4.3
(241)
2,121
hikers
270
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Staple Fitzpaine are situated within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Somerset. The region features a landscape of rolling hills, woodlands, open fields, and streams. Staple Hill, the highest point in the vicinity, offers panoramic views. Woodlands, including coniferous and broadleaved varieties, are prominent, with areas like Staple Fitzpaine Herepath known for bluebells in spring.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
4.4
(42)
123
hikers
6.40km
01:53
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
28
hikers
5.40km
01:31
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(4)
20
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
24
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
39
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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If you’re looking to play "King of the Hill," Neroche Castle is your ultimate hidden playground in the Blackdown Hills. This isn't your typical fairytale stone fortress; it’s a massive Norman "motte-and-bailey" earthwork that looks like a giant green multi-layered cake. Ancient Earthworks: Scramble up the steep banks to see the impressive defensive ditches that kept invaders out nearly 1,000 years ago. Epic Views: On a clear day, the summit offers a "top-of-the-world" vista stretching all the way to the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel. Woodland Wanders: The surrounding forest is perfect for a shadowy, atmospheric stroll through the pines.
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An informative 3D view of the geology under the landscape of Neroche and Staple Hill
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Castle Neroche is a significant historical site in Somerset, England, located on the northern escarpment of the Blackdown Hills. It is not a standing stone castle today, but rather a complex of impressive earthworks that reveal a long history of use.
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My only visit to this area so far. Was ok, but not really anything that gripped me.
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If you like finding Ordinance Survey triangulation points Staple Hill is a good one to seek out. It’s located in the woodland on the left of the pathway if you are travelling up from the carpark. Be prepared to seek it out though. It is not visible from the path and blends in nicely against the backdrop of trees.
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Beautiful panoramic views across miles upon miles of countryside.
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Staple Hill is a hill in the English county of Somerset, the highest point in the Blackdown Hills. It is classed as both a Marilyn and a Hardy. This is one of the points on the Staple Fitzpaine Herepath ( I could think of other things to call the Herepath, but i'd get banned ) a part of Forestry England woodlands. There is a loop walk, starting from the car parking area, of 800m taking in a couple of view points with the paths upgraded early in 2009 to be suitable for disabled access.
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There are over 170 easy hiking trails around Staple Fitzpaine, offering a wide variety of options for exploring the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Spring is particularly beautiful, with woodlands like the Staple Fitzpaine Herepath area often carpeted in bluebells. Summer and early autumn also offer pleasant conditions for exploring the rolling hills and open fields.
Yes, many of the easy routes are circular. For example, the Staple Hill loop via North Down Plantation is an easy 5.4 km circular path, and the View of the Blackdown Hills – Castle Neroche Woods loop from Blackwater is a shorter 3.5 km loop through woodlands.
Yes, the easy trails are generally well-suited for families. The varied landscapes of woodlands and open fields provide engaging environments for children. Additionally, the Easy Access Trail on Staple Hill is designed to be enjoyable for individuals with buggies.
Yes, Staple Hill features an Easy Access Trail, ensuring that stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are enjoyable for individuals with buggies or wheelchairs.
Dogs are generally welcome on the trails around Staple Fitzpaine, but it's important to keep them on a lead, especially when passing through areas with livestock or near wildlife habitats. Always follow the Countryside Code.
For panoramic views, Staple Hill is the highest point in the vicinity, offering expansive vistas of the Vale of Taunton and, on clear days, even the Welsh coast. The View of the Blackdown Hills – Castle Neroche Woods loop from Blackwater also provides excellent scenic outlooks.
You'll encounter a picturesque blend of rolling hills, verdant woodlands (both coniferous and broadleaved), open fields, and gentle streams. In spring, many woodlands are adorned with bluebells. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer and various bird species.
Yes, the area is rich in history. The Herepath Trail - Castle Neroche incorporates the impressive earthworks of Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort, a significant historical site that was later a Norman motte-and-bailey castle. The Herepath itself is an ancient network of paths with Saxon origins.
Beyond the trails, you can explore several nearby attractions. Consider visiting the historic Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort, the tranquil Otterhead Lakes, or the impressive Wellington Monument. St Peter's Church, Staple Fitzpaine is also a notable local landmark.
While specific parking details vary by trailhead, there are generally parking options available near popular access points for the easy hiking trails around Staple Fitzpaine, particularly at key sites like Staple Hill and Castle Neroche.
Public transport options to the more rural trailheads around Staple Fitzpaine may be limited. It is advisable to check local bus services for routes that serve the villages or main access points in the Blackdown Hills AONB.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 120 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, diverse landscapes, and the sense of tranquility found on these well-maintained easy paths.


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