Three distinctive Somerset regions are covered in this guide: the Bristol Channel coast and the characteristically wooded combes of the Quantock Hills National Landscape; the stunning limestone grassland and deep, rocky gorges of the Mendip Hills National Landscape; and the low-lying marsh and meres of the Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve.

From Kilve, after a visit to the pretty hamlet of East Quantoxhead, the walk takes to the King Charles III England Coast Path, with rock-pooling possibilities on the beach. Deeper into the Quantocks, walks explore the parkland around Wordsworth’s former home, visit the giant Douglas firs and veteran oaks of Great Wood, and take to a gentle ascent of Cothelstone Hill for far-reaching views over the Bristol Channel.

While the attractions at Cheddar and Wookey Hole may tempt you into some cave exploration, above ground the walks in this guide lead you to magnificent viewpoints over the great natural wonders of Ebbor and Cheddar gorges. The ecclesiastical centres of Glastonbury and Wells have attracted pilgrims for centuries, and you can follow in their footsteps around the best of each town’s heritage sites.

The tour of Ham Wall Nature Reserve provides the perfect introduction to Somerset’s wetlands, while climbing to the top of mystical Glastonbury Tor gives a wonderful bird’s-eye view over the Levels.