Somerset Walks

Brean Down Walks & Route Map

Brean Down walk, Somerset
Brean Down · Photo: Roger Cornfoot

Stretching out into the Bristol Channel from the Somerset coast, Brean Down offers a truly dramatic setting for these walks, with sweeping views of cliffs, sea and wide sandy shores.

Climbing steadily at first, the paths reward you with panoramic vistas from the trig point across Berrow Sands, Weston-super-Mare, and on clear days even towards South Wales.

The longer option also explores Berrow Sands and the River Axe, following part of the King Charles III England Coast Path for a mix of rugged seascapes and peaceful riverside scenery. Rich in history and wildlife, and with a handy café near the car park at the end, these walks combine natural beauty, heritage and big coastal views in one memorable outing.

Download the Somerset Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

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Brean Down walk 01

Brean Down Walk

Walk distance
2¾ miles
Time
1.5 hours
Route type
Circular

The walk along Brean Down, a natural pier on the Somerset coastline, offers dramatic views of cliffs and sea, with panoramic sights of Berrow Sands and Weston-super-Mare from the trig point.

Although steep at first, it is a rewarding route with a beachside café at the end. Brean Down, standing 97 meters high and extending into the Bristol Channel, is rich in history, from Iron Age defences to WWII weapon testing.

It's diverse wildlife includes birds, butterflies, and rare plants. The southern slopes host unique flora, while the northern slopes display beautiful bluebells in spring.

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Brean Down walk 02

Brean Down & The River Axe.

Walk distance
7¼ miles
Time
3.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This is a much longer walk than the first, still covering Brean Down but also Berrow Sands and the River Axe.

It follows the King Charles III England Coast Path and takes you on a scenic journey offering a mix of dramatic seascapes and peaceful riverside views, with sweeping vistas of the Bristol Channel and the Somerset coastline.

The walk offers a great opportunity to spot local wildlife, including seabirds, and on a clear day, you can enjoy views extending to South Wales and beyond. This makes it a fantastic walking experience for those looking to explore Somerset's natural landscapes.

Refreshments:

There is a cafe near the car park for refreshments.

Brean Down & The River Axe. 3.0 Ratings and reviews 1 rating · 1 review

Based on 1 user rating

Community feedback

Overall rating3.0

Mixed feedback from walkers

Dog friendly0.0 / 5
Path condition3.0 / 5
Buggy friendly1.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly4.0 / 5
Toilet facilities3.0 / 5
Pub or café4.0 / 5
Route accuracy3.0 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockSome livestock
StilesSeveral stiles
Mud levelDry underfoot

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Somerset Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

It is only possible to do this walk from 16th May to 15th July - route is closed the rest of the year

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Somerset Walks App

Follow the Brean Down walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

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Somerset Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 250 Somerset walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Brean Down Walk, a 2.75 mile circular walk in Somerset