Somerset is a great county for walkers with rolling moors, dramatic coastlines and historic villages on offer, however there is no better place to explore than the Somerset Levels. Inhabiting an area of 650 square kilometres, the Levels are one of the flattest and lowest areas in the country.
Nestled in-between the Mendips and the Blackdown Hills, the area has a rich biodiversity of national and international importance and is home to a huge variety of plant and bird species. With 32 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, including 12 Special Protection Areas, it makes a fascinating area to walk.
Ham Hill Country Park
Start: Rangers Centre TA14 6RW
(2.9 m from Southfork Caravan Park)
Centred around an Iron Age hillfort, Ham Hill is a spectacular wildlife haven with scenic views and accessible walks, it offers a great day out for the whole family (including dogs!) whether you are walking, running or even wildlife watching.
Awarded a Green Flag and classed as a Green Heritage Site, Ham Hill is steeped in history so if you are trying to get the kids out and about why not download and follow the Ham Hill's ‘Pits of Peril and Rampaging Romans’ trail through the Secret Stories app. There are also quizzes and activities along the way to keep everyone entertained. Find out more on the Visit Somerset website.
Ham Hill to Langport - The River Parrett Trail, Section 4.
Start: Ham Hill Memorial, TA14 6RQ
(3.1 m from Southfork Caravan Park)
The River Parrett Trail is a 50 mile scenic walk that can be completed within 3-4 days for the most seasoned of walkers, however we wouldn’t blame you if you don’t fancy the full 5o miles. The good news is that if you want something slightly less strenuous, the River Parrett Trail can be walked in sections, with section 4 - Ham Hill to Langport (10.75 miles in total) - being the nearest to Southfork Caravan Park.
More details on the entire route can be found on the Visit Somerset website or you can download a PDF of section 4 here.
Crewkerne Town Trail
Trail start: Market Square
(7.5 m from Southfork Caravan Park)
If you are looking to immerse yourself in local Somerset culture then Crewkerne is a great town to start with. Dating back to before the Norman Conquest, it offers a rich history and some fascinating old buildings. Whether you are looking to have a leisurely stroll through the town using the Town Trail (downloads word document) or perhaps are interested in following the Antiques Trail, Crewkerne Local Information Centre has something for everyone.
Langport Town
Start: Langport Information Centre, 13 Bow St, Langport TA10 9PR
(8.6 m from Southfork Caravan Park)
Langport, is one of the smallest towns in the UK, however that doesn’t mean it has less to offer - far from it! The birthplace of Stuckey's Bank, Langport once had a bank note circulation second only to the Bank of England.
Surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, this ancient market town is famed for the distinctive houses on Bow Street and the 'hanging chapel' in the old town wall. There is a wide selection of shops and cafes and you can even have a horse-drawn tour with Steel Suffolks in the summer (not technically walking, we know!). More information and downloadable leaflets can be found on the Visit Somerset website.
Avalon Marshes
Start: Avalon Marshes Centre, BA6 9TT
(18.2 m from Southfork Caravan Park)
Situated near the base of Glastonbury Tor and at the heart of the Somerset Levels, the Avalon Marshes are home to many wild and secret places. Made up of four National Nature Reserves and several other reserves, almost all of the area is protected so it is a fantastic place to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
You could spend a week exploring the Avalon Marshes and still not see what the area has to offer, there really is something for everyone. If you are planning to visit this fantastic location then the Avalon Marshes website is where you will find links to different walks including nature walks, heritage walks, moors and mumps and river walks.
Useful resources and information
There are so many amazing and scenic areas in Somerset to explore on foot - unfortunately we can’t list them all here! However, there are some great resources and websites that offer information and downloadable content to help get you out and about.
Whether you want a gentle afternoon stroll with a great pub at the end (and a pint of local cider), a brisk hike, the challenge of a summit or even somewhere to let the kids roam free, there’s no denying that Somerset is a great county for walkers.
Located at the edge of the Somerset Levels, Southfork Caravan Park is an ideal base for exploring this beautiful county, more information on staying with us can be found on our Touring & Camping page, you can also view our tariffs and book online. So what are you waiting for? Go dig out those walking boots!