Woodland Hill circular walk
Take a step back in time and look for signs of our ancestors in this mysterious wood. Disappear into the mixed woodland and climb high onto protected heathland with fantastic views and the chance to encounter some native wildlife.
Near to
Fyne CourtStart point
Woodlands Hill car park, grid ref: ST158406Trail information
Near Fyne Court
This walking trail is 9 miles from Fyne Court.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Woodlands Hill car park, grid ref: ST158406
Stage 1
At the car park, facing the road (A39), head left along the path. Bear left at path junction with road (leads to lay-by).
Stage 2
At the end of the path turn left through a wooden gate and enter Woodlands Hill. Walk straight up into the forest (also part of Coleridge Way).
Stage 3
At the path junction, continue straight ahead, keeping the stone wall on your right. During the wetter months, a pool of water gathers on the left-hand side of the track and it's used as a wallow by deer. The gradient gradually increases to a moderate level as you approach the woodland edge.
Stage 4
Emerge into the open heathland. On the right, look across the wooded valley of Holford Combe, with Longstone Hill in the distance. Keep left at a fork in the path. From this point you're treated to wonderful views of the Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills, Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons in South Wales, on a clear day. Keep your eye out for a hidden stone seat ideally positioned to enjoy the views.
Stage 5
At the path junction, with a stone cairn (mound of rock) on your right, turn left and head downhill. Before turning take in the view straight ahead towards Dowsborough, an Iron Age hillfort.
Stage 6
Continue straight along the path into Shervage Wood (take care of exposed tree roots). Bear right through a break in an old field boundary (earth bank) into the woodland. On the woodland floor next to the path look out for wood ants' nests.
Stage 7
After roughly 328 yards (300m) look out for an arrow pointing left carved into a dead tree (difficult to spot). Turn left and follow this path down a steep slope until you reach a fence line. Walk quietly as you may startle some grazing red deer along the woodland edge.
Stage 8
When you reach the fence, turn left and follow it along the edge of the mature section of oak woodland. Keep the fence on your right and follow it around two corners until you reach a latched gate.
End point
Woodlands Hill car park, grid ref: ST158406
Trail map
Fyne Court Woodland Hill walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Staple Plain walk
This wildlife-rich walk takes you through woodland, up Beacon Hill and back through lowland heathland. After taking in views across the Quantock Hills, look out for red deer, skylark and Dartford warbler.
Drove Road, Great and Marrow Hills walk
A 3.5-mile walk around some of the quiet and scenic parts of Somerset's Quantock Hills, taking in ancient trackways used by humans for centuries.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Things to do at Fyne Court
Fyne Court is a haven for wildlife with clues to its past life as an Arcadian garden. You can also explore the Quantock Hills, with enjoyable walks and captivating views.
Eating and shopping at Fyne Court
Why not pop by the Courtyard Café and treat yourself to a drink or a tasty treat? Or delve into your next adventure by picking up something from the second-hand bookshop?
Woodland walks
From tree-lined avenues to ancient woodland, find a sense of calm among the trees with our pick of the best woodland and forest walks.
Walking in Somerset
From the majestic crags of Cheddar Gorge and the sea views at Bossington to gentle strolls through Tudor parkland at Montacute House, these are some of the best walks in Somerset.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.