The best walks and hikes around Curry Rivel

There are over 170 hiking routes around Curry Rivel. The majority are easy, with 114 routes suitable for casual walkers. Additionally, there are 52 moderate trails and 5 more challenging routes for experienced hikers.

Hikes around Curry Rivel primarily feature the flat, open landscapes of the Somerset Levels, characterized by waterways and drainage ditches. You'll also find gentle slopes on local hills like Dundon Beacon, which offers calcareous grassland and ancient woodland. The River Parrett – Langport Railway Viaduct loop from Langport is a good example of the flat, open terrain.

Yes, many of the routes around Curry Rivel are circular. For example, The Drayton Crown – Kitchen at the Wharf loop from Langport and Muchelney Abbey Ruins loop from Langport are popular circular options that allow you to start and end in the same location.

You can discover several notable landmarks and natural features. The distinctive hill of Burrow Mump with its ruined church is visible from the River Parrett Trail. The historic Muchelney Abbey Ruins are also accessible from some routes. Additionally, you'll encounter the unique wetland environment of the Somerset Levels, rich in birdlife, and the ancient woodlands of Dundon Beacon.

Yes, Curry Rivel offers several easy routes suitable for families. The flat terrain of the Somerset Levels and riverside paths provide gentle walks. A shorter, easy option is the Kitchen at the Wharf loop from Langport, which is just 2.4 km long.

Many trails around Curry Rivel are dog-friendly, especially those along the River Parrett and through open countryside. However, always keep dogs under control, particularly near livestock or in nature reserves like Dundon Beacon, where wildlife is abundant. Check local signage for specific restrictions.

Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions for hiking, with lush greenery and active wildlife. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the landscape. While winter walks are possible, be aware that the Somerset Levels can become very wet, and Burrow Mump can become an island during floods, offering a unique but potentially muddy experience.

Parking is generally available in and around the village of Curry Rivel, as well as in nearby Langport, which serves as a common starting point for many routes. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions on komoot.

The Somerset Levels are a haven for wildlife. You might spot various bird species such as swans, herons, egrets, and buzzards. Otters and water voles inhabit the waterways, particularly along Blackbrook Meander, and bats can be seen hunting in the evenings.

Yes, the village of Curry Rivel itself has local amenities. The nearby town of Langport, which is a starting point for many popular routes like The Drayton Crown – Kitchen at the Wharf loop from Langport, also offers pubs and cafes where you can refresh after your hike.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 120 reviews. Reviewers often praise the unique, flat landscapes of the Somerset Levels, the peaceful riverside walks along the River Parrett, and the opportunities to discover historical landmarks like Muchelney Abbey Ruins.

Hike durations vary depending on the route and your pace. Shorter, easy walks like the Kitchen at the Wharf loop from Langport can take less than an hour. Moderate routes, such as The Drayton Crown – Kitchen at the Wharf loop from Langport, typically take around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.