Thorncombe Barrow

The walk up Thorncombe Barrow isn't particularly long, but the views from the summit make it worthwhile if you're staying in the Holford area. It's a Bronze Age burial mound sitting on the edge of the Quantock Hills, and from up there you get proper views across Somerset towards the Bristol Channel. The climb takes maybe thirty minutes depending on your fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath.

What strikes you most is the sense of age - you're literally standing on top of something that's been here for thousands of years. The actual barrow itself is subtle; there's no dramatic monument, just a grassy rise that locals have walked past for millennia without thinking much about it. That's either the appeal or a drawback depending on what you're after. If you want something with plaques and interpretation boards, you'll be disappointed. If you prefer to use your imagination a bit, it's quite atmospheric.

Walkers will appreciate the walk itself more than casual visitors. The surrounding countryside is decent for a ramble, and it slots nicely into a longer hike across the Quantocks. With campsite options like Moorhouse Campsite and Haven Doniford Bay within a couple of miles, this works as a morning excursion if you're based nearby. Allow an hour round trip including a breather at the top. Don't expect facilities - it's completely free and unmanned, which is either refreshing or annoying depending on your outlook.