Conygar Tower from Dunster Castle walk
Enjoy this circular wander through peaceful woodland and discover the impressive folly built by Henry Luttrell to enhance the view from Dunster Castle.
Near to
Dunster Castle and WatermillStart point
Dunster Castle Car ParkTrail information
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
Dunster Castle Car Park
Stage 1
From the National Trust car park head to the back of the parking area with the castle behind you. Go through a wooden gate, signposted 'Permitted path, Dunster pottery kiln', then continue on path straight ahead, up and over the hill until you reach another wooden gate, into Dunster Steep village car park.
Stage 2
Follow the path straight ahead, passing the traditional sweet shop. Turn left at the road, walking on the pavement. Continue ahead, past the Exmoor National Park centre. Stop at garage number 3 and cross the road, staying left of St Thomas street, following the public footpath sign for Conygar woods. Follow the path as signed up the hill.
Stage 3
Once passing through a wooden gate you will come to a T-junction with an option to either follow a shorter 'direct' route (left) or a longer 'circuit' route (right). Follow the circular route to the right and downhill. The well-trodden path will continue onwards and in a circular motion to the left. After a few hundred yards the path will widen and you will pass a fenced-off quarry on your left.
Stage 4
Over a slight crest, take a left up a narrow wooded track, signed for crown estate. Having progressed uphill for a couple of hundred yards, you will arrive at a viewpoint with a bench, which is ideal for a pause to enjoy the views.
Stage 5
Continue straight ahead and uphill, past a rock face and then spiralling to the left, you will come to another T-junction. Take the left, up the hill. You will pass under a large stone archway. Pause for an opportunity to engage with the Coleridge Way. Scan QR codes on your smartphone if you can. Continue upwards and climb some steps then keep right and though a dip in the path. The path will meander for another couple of hundred yards.
Stage 6
Keep left following the path gradually uphill, past the Douglas Firs. Here you will see Conygar Tower. Take some time to explore it and enjoy the views. When you've finished, turn around, back the way you came. As the path levels out and once you get back to the Douglas Firs, take the left, sharply downhill.
The view up from inside Conygar Tower | © Harriet Pinches Stage 7
As you begin to see Dunster village from the bottom of the slope, keep left. The village high street and a view of the castle will appear. There is a bench if you fancy another pause; also a good opportunity for a photo. Continue downhill until you arrive back at the first junction. Go right through the gate, signposted to Dunster Villlage, and retrace your steps until you are opposite the green garages next to the Exmoor National Park Centre.
Stage 8
Take an immediate right up the road called 'The Ball' then follow this road past the historic Dunster Tithe Barn, dovecote and church. Once you reach a junction by the church, turn left and follow St George's Street. At the next junction, by a former chapel, turn right and follow the road for about 100 yards before turning left down Mill Lane.
Stage 9
Continue walking down Mill Lane. Maybe stop for a hot drink here at the newly-refurbished Watermill Tea-room (National Trust owned), after which turn left out of the venue and take a footpath to the left, signposted to Gallox Bridge. At the end of this path, turn left again and walk past the pretty thatched cottages, then cross Gallox Bridge.
Stage 10
Over the Gallox Bridge, turn left and follow the path over a small wooden bridge. Continue on this path which, after a couple of hundred yards, will take you over a bridge and through a wooden gate back into Dunster Castle's parkland. Follow the diagonal path to your left through the parkland and back to the car park.
End point
Dunster Castle Car Park
Trail map
Conygar Tower from Dunster Castle map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Grabbist Hill from Dunster Castle walk
Enjoy this scenic walk to Grabbist Hill from Dunster Castle, which passes through ancient woodland and offers panoramic views over the surrounding area.
Dunster Castle and Village circular walk
Enjoy the impressive architecture and houses in the medieval village of Dunster on this walk, which also takes in memorable views of Dunster Castle.
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.
Things to see and do at Dunster Castle and Watermill
Explore 1,000 years of history at Dunster castle, from its collection of painted leather hangings – the only one of its kind in the UK – to its historic working watermill.
Visiting Dunster Castle and Watermill with your dog
Dunster Castle is a two pawprint rated place. From wide open parkland to formal gardens, your dog walk needn’t be boring during your visit to Dunster Castle and Watermill.
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.