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Dunster Village - Bat's Hill - Gallox Hill

Somerset  >  United Kingdom

Dunster is a village on the North East edge of Exmoor National Park.

Added* by Baz Willmott
Most recent update 4 февраля 2022

Description

Dunster is approximately 3 miles South Southeast of the coastal town of Minehead. At the heart of the village is the National Trust property of Dunster Castle (see nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstercastle for opening times). The village has the River Avil on it's Southern edge where Оляпка and Горная трясогузка are common. Part of the walk is along the long distance Macmillan Way West passing the iron age settlements of Bat's Castle and Gallox Hill (sometimes called Black Ball Camp) where Черноголовый чекан are common. Amongst wooded areas look for Большой пёстрый дятел, Лазоревка, Большая синица, Ополовник, Зяблик and Серая неясыть. During Summer Теньковка, Мухоловка-пеструшка, Серая славка and occasionally Чеглок have been seen. Amongst conifer trees Клёст-еловик and Желтоголовый королёк can be expected.

Details

Access

The A358 leaves the town of Taunton (far to the South East) and eventually meets up with the A39 at the large village of Williston, continue West on the A39 (towards Minehead) passing through the villages of Washford and then Carhampton, on nearing Dunster turn Left off the A39 onto the A396 signposted Dunster Medieval Village/Yarn Market (BE AWARE DO NOT TAKE LEFT TURN SIGNPOSTED DUNSTER CASTLE AND GARDENS). On entering Dunster look for Dunster Steep Car Park (150 spaces Fee Payable) on Left. For smaller car park continue on A396 through Dunster, after sharp Right Turn continue and take third Left into Park Street, the car park (19 spaces Fee Payable) is down this road on the Left.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Valley , River , City/village

Conditions

Flat , Hilly , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration , Summer

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

BE AWARE Dunster can become VERY BUSY during the Summer Months especially at weekends, the castle is a popular visitor attraction and car parks can get full. A visit outside of these times or EARLY MORNING is best. As you can see by map there are numerous other paths and shortcuts available.

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