Somerset

Brean Down coastal walk

Discover one of the great landmarks of the Somerset coastline on this scenic coastal walk across Brean Down. Standing over 300ft (92m) high and extending 1.5 miles (2.4km) into the Bristol Channel, the Down is steeped in intriguing stories, from prehistoric worship to Second World War weapon testing. It’s also renowned for its wildlife, so keep a look out for a great variety of birds, plants and butterflies whilst on this circular route.

Near to

Brean Down

Start point

Cove Café, grid ref: ST296588

Trail information

View route

Print trail

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Duration 50 mins to 1 hour 10 mins

Dog friendly***

*Steep at first, with some steps. Good footwear is advised. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Alternative accessible route available. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times whilst on the Down due to risk of falling from steep cliffs. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Beware of cliffs and deep mud

If on Brean Beach (part owned by the National Trust) be aware of deep mud at low tide. Cliffs are dangerous (children should be supervised). Keep an eye out for changes in the weather as there is little shelter on top of the Down.

Address
Brean, North Somerset
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Highbridge station is 8.5 miles (13.7km) away. From here, take the 112 bus.
On foot
A short walk along Berrow Beach (not National Trust).
By bus
First (Avon) Service 102 and 112, Burnham – Brean – Weston-super-Mare.
By road
Signposted from A370 from Weston-super-Mare to Highbridge, follow the Burnham and Berrow coast road. 8 miles (12.8km) from M5 junction 22.
Accessible route available. Please see access statement for more details.
Brean Down access statement
Designated parking
The main car park; turn left off of the access road, has two wide slots designated for disabled parking situated at the end of the car park closest to the buildings.
Accessible toilet
There is an accessible toilet and baby change, which is situated in the courtyard, adjacent to the café (approx. 10m).
Steps/uneven terrain
Accessible route and/or map
There are two ‘out and back’ routes at Brean Down (each out and back is approx. 4km). The first route involves a steep climb of about 200 steps. The alternative route is a gentler incline, and is accessed via the ‘military’ road, this route is accessible via an all-terrain mobility scooter. Please see access statement for map.
Powered mobility vehicle
Two mobility scooters are available to hire at Brean Down (please phone in advance to book), via the Countryside Mobility scheme.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Cove Café, grid ref: ST296588
Stage 1
There are two routes from the café towards the headland. At low tide head onto the beach and walk towards the headland until you reach the coast path to your right, continue on the path until you reach some fairly steep steps. These will lead you up onto the Down. For a more accessible route continue on the road and follow the route to the tarmac path on your right.
Headland
This rugged headland is the site of archaeological remains from the Iron Age. A hillfort was first built here in about 300 BC to defend the entrance to the River Axe, which was an important trade route for lead coming out of the Mendips. The large whaleback headland is an extension of the limestone rocks of the Mendip Hills. The vegetation on its steep, rocky southern slopes and cliffs contrasts with that on the gentler slopes of the north side where the soil is deeper.
Stage 2
Once on the Down, take the path to the left, along the southern slopes. Wildlife thrives here due to the rocky limestone grassland and warm south facing cliffs.
Stage 3
Continue along the path until you come to the site of a Romano-Celtic temple. It was built in about AD 340, close to a Bronze Age burial mound. Rock from a quarry on the Down provided some of the stone for the building.
Common blue butterfly | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole
Stage 4
Further along the path you will come across the remains of a Celtic field system, a series of small rectangular fields.
Stage 5
Continue up towards the fort, which is located on a small hill. Here you can take a closer look at the remains of the fortifications and enjoy spectacular views across the Bristol Channel.
Stage 6
From the fort make your way back along the other side of the Down to the site of the Iron Age hillfort. Take a closer look at the banks and ditches before continuing along the path. Follow it round to the right. This will take you back to the steps and down to the café.
End point
Cove Café, grid ref: ST296588
Trail map
Brean Down coastal walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
You made it
Share your experience

The view from Gorge Walk at Cheddar Gorge

Trail

Cheddar Gorge trail

Explore the famous cliffs of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, on this exhilarating National Trust walking route.

View across the Bristol Channel to Wales

Trail

Sand Point circular coast walk

Follow this circular coastal walk for wildlife, archaeological features and great views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.

Trail

The ups and downs of Brean

A gentle Brean Down walk offering snapshots of local military history as well as memorable views encompassing the Somerset Levels, Weston-super-Mare and Wales.