Dunster Forest

Situated in West Somerset in the north eastern part of the Exmoor National Park and overlooking the Bristol Channel, The Crown Estate's Dunster Forest surrounds the picturesque and historic medieval village of Dunster. Managed to produce high quality timber and to protect and enhance the rich wildlife of Exmoor and its cultural and natural heritage, the Dunster Forest is home to a wide variety of unusual and sometime rare plants and animals. A wealth of historic sites, archaeological remains and protected habitats add to the diversity of the woodlands and surrounding rolling moorlands, while the nearby attractions of Dunster add to the range of places to explore. To help visitors discover and enjoy this fascinating and attractive landscape The Crown Estate has developed an extensive variety of waymarked paths and trails throughout the forest. A leaflet is available  to the long distance routes, public paths, cycling trails and bridleways which criss-cross the Dunster Forest and surrounding areas. Information about the key sites of interest you may wish to visit is included together with details about forest management and the wildlife that can be found in this remarkable area. Visitors are welcome to explore on foot, horse or cycle but are asked to respect other users, follow the Country Code and to take great care not to disturb forest or farm management activities. The waymarked trails vary from 1.5 miles to 9 miles in length and mostly start at Nutcombe Bottom car park, where a children's play area and picnic site are also available.

Dunster Forest is under the care of the Crown Estate and is managed to produce high quality timber and to protect and enhance the rich wildlife of Exmoor and its cultural and natural heritage. the Dunster Forest is Ihome to a wide variety of unusual and sometimes rare plants and animals. A wealth of historic sites, archaeological remains and protected habitats add to the diversity of the woodlands and surrounding rolling moorlands while the nearby attractions of Dunster add to the range of places to visit. Therre are waymarked trails varying from 2 to 9 mites in length which mostly start from Nutcombe Bottom car park, where a children's play area and picnic site are also available.

Cycle Trails

Dunster Forest and Exmoor offer opportunities for some exciting off road cycling, following the numerous tracks and bridleways which dissect the thickly wooded combes and wild open moorland. The following routes have been waymarked through Dunster Forest to help you explore and enjoy this fascinating landscape. Cars can be parked at the Nutcombe Bottom Car Park (Green and Brown Trails) or the Forestry Commission Whitswood Car Park (Orange Trail).

Green Trail (Grade 1 - Family Trail)
Duration: up to 1 hour

Distance: 1 mile

Terrain: Flat,_gentjy undulating with occasional small climbs. The initial gentle climb is short, and soon the track levels off as it skirts the hillside.

Orange Trail (Grade 2 - Intermediate Trail)
Duration: up to 2 hours

Distance: 6 miles

Terrain: A steady climb from the car park passes through the mixed plantations of Croydon Hill This trail offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscape including Dunkery Beacon (Exmoor's highest point).

Brown Trail (Grade 3 - Explorer Trail)
Duration: up to 2 hours

Distance: 9 miles

Terrain: Forest and hill roads and tracks with some strenuous uphill sections. The route follows an extensive circuit around Black Hill and Croydon Hill reaching 381m at the trig point on Wfthycombe Common. The views on a clear day stretch across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh mountains.

Pease Note: Between the months of August to April some forest trails trail may be affected by deer stalking activities in the evenings and early mornings. Livestock may be present on the farmland and heathland areas.

More information and free trail leaflet including the adjacent map can be obtained from the National Park visitor centre In Dunster.

Contributed by: Jane Trewin