Why Staycation Hiking Is the Best Easter Decision You’ll Make
Discover a stunning spring walk in the Quantock Hills AONB
With Easter arriving this month, now’s the perfect time to extol the virtues of staying at home — especially if your home patch happens to be the West Country. Easter falls late this year, and if the weather is even halfway decent, West Country roads will be heaving with holiday traffic. So, what better time to enjoy the pleasures of your local area?
And what a patch we have. I’ve just spent a lovely weekend in West Cornwall, which always offers an abundance of things to do, taste, and explore — but I live in West Somerset, a region that arguably boasts an even richer variety of local treasures.
From the vast wilderness of Exmoor to the rugged Bristol Channel coast and the secret Brendon Hills, West Somerset is a walker’s paradise. But my latest springtime adventure took me to the majestic Quantock Hills, and it ticked all the seasonal boxes.
A Classic Quantock Walk: Bicknoller, Weacombe & Staple Plain Loop
This particular hike — the Bicknoller, Weacombe, and Staple Plain circular walk — was one of the very first and very last routes I covered during my long-running Westcountry newspaper series, Hesp’s Hikes, later renamed Classic Walks. Over the years, I’ve written more than 670 hiking articles, covering over 3,350 miles and snapping more than 10,000 photos. I did much the same again when the series continued under its new title — so I’d like to think I’m qualified to recommend a walk or two.
And I can confidently say this Quantock Hills walk is among the very best short hikes in Somerset. It begins in the impossibly charming village of Bicknoller and offers both the intimate magic of deep wooded coombes and the breathtaking expanse of wide panoramic views. For me, there was also the added joy of glimpsing the cottage where I spent the first six years of my life — a view from above that stirred deep, personal memories.
Starting Point: Bicknoller Coombe
Your gateway to this Quantocks AONB hike is Bicknoller Coombe, tucked into the northwest edge of the hills. It’s best to park by the village hall in Bicknoller — space is tight further up the lane. From there, a short walk leads to a gate and a left-turn footpath that skirts the moorland towards neighbouring Weacombe.
This part of the trail is especially rewarding in spring. You’ll enjoy expansive views across the Vale of West Somerset, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot wild red deer.
Weacombe and the Ridge
Weacombe Valley announces itself with the dramatic erosion typical of the red sandstone Quantocks. The steep coombe climbs alongside a stream, eventually forking at its upper end. Take the right-hand path and ascend to Bicknoller Post — a landmark post standing at the junction of multiple valleys and ridges.
From here, you’re on the main Quantocks ridge, offering what may be the best 360-degree views in the entire region. To the west lies the mighty Exmoor and Dunkery Beacon. Look south and east to take in the Blackdowns, West Dorset’s ridges, the Levels, and the Mendip Hills. Even the vast construction site of Hinkley Point C is visible — a curious modern contrast to the timeless landscape.
Turn around, and the Bristol Channel unfurls to the north, with the Welsh coast and its high hills beyond. The scale and drama of the scenery here are simply unmatched.
The Descent: Bicknoller Coombe or Thorncombe Barrow
Continue south along the ridge, keeping right at various track junctions. Eventually, look out for the steep-sided Bicknoller Coombe once again. You have two options here:
Descend directly into the coombe, tracing your steps back to the starting point.
Continue a little further along the ridge, then descend via Thorncombe Barrow — a bold spur offering even better views as you drop toward the village. On a clear day, you might glimpse a steam train winding through the West Somerset countryside en route from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead.
It’s from here I spotted my childhood home, nestled quietly in the rolling folds near Stogumber.
At the base of the coombe, I’d highly recommend stopping at the Bicknoller Inn for a well-earned drink or meal — a perfect way to end this unforgettable Quantock hike.
Why This Walk Belongs on Your Easter Itinerary
Simple, not too taxing, and absolutely brimming with beauty — this route is a shining example of why hiking in Somerset is one of the best free things you can do this Easter. No long drives, no crowds, no fuss. Just you, the hills, and spring in full bloom.
Full stop. End of argument.
Fact File: Bicknoller to Bicknoller Circular Walk, Quantocks
Walk Type: Circular
Location: North Quantocks AONB, West Somerset
Start Point: Village Hall Car Park, Bicknoller
Route: Bicknoller → Weacombe Valley → Bicknoller Post → Bicknoller Coombe
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Map Needed: Ordnance Survey Explorer 140
Refreshments: Bicknoller Inn (end of route)
Highlights:
Panoramic views from Quantock ridge
Hidden coombes and red sandstone valleys
Wildlife sightings (red deer)
Optional steam train views
Historic West Somerset scenery
