West Monkton walks

A pleasant route of reasonable distance, taking in a beautiful stretch of Taunton’s crowning glory the River Tone, and a quiet tract of the Bridgwater and Taunton canal. Wildlife abounds.

A gentle meander alongside Blackbrook and around pleasant Hamilton Gault Park. The stream is a traffic-free route for wildlife in and out of the town, including otters and water voles. Come out on a summer evening and watch bats flying above your head catching insects.

Take in a lively stretch of the River Tone, a new wildlife mural, and the Mill Stream running through Goodland Gardens. Visit by day you’ll see Little Egrets hunting for fish, and at dusk, you might be joined by bats who are out hunting for their supper.

Circular, family-fun story trail 1.5km riverside walk.

A short easy stroll to the highest point of the Quantock Hills. Do choose a day with good visibility as the views in all directions are extensive.

A circular walk around Hawkridge Reservoir with opportunities for some bird watching. Then through mixed woodland and across high pasture with views across to the Mendips and Glastonbury Tor. The mile extension takes in a renovated limekiln and a viewpoint on Hawkridge Common.

This walk in the Quantock Hills takes you to Wills Neck the highest point in this Area of Outsanding Natural Beauty. There is a sharp climb to start before you start to enjoy the extensive views.

A circular walk through woodland and farmland with occasional lane walking, taking in part of the Quantock Greenway. There are fine views across The Somerset Levels and the Bristol Channel to the Mendips and Glastonbury Tor.

This is a very easy, West Somerset walk around Nynehead. If you're a fan of Industrial Heritage, this is a walk-through history lesson is tucked into the landscape surrounding the village; add in great views and a fairly level route and you have a near-perfect short ramble with lots of interest on the way.

Mosaic of relic heathy grassland and ancient and secondary woodland on the steep north-facing slope of Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

A circular walk through mixed woodland with some steep ascents.

A circular walk through pastureland and country lanes to the tranquil village of Fiddington.

A circular walk through pastureland, woodland and country lanes. Suitable for most weather conditions and seasons but stout footwear is essential. There are some stiles and two steep ascents.

A circular day walk to The Plough Inn at Holford over the Quantocks, taking in part of the Coleridge Way, Walford’s Gibbet and Holford Combe with fine views of the Somerset Coast. There are some lengthy climbs and descents. Can get muddy in places.

Starting from the centre of the village, this route makes a complete circuit of Nether Stowey with views over the village and the surrounding countryside and coast across to South Wales.

A circular walk through the newly created Steart Marshes along well made pathways, with an optional extension to the breach in the former sea defences on the River Parrett.

Species-rich limestone and marshy meadows beside River Yarty.

An easy, family-friendly circular walk out to Culmstock Beacon, returning via Culm Davy woods. Includes woodland and heathland walking, with stunning views from the Beacon - if the weather plays nicely!

Along this coast, the dramatic cliffs are layered with blue, yellow and brown lias from the Lower Jurassic period embedded with fossils, particularly ammonites. The beach at Kilve is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Behind the coast, the Quantock Hills rise up at Quantoxhead. Across the Bristol Channel, there are fine views of South Wales, whilst further west along the coast behind Minehead is North Hill and Exmoor National Park.