The Mendip Hills offer some of the best walks with views in Somerset. Located in the West Mendips, the Bleadon Hill & Loxton walk takes you along country lanes, rocky paths and rural roads, and boasts breathtaking scenery of the Somerset countryside, the Mendip Hills, in particular Crook Peak, and the Bristol Channel.
I enjoyed the Bleadon Hill & Loxton walk on a crisp autumn afternoon, with the sun shining through the bare tree branches and highlighting the striking autumnal colours. The only downsides to this stroll are the long stretch of walk on a country road and the background noise of the M5 motorway. This circular walk is accessible, and includes several ascents but no stiles or field crossings.
Location: Bleadon Hill, Mendip Hills, Somerset
Hike difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
Enjoy striking scenery
The Bleadon Hill & Loxton walk starts at the top of Bleadon Hill, near the end of the Roman Road. The first stretch of the stroll takes you along the West Mendip Way, on a country lane hugged by vibrant green fields. The delightful path enjoys splendid views of the town of Weston, the Somerset hills and the Bristol Channel.
From the country lane, you make your way to a pebble road running down Bleadon hill. This path boasts striking scenery of the south side of the hill, across the valley to the Mendip Hills and Crook Peak, a summit in the Mendips worth a climb.
Stunning view of Crook Peak from Bleadon HillWhen I discovered the Bleadon & Loxton walk, a late autumn sun was shining across clear blue skies and verdant scenery, but unfortunately smog concealed the far-reaching views. A vicious wind was also blowing at the top of the hill, but the stroll was still rewarding.
Wander through woodland
The lovely pebble road continues downhill and crosses a small wood. With the sun streaking through the bare tree branches, warming the beautiful autumn leaves scattered on the forest floor and stroking the vibrant green moss covering the stone wall, the enchanting woodland is a marvel to wander through.
Enchanting woodland on Bleadon HillThe walk then carries you to the bottom of the hill onto a country road. From the valley, you can once again admire the conical shape of Crook Peak, as well as frown upon the ugly and noisy M5 motorway. This stretch of the walk is sadly quite long, especially since you need to walk on the road and be alert to oncoming cars.
Visit a quaint village
And finally you arrive at the lovely village of Loxton. The quaint village offers charming country cottages, fine houses as well as a delightful old street lamp dating from Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The village is a perfect resting point, before hiking back up Bleadon Hill.
Lovely house in Loxton villageLeaving Loxton behind, the stroll then takes you back along the West Mendip Way and up a steep path between verdant fields. At the top of the hill, the Somerset Levels and Mendip Hills once again stretch out beneath your feet. You then walk along the hill cusp, back to the first country lane and the car park.
Find the walk itinerary: Mendip Hills AONB (pdf file)
Bleadon Hill & Loxton walk details
Location: Bleadon Hill, Mendip Hills, Somerset
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Approximately 2 hours with regular stops
Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
Ascent: Somewhat steep
Itinerary: Mendip Hills AONB (pdf file)
Trail condition: Good, but the trail can get a little muddy in wet weather.
Accessibility: Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Suitable for bikes.
Parking: Roman road car park (Postcode: BS24 0AD; Grid ref: ST358578).
Facilities: No public toilets. Nearest toilets, shops and pubs are in Bleadon or Hutton town centres.
Notes: Please beware of oncoming vehicles when walking on roads.
Explore more walks in the Mendips
Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Mendip Hills boast rocky peaks, breathtaking scenery and stunning walks. From Crook Peak to Ebbor Gorge, explore breathtaking walks in the Mendip Hills and Somerset.
Views from Crook PeakShare this guide:
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