Englands Tallest Tree

Originally planted in the 1870's, this sheltered and fertile grove harbours a collection of exotic and giant trees. Among these is England's tallest tree, a 60m (197ft) Douglas-fir that would tower above Nelson's Column (51.5m,169ft), and the tallest Magnolia in the country too (24m,79ft).

The Tall Trees Trail enables people of any age or ability to wander amongst these record breaking trees, and to learn more about what makes them, and the surrounding forest, so special.

You can enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest and the stream that runs alongside the trail, while there is the chance to catch a glimpse of varied, and sometimes rare, animals and plants. The Tall Trees Trail is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll, or an afternoon enjoying the Exmoor countryside with all the family.

The surrounding Dunster Forest also has a network of waymarked walking and cycle trails, which allow you to explore attractive diverse woodlands, rolling heather covered hilltops and fascinating historical landmarks. With Iron Age settlements, spectacular hill top views and numerous paths and trails to explore, Dunster Estate's Tall Trees Trail and Dunster Forest offer a range of attractions to be enjoyed throughout the year.

The Tall Trees Trail is accessible for all and the surface is suitable wheelchair use. The trail is approximately 600m long, and follows a gentle incline (<12%) to the end, where it loops back. The trail starts from Nutcombe Bottom Car Park The trail surface is smooth, and wide enough for wheelchairs to  pass through, care should be taken on bridges, which are narrow. The trail is for pedestrian access only.

Dunster Estate

At the north eastern edge of Exmoor National Park and overlooking the Bristol Channel, the Dunster Estate extends from Watchet to Minehead over an area of around 4000 ha (9,900 acres). The forests and woodlands within the Dunster Estate extend to 1,427 ha (3,526ac). Owned by The Crown Estate since the 1950's the estate is actively managed for sustainable farming and forestry mixed with tourism, recreation, biodiversity, conservation and community objectives. Visitors are welcome to explore this special landscape and we hope you enjoy your time here.

The Crown Estate

The Crown Estate owns and manages a wide range of diverse land and property interests across the UK. This includes offices and shops, agricultural land and ancient forests, parkland and heritage sites along with over half the foreshore and almost all of the seabed around the UK. Commercialism, integrity and stewardship are the guiding principles behind everything that we do. We have 2 main objectives: to enhance the value of our property and the income it generates; and to benefit the taxpayer by paying all revenue generated back to the UK treasury.

www.thecrownestate.co.uk

Finding the Tall Trees Trail

From Dunster on the A396 follow the signs to Luxborough. Take right fork at Bonnington cottage, and Nutcombe Bottom Car Park is 200m on the left

How to find the Tall Trees Trail without car

On foot - 1.1 miles (1.8km) from Dunster village via Vinegar Hill trails (moderate incline and decline), to Nutcombe Bottom.

Cycle - Either by road, or via Vinegar Hill bridleway from Dunster.

Public transport - Regular bus services are available to Dunster village from Minehead and Taunton. West Somerset Railway services run from Minehead and Bishop's Lydeard to Dunster Marsh station.