The ups and downs of Brean
A gentle walk to the quiet side of Brean Down, offering snapshots of local military history as well as memorable views: over the Somerset Levels to the south, the Victorian seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare to the north, and over the Bristol Channel to Wales.
Near to
Brean DownStart point
Brean Down car park, grid ref: ST290590Trail information
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Brean Down car park, grid ref: ST290590
Stage 1
From the car park, turn left and follow the road, keeping to the left and heading for the steps.
Stage 2
As you walk up the steps, the sand cliffs to your left are the result of thousands of years of sand being blown from the beach.
Stage 3
At the top, take a deep breath and enjoy the view and blast of fresh sea air. Now head to your right (most will go left and head for the Fort). When you hit the road you'll walk past an old, flat-roofed building, where Harry Cox (warden for Brean Down) lived. Keep going and at the sharp right-hand bend, take the National Trust footpath to your left.
Stage 4
In places the narrow path will become very steep, and will be muddy and slippery in wet weather. In the summer, you'll discover all sorts of plants which thrive on the thin limestone soils.
Stage 5
Halfway along the path you'll have to negotiate a stile then carry on down the path until you reach the road at the bottom.
Stage 6
At the road, turn right and head back to the car park and Cove Café for a refreshing cup of tea.
End point
Brean Down car park, grid ref: ST290590
Trail map
Map route for the ups and downs of Brean walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Brean Down coastal walk
Go on a scenic coastal walk across Brean Down and discover one of the great landmarks of the Somerset coastline with history to discover and wildlife to spot along the way.
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