Grabbist Ridge, Dunster, Exmoor, Somerset
Walk from the medieval village of Dunster along Grabbist Ridge to the heather-clad summit, the inspiration for the ‘purple headed mountain’ from the hymn ‘All Things Bright and beautiful’ that we all sang at school back in the day. The very top of the ridge is one of only seven Iron Age hillforts on the whole of Exmoor, albeit an unfinished one. The views over the valley, the Bristol Channel and the coast towards Minehead are astonishing and the scenery is beautiful – typically Exmoor, of heath and moorland where whortleberries and gorse grow; on a clear day you can see across to Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in the National Park. Look out for the local wildlife - Exmoor ponies grazing, heath fritillary butterflies flitting about, and if you’re lucky, lizards basking. Listen out for warblers and in the summer, enjoy the sight of tall pink spires of foxgloves and willowherb.
Start from the main car park in Dunster and when you return to the village go to Cobblestones for a cream tea or to The Stags Head for homecooked pub fare. If you want to make a day of it, tie in your walk with a visit to Dunster Castle and the working water mill (both NT), have a leisurely browse around Dunster, and follow the Tall Trees Trail where you can see England’s tallest tree. There’s a longer walk to Grabbist Ridge from Minehead Station, served by the steam trains on the West Somerset Railway.
All information correct at the time of writing