Dunster - Bat's Castle - Gallox Bridge - Dunster

Tom Hayes

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This is a wonderfully varied walk on well maintained paths and tracks to the south of Dunster. Beginning with a journey through the Old Park section of Dunster, a riverside path is soon followed to reach the 15th Century packhorse bridge known as Gallox Bridge. An ascent is made through the deer park where there are views on the left toward Dunster castle and Conygar tower.

A long climb is then made up a track toward Withycombe Hill gate, and from here the path levels out slightly to pass two iron age hill forts: Bat's Castle and further on Black Ball Camp. The return journey crosses Gallox Bridge and follows cobbled pavements back through the main town where there are plenty of opportunities for refreshments at the numerous cafes and shops.

The final stretch passes the yarn market and descends steps near the visitor information centre to return to the car park.

England - South West England - Somerset - Exmoor

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Castle, Flowers, Gift Shop, Great Views, National Trust, Pub, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
9/22/2021 - Douglass David Shadwell

We did this walk on 15//9/21. Steep car park is likely to be full at popular times but there is a very small one at the far end of the village, on the left next to the Forester's Arms. Both cost £5.50 all day. The stony uphill track at point 11 is rather tedious but worth the effort as the following section is excellent. There is no longer an information board at Batts Castle, just the plinth. The walk is only 4 miles but is delightful and well worth doing.

9/15/2020 - Deryck Shead

We did this walk 14th September 2020 even though it's short there are some steep climbs, the views were spectacular overlooking the channel, unfortunately at the top the marker posts were all missing. We combined the walk with a visit to the castle though (because of covid-19 procedures you have to book first to visit). You can start walk from WP4 and finish at WP4 if visiting the castle.

11/19/2012 - Mark Calloway

Completed this walk 17/11/2012. Beware of sections 9 to 11 as the fields were very wet and muddy.Danger of loosing footing and sliding down hill. Also at reference point 12 there is no longer a low gate, replaced with a high one. Also at this point the reference map/picture indicates trees the other side of gate, they have all been cut down.

3/31/2012 - Walkingworld Admin

Roy Davenport reports that he completed this walk in March 2012 and found no problems.