Dunkery Beacon stands 1705 feet above sea level and is the highest point in Somerset. The views from Dunkery Hill are fantastic, and the good news is the well-marked paths are not too steep. You don’t need to be super fit to make it to the top!
DUNKERY BEACON – CAR PARK
If you are heading to Dunkery Beacon from the direction of Dunster, follow the signs and you should end up in a small car park just to the side of the road. (Suggested parking donation £1.) From here, there are two well-marked paths which both start just over the road from the car park.
DUNKERY BEACON WALK
There are several circular and triangular walks which take in Dunkery Beacon. For those more interested in a quick(ish) ‘up and down’, take the wide left hand path which is clearly visible once you have crossed the road from the car park. Initially, this skirts to the side of Dunkery Hill. Before long you will have the opportunity to take a path to the right. (If you don’t, you’ll end up heading for the woods.)
Once on this path, the views just get better and better. After around 35-45 minutes, you should reach (or be very near) the top.
DUNKERY HILL STONES
The large stone ‘monument’ at the summit was erected in September 1935 to celebrate the handing over of Dunkery Hill to the National Trust. From here you can see across the Bristol Channel. The surrounding gorse and heather can also look spectacular. The stones provide good shelter from the wind which can howl around at the top. It’s well worth bringing a picnic as there is plenty of room at the summit.
RETURNING TO THE CAR PARK
If you fancy a different route down, there is a path just a little to the left of the one detailed above for the ascent. Unless it’s very foggy, there is little danger of getting lost as the car park is clearly visible as you make your way down this well-marked path.
For those who enjoy a long walk, it’s worth undertaking the Webbers Post Walk which is around 4.5 miles long.
Dunkery Beacon really is a beautiful spot. It’s another great place in Somerset to visit.