or right, which continues on a gravel road/path. This is one of our favourites, especially during sunset! There are no facilities here - suitable for pushchairs and bikes too.
Cheddar Reservoir offers an easy flat circular stroll of just over 4 miles. Use postcode BS26 2DL and look out for the long drive off Cheddar Road leading up to the reservoir and car park, signposted Reservoir.
Cheddar village offers a leisurely stroll around the shops and cafes, with the steam and waterfall running through.
Cheddar Gorge, sat within the Mendip Hills Area of National Outstanding Beauty is breathtaking, even just to drive through. The gorge offers various walks by a good starting point would be the National Trust walk. Charged parking and toilets in the village.
The Avalon Marshes towards Glastonbury boasts many marshes and nature reserves. Our favourite is Ham Wall with its big car park and walking and cycle routes both sides of the road. Shapwick Heath is also a great option for exploring ‘off road’ hides and trails, although it’s all still flat, with the Avalon Marshes Centre with gift shop and recently built cafe area just a short walk from the entrance to the Heath. Catcott Complex is also part of the Avalon Marsh walk group and is a lovely circular stroll with hides. The website links above have clear maps and directions for the different sites, and the Marshes are also the best place around to see the Starling Murmurations.
Bridgwater and Taunton Canal - a flat and easy walk or cycle along the canal and changing landscape. We park just before entrance of Boat & Anchor pub then walk away from the motorway bridge towards Maunsel Lock, or park at Maunsel Lock then walk left (back towards Boat & Anchor) or right before retracing steps back to the car. Don’t miss a pit stop at canal side Tea Rooms at Maunsel Lock. Customer toilets and parking at pub and cafe. See also activities for Somerset Boat Hire based on the canal.
Slightly further afield, a family favourite for us is Steart Marshes, with various easy paths around the Wetlands and along the river. There is a big car park and toilets, but no café.