Crook Peak and Wavering Down
Iconic Mendip Hills walk offering breathtaking panoramic views across Somerset, the Bristol Channel, and into Wales. Accessible yet rewarding.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Crook Peak and Wavering Down
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Mendip Hills walk offering breathtaking panoramic views across Somerset, the Bristol Channel, and into Wales. Accessible yet rewarding.
"Fantastic views from Crook Peak, you can see deep into Wales. The North Somerset coastline is visible."
Wear sturdy walking boots
Trails can get muddy, so good grip is essential for a comfortable and safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Arrive early for parking
Parking spots at popular trailheads fill up quickly, especially on weekends. 🚗
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crook Peak Summit
Crook Peak
Panoramic views stretching to Wales, the Bristol Channel, and Glastonbury Tor. A rewarding climb with distinct scenery.
Wavering Down Ridge
Wavering Down
A gentler, wider path offering expansive vistas of the Somerset Levels and surrounding Mendip Hills. Ideal for a more relaxed stroll.
Mendip Way Section
Connecting paths
Experience a segment of the historic Mendip Way, linking the two peaks with well-maintained trails and diverse landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Footwear for the Trail
Parking and Access Points
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy walking boots
Trails can get muddy, so good grip is essential for a comfortable and safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Arrive early for parking
Parking spots at popular trailheads fill up quickly, especially on weekends. 🚗
Check the weather forecast
Views are best on clear days, and conditions can change rapidly in the hills. :cloudwithsun:
Bring water and snacks
There are no facilities on the trail, so come prepared for your hike. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy walking boots
Trails can get muddy, so good grip is essential for a comfortable and safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Arrive early for parking
Parking spots at popular trailheads fill up quickly, especially on weekends. 🚗
Check the weather forecast
Views are best on clear days, and conditions can change rapidly in the hills. :cloudwithsun:
Bring water and snacks
There are no facilities on the trail, so come prepared for your hike. :water_wave:
Explore multiple routes
Different starting points offer varied experiences and views. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning, far-reaching views from Crook Peak and Wavering Down, often highlighting the accessibility of the trails despite potential muddiness. The distinct landscape and panoramic vistas, including sights of Wales and Glastonbury Tor, are major draws. Some note that parking can be challenging during peak times.
"Good easily accessible walk. Distinctive hill, that you will probably have driven past on the M5. Follow the path from the Webbington Road carpark to the base of the ridge. Not too steep, no scrambling. One thing I like about this walk is that once you get past the bottom bit, the path is quite wide and so you're not crammed together with other people. If you need a bit of space. Views of the Sea/Bristol Channel, Wales, Glastonbury Tor, The Mendip hills, and of course the Somerset Levels"
K Q
"Good walk, if slightly muddy conditions, up to Crook peak. We started from Barton Road and then followed the West Mendip footpath behind the Best Western hotel(!), about 40 mins to get up the hill, with great views over the flat ground towards the Severn estuary and Wales. You can also park on Webbington Rd, or start from Compton Bishop"
Andy H
"Lovely walk along part of the Mendip Way. Fantastic views from Crook Peak. You can see deep into Wales. The North Somerset coastline is visible. Glastonbury Tor can be easily seen. Great place."
James Clay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access points are via Webbington Road or Barton Road. Both offer parking, though Webbington Road is often cited as a primary starting point. You can reach these roads easily by car from the M5 motorway. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there are car parks at trailheads like Webbington Road and Barton Road. However, these can get very busy, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Arriving early is advised to secure a spot.
While possible, it's a significant distance. The Mendip Way footpath connects various points, but most visitors drive to designated parking areas for easier access to the main walking routes.
Many people start from Webbington Road for a direct ascent to Crook Peak. Alternatively, Barton Road offers access to Wavering Down and can be combined with Crook Peak for a longer loop.
Public transport options are scarce for direct access to the trailheads. It's best to plan your journey by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Crook Peak and Wavering Down is free. These are natural landscapes and public footpaths, so no admission fees are required.
As these are open natural areas, there are no set opening or closing times. You can visit them at any time of day, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to walk or hike around Crook Peak and Wavering Down. Enjoy the natural beauty without any cost.
No booking is necessary as it's a public access area. Just turn up and enjoy the walk.
No, you can visit at any time. However, for safety and the best experience, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered moderate. While not overly steep, some sections can be challenging, especially if conditions are muddy. The paths are well-defined but can be uneven.
Expect stunning panoramic views! You can see across the Bristol Channel to Wales, Glastonbury Tor, the North Somerset coastline, and the rolling Mendip Hills.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome, but it's important to keep them under control, especially around livestock and on steeper sections. Always check local signage.
There are no facilities directly on the walking routes. You'll need to use facilities in nearby towns before or after your hike.
A round trip to Crook Peak from Webbington Road can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit. Combining it with Wavering Down will take longer.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Crook Peak offers incredible 360-degree views, perfect for sweeping landscapes. The ridge leading up to it also provides dramatic perspectives. Capture the distinct shape of the peak itself from a distance.
Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting and colors, especially over the Levels and the Bristol Channel. Clear days provide the best visibility for distant landmarks like Wales and Glastonbury Tor.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant features like Glastonbury Tor. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing skies and reducing glare. :camerawithflash:
Look for shots that incorporate the distinctive silhouette of Crook Peak against the sky, or the vastness of the Somerset Levels below. The changing weather can also create dramatic photographic moments.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check current local bylaws and guidelines regarding drone operation in natural and potentially sensitive areas before flying. [^camerawithflash:]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit