If you’re looking for the perfect family circular walk in Somerset, you’re in luck! Somerset offers a stunning variety of family-friendly walks that lead you through picturesque landscapes. From coastal views and woodland paths to rolling countryside trails. To make the experience even more memorable, each of these walks ends at one of the best pubs in Somerset, many of which are featured in the Good Beer Guide. These family-friendly pubs offer great food, drinks, and a warm atmosphere, making them the ideal place to relax after your outdoor adventure. Read on for our favourite pub walks in Somerset.
Why Choose Circular Walks in Somerset?
Somerset’s rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and picturesque countryside is a hikers paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just in the mood for a leisurely stroll, there’s no better way to experience the beauty of the county than with a pub walk.
Circular walks are perfect for families because they allow you to explore the natural beauty of Somerset without having to retrace your steps. These walks for families in Somerset are not only great for exercise but also offer a fantastic way to experience Somerset hiking trails with kids. From easy hikes to moderate circular routes, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? Each walk leads to a pub in Somerset, perfect for a hearty meal and a well-deserved pit-stop.
Here are some of the best family circular walks in Somerset that will take you through the countryside, along the coastline, and into woodlands, all while ending at some of the region’s finest pubs.
Best Pub Walks in Somerset:
Portishead and The Royal Inn
Distance: 2 or 3-miles
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re searching for a scenic, family-friendly walk combined with the opportunity to enjoy some classic Somerset hospitality, look no further than Portishead. Nestled along the Bristol Channel, this charming coastal town offers not only stunning views and rich history but also an excellent pub to round off your walk — The Royal Inn.
This Portishead Circular Walk is an ideal choice for families looking to enjoy a coastal circular walk. This easy route takes you along the Portishead seafront, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Bristol Channel.
Start your walk from the pub or the popular Portishead Lake Grounds, an ideal spot that’s perfect for a family outing. This is an fun walk for all ages and offers a gentle introduction to walking in Somerset.
After the walk, head to The Royal Inn on Portishead’s coast. This traditional Somerset pub offers a welcoming atmosphere with a wide selection of local ales and home-cooked pub food. Whether you’re after a hearty meal or a light snack, The Royal Inn delivers quality and warmth, making it the perfect spot to unwind after your walk.
The pub’s waterside location adds a special charm, with its rustic interior and friendly service. The Royal Inn is a great place for both locals and visitors alike to relax.
For a longer route, head along the Portishead Coastal Path to Black Nore Lighthouse, one of only two Pepperpot Lighthouses in the British Isles. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the nearby Sugar Loaf Beach.
If you decide to walk this way, The Windmill offers an alternative pub option. Overlooking the Bristol Channel, enjoy a meal with far-reaching views over the water to Wales.
Ebbor Gorge Circular Walk and The Victoria Inn (Priddy)
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
If you enjoy dramatic landscapes, the Ebbor Gorge Circular Walk in the Mendip Hills offers an exciting family adventure. This walk is moderate in difficulty, with some steep climbs and limestone cliffs that offer fantastic views. As you walk through the gorge, you’ll encounter woodlands, diverse plant life, and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.
After taking in the breathtaking scenery, head to The Victoria Inn in Priddy. This traditional pub serves local ales and delicious meals made from fresh, local produce.
This family-friendly circular walk is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Mendips.
Top Tip: Visit at Christmas for the pub’s amazing light display. Covered with more than 50,000 lights and decorations, it’s one of the most festive displays in Somerset.
Cheddar Gorge Circular Walk and The White Hart (Cheddar)
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Cheddar Gorge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Somerset, famed for its dramatic cliffs, deep ravines, and rich geological history. The UK’s largest gorge offers hikers a chance to explore awe-inspiring landscapes while enjoying a rewarding pub stop afterward.
The Cheddar Gorge Clifftop Walk is a scenic hike that offers stunning views across Somerset, ideal for families who are looking for an adventurous yet manageable hike. This moderately challenging route takes you along the dramatic clifftops, providing panoramic vistas of the gorge and the surrounding Mendip Hills.
Cheddar Gorge Clifftop walk offers the chance to spot local wildlife and is a must for outdoor enthusiasts.
Start your walk at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge on Cufic Lane, next to the Lion Rock Tearooms.
After your walk, stop at The White Hart at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge. The White Hart is known for its traditional Somerset charm and offers a warm welcome to weary walkers. Serving a selection of local ales, ciders, and hearty pub meals, including classic British dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Expect a crackling fire in the winter months and enjoy their beer garden with play area in the summer.
Litton Reservoir Circular Walk and The Litton (Litton)
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Explore the picturesque village of Litton and the stunning countryside on the Litton Reservoir Circular Walk. This route offers a perfect mix of woodland paths and open fields, with some gentle slopes along the way. You’ll pass through tranquil farmlands and can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Mendip Hills. The route is ideal for families who want a easy route, enjoying a gentle pace.
Afterwards, head to The Litton, an award-winning pub known for its locally sourced food and a great selection of ales and ciders. This charming country pub and boutique hotel in the Chew Valley is the ideal place to relax after fwalking in Somerset’s countryside.
Ham Wall Loop and The Sheppy Inn (Lower Godney)
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Ham Wall Circular Walk takes you through the wetlands of the Somerset Levels, a peaceful area teaming with wildlife. This easy walk is ideal for families with young children or those looking for a gentle stroll through some of Somerset’s most serene landscapes. You’ll have the opportunity to spot birds and other wildlife in the wetlands, making it a great walk for nature lovers.
Top Tip: Bring binoculars for bird spotting. There are two bird hides, two viewing platforms and 8 screens for spotting wildlife.
Ham Wall Loop takes about 1.5 hours from the car park following a scenic rough grass trail along the Glastonbury Canal. It crosses the canal via a bridge to return along the main reserve track.
There are shorter trails here too which are ideal for younger children and are pushchair accessible.
There is a refreshment stall and information point open daily between 10 am and 4 pm.
Once you’ve completed the walk, head to The Sheppy Inn in Lower Godney, a welcoming pub that serves classic dishes and a variety of local ales and ciders. This 17th century former cider house is renowned for its riverside beer garden and terrace with decking overlooking the river. The pub’s cosy setting and great food make it the perfect place to relax after your family walk.
Dunster Village Circular Walk and The Luttrell Arms (Dunster)
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Dunster Village Circular Walk offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the medieval village of Dunster. This picturesque village nestled on the edge of Exmoor National Park, offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and spots to relax. This route includes a view of the magnificent Dunster Castle, Conygar Tower, River Avill, plus lots of historical buildings in the village. It’s an easy walk with the option to extend the route to Bats Castle.
Starting from Dunster Steep car park or Dunster Castle car park, head straight up to conygar Tower using the path from St Thomas Street. Then follow Dunster Castle and Village Circular Walk directions.
After your walk, head to The Luttrell Arms in Dunster, a historic pub serving traditional British fare and a variety of local drinks. The pub’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a great stop after a scenic walk through this charming village.
Dolebury Warren Circular Walk and The Crown Inn (Churchill)
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Dolebury Warren Circular Walk: A Hidden Gem in the Mendips
For a picturesque and rewarding walk in Somerset, the Dolebury Warren Circular Walk offers a perfect blend of stunning natural landscapes, historical significance, and the opportunity to spot local wildlife. Located in the heart of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this walk is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
The hillfort at the top of the hill is an ancient site that dates back to the Iron Age. It’s a fascinating place to explore, with its impressive earthworks and sweeping views that make you feel connected to centuries of history.
After the walk, make your way to The Crown Inn in Churchill, a family-friendly pub known for its traditional pub food, excellent local ales and selection of cider. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a meal with your family after a walk with it’s cosy, rustic charm and welcoming atmosphere.
Pub Walk in Somerset: The Black Horse and Cadbury Camp
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Looking for a perfect mix of countryside charm and historical intrigue? This pub walk in Somerset starts at The Black Horse in Clapton-in-Gordano, and takes you to Cadbury Camp. This is an Iron Age Hillfort with stunning views across the Somerset Levels to the Mendip Hills.
Begin your journey at The Black Horse, a 16th-century pub known for its rustic charm and local ciders. Nestled in a picturesque village, it’s the ideal spot to fuel up before your walk. Enjoy their locally-sourced ales, ciders and traditional fare – perfect for walkers.
The Walk to Cadbury Camp
From the pub, follow well-marked footpaths that wind through Somerset’s country lanes and peaceful woodlands. The 4.5-mile circular walk takes about 2 hours at a leisurely pace. The highlight is Cadbury Camp, an Iron Age hillfort offering panoramic views across the Levels and, on clear days, as far as Wales. It’s a fantastic spot to pause, take in the history, and capture photos.
After soaking in the views, head back to The Black Horse to reward yourself with a post-walk pint or a delicious meal by the fireplace. Either retrace your steps from Cadbury Camp.
This scenic pub walk combines Somerset’s natural beauty, rich history, and the comfort of a classic English pub. It’s a must-try for walkers and food lovers alike!
Pensford Viaduct Circular Walk and The Rising Sun Pub (Pensford)
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Pensford Viaduct Circular Walk is a picturesque route in Somerset, offering stunning views of the iconic viaduct and surrounding countryside. This tranquil trail takes you through charming fields, peaceful woodlands, and alongside the River Chew. The walk is easy to follow and suitable for all levels, making it a great choice for families or casual walkers.
This circular walk starts at Pensford Memorial Hall and heads to the quaint village of Publow. The route loops through lush countryside paths, taking you past local farms and meadows rich with wildlife. The walk is ideal for enjoying Somerset’s natural beauty and snapping some scenic photos. Finish by exploring the impressive Pensford Viaduct, a historic railway structure that dominates the skyline.
After your adventure, head to The Rising Sun, a welcoming pub nestled in Pensford. With its warm atmosphere, hearty meals, and local ales, it’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge after your walk. The pub garden sits alongside the River Chew and enjoys great views of the spectacular viaduct.
This is one of Somerset’s best pub walks, combining history, nature, and the comfort of a traditional country pub.
Tarr Steps Circular Walk and Tarr Farm Inn (Dulverton)
Distance: 2 miles (2.5 miles or 4 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Tarr Steps Circular Walk is a beautiful route in Exmoor, known for its ancient woodlands and stunning views of the River Barle. This pretty walk takes you through scenic landscapes, including the famous Tarr Steps, a prehistoric clapper bridge. The trail is easy to follow, making it ideal for all levels of walkers. Crossing Tarr Steps, walk along the riverbank, over a bridge and back along the other side of the river. Follow the wooden signs (orange route) for the shortest circular loop. Or, carry on to bridges further up the river to extend your route.
It’s a wonderful option for families looking for an adventurous yet manageable hike in Exmoor National Park. With great paddling spots for the kids, this is one of our favourite pub walks in Somerset.
Finish your walk at the Tarr Farm Inn, Dulverton, a family-friendly pub serving delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a post-hike meal close to the Tarr Steps Clapper Bridge. They also serve a delicious cream tea.
Somerset Family Adventures is a free online resource. If you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful, you can say thanks and show your support by buying me a coffee. Thanks so much! You can sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear of our new walks and days out.
Share this post with your friends and family, and follow us on our social media. Feel free to tag us in your photos if one of my posts has inspired you to visit.
