Nutcombe Bottom near Dunster

Off the A396 outside Dunster the Crown Estate has a selection of trails for walkers and cyclists. The family cycle trail is a mile of gently undulating track for younger riders. There is a six mile intermediate trail for the more adventurous. The car park is large and there is a picnic area and play areaNutcombe Bottom car park: with space for 40 cars and a short distance from Dunster, offers a play and picnic area and is the start of many of our waymarked trails. Nutcombe Bottom has a car park and picnic area with access for the disabled and centre for walks and mountain bike rides around the Crown Estate's forested hills to the south of Dunster. The Douglas firs in nearby Broadwood are Britain's tallest stand of trees, and there are superb views over Dunster and the coast from Bat's Castle Iron Age fort. Nutcombe Bottom is situated in West Somerset at the bottom of Croydon Hill ST 975 424. There is a car park, children's adventure area, picnic tables, cycle and walking routes.

For a bit of piece and quiet, why not walk amongst giants along the Tall Trees Trail, also at Nutcombe Bottom near Dunster where you will find a 60m (197ft) tall Douglas-fir that is the tallest tree in England. This easy going trail is suitable for all, especially buggies and wheelchairs, and allows you to get a real appreciation of the scale of these impressive trees. Originally planted as an arboretum in the 1870s, this peaceful grove boasts a collection of exotic and other record breaking trees, including other giant Douglas-firs and the tallest magnolia in the country. Either starting at Nutcombe Bottom car park or, if you are a blue badge holder, at the car park at the start of the trail holder, you can follow a smooth trail surface, over a gentle incline (no more than 12% over the whole 600m length) and learn more about the trees and the surrounding forest with interactive on site interpretation.

This is a lovely place to explore at anytime of the year for all ages.

Waymarked Walking Trails

Trail 1 (way-marked in yellow)

Distance: 1.5 mifes (2.5km) circuit
Start: Nutcombe Bottom car park
Route: A sheltered walk on unsurfaced forest tracks that starts with a moderate incline.
The trail can be muddy after wet weather.

Trail 2 (way-marked in blue)

Distance: 4 miles (6.6km) circuit
Start: Nutcombe Bottom car park
Route: Forest and farm tracks with a relatively steep climb to open heathland with spectacular views across the Bristol Channel and onto Exmoor.

Trail 3 (way-marked in red)

Distance: 9miles (15km) circuit
Route: An undulating route through sheltered forest plantations and heathland, leading to high points on Wfthycombe Common and Bats Castle with panoramic views in all directions. Exposed in inclement weather and can be muddy in places.

Places of Interest

Trail 1: Tail Trees: Tall Douglas which in 1993 was recognised as the tallest of it's species in England

Trails 2 and 3: Bats Castle - remains of an Iron Age hill fort dating back to the 6th century BC. Panoramic views over Exmoor and the Bristol Channel.

Gallox Hill - remains of a prehistoric Iron Age defended settlement

Trail 3: Withycombe Common is an area of lowland heath. The highest point is 381 metres above sea level providing excellent views across Exmoor. Withycombe Scruffets is an area of ancient semi-natural woodland with considerable wildlife interest including fallow deer, fox, badger and a host of bird and insect life. In the past it was managed to supply charcoal for the iron industry and tan bark for the manufacture of leather goods.

Nutcombe Bottom is situated in West Somerset at the bottom of Croydon Hill ST 975 424. There is a car park, children's adventure area, picnic tables, cycle and walking routes. This is a lovely place to explore at anytime of the year for all ages.

OS Grid Reference: SS9842

Contributed by: Jane Symons, George Timons