Coastal Paths
Dunster Beach is surrounded by great coastal and countryside walks. The site is situated on the Steam Coast Trail and West Somerset Coast Path which joins the South West Coast Path at Minehead.
The West Somerset Coast Path extened in 2016, now runs for nearly 60 miles from Brean Down to Minehead. It forms part of the England Coast Path which is expected to be completed in 2020 when it will become one of the longest walking routes in the world.
The South West Coast Path was created by H.M. Coastguards for patrolling the South West coastline on the lookout for smugglers and gives us the stunning path we can use today. The path was also used by fishermen looking for shoals of fish and for checking the sea conditions.
The South West Coast Path itself is 630 miles long and is the longest national trail in the United Kingdom. Starting just a short walk along the coast from Salad Days at Minehead it runs along the coastline of Exmoor, continuing along the coast of North Devon and on into Cornwall. It follows across the mouth of the River Tamar and back into Devon. After running along the south coast of Devon it then follows the Dorset coastline before ending up at Poole Harbour.
The South West Coast Path is a great place to take your dog walking. Dogs are permitted on the entire length of the path, and providing that you look after them in a responsible way avoiding livestock and wildlife or causing a nuisance to other walkers, you will be welcomed all along the Path.
Click on the interactive map below to go to the South West Coast Path Distance Calculator to help you plan your walk before your stay.
South West Coast Path Distance Calculator
Drag the markers to set your walks start and finish points. Zoom
in to select your locations more accurately.
in to select your locations more accurately.
The tool shows elevations of the area you will be walking.
On arrival at Salad Days you will find a collection of useful information including Ordnance Survey and AA maps, local walking guides, pocket guides, tourist information, attractions leaflets as well as the 'Fun Stuff' folder with loads more of our recommendations.
Walking Events around Dunster, Somerset & Devon
There are many walking events and festivals hosted in and around Dunster throughout the year. Many are guided walks too. Go to Lynton and Lynmouth Walkers are welcome page for more information.
For the more adventurous, within a short distance from Dunster Beach are: South West Coast Path, The Two Moors Way, The Coleridge Way & The Tarka Trail
Phototrails
Phototrails is a new and expanding database of walks in the UK and around the world.
Phototrails helps everyone discover and enjoy access to the countryside, tailored to their own needs, preferences and abilities.
Phototrails understands the importance of providing pre-visit information on walk features and site amenities, such as whether disabled parking and accessible toilets are available.
Each walk is described through a series of photographs which let you see just what the walk is like. They include information on the surrounding environment, the walk distance and the features and highlights that you will find along the way.
Each walk is given an accessibility rating to help you decide whether a walk meets your needs.
Grade 1: These walks have no barriers or steep gradients. The paths have good surfaces and there are ample resting places.
Grade 2: One or two features may reduce the accessibility of these walks. It may be a lack of seats, sections of the path with less than perfect surfaces, slight gradients or gates that are difficult to use.
Grade 3: Several features on these walks may more frequently reduce their accessibility for some people. There may be no resting points, long or steep gradients, a narrow path in places, poor surfaces or obstacles like kissing gates.
Grade 4: On these walks there are lots of features that reduce their accessibility and some maybe quite severe such as narrow parts to the path, steep gradients or muddy and stony surfaces. There should be no barriers but gates may have limited accessibility because of their size or latches. There may be no resting points.
Grade 5: These walks have a great many features which reduce accessibility perhaps including barriers such as stiles and steps. It is advisable to check out all the information provided by the Phototrail.
Take a look at an example of a local Grade 1 Phototrail in Dunster Forest.
The Dunster Tall Trees Trail passes the tallest tree in England, a Douglas Fir which standis at 61.3m high.
Download Full Trail Details
Steam Coast Trail
The Steam Coast Trail will eventually run from Minehead to Williton via Dunster Beach. The trail, completed in December 2016 links Dunster Beach with Blue Anchor Bay, making an accessible walk to Driftwood Cafe even easier. The trail is also cycle friendly, so why not bring your bike away with you, there is a bike rack at Salad Days. See Where's Maverick Blog
