Description
Dunster is approximately 3 miles South Southeast of the coastal town of Minehead. At the heart of the village is the National Trust property of Dunster Castle (see nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstercastle for opening times). The village has the River Avil on it's Southern edge where (Ευρωπαϊκός) Νεροκότσυφας and Σταχτοσουσουράδα are common. Part of the walk is along the long distance Macmillan Way West passing the iron age settlements of Bat's Castle and Gallox Hill (sometimes called Black Ball Camp) where Μαυρολαίμης are common. Amongst wooded areas look for Πευκοδρυοκολάπτης, Γαλαζοπαπαδίτσα, Καλόγερος, Αιγίθαλος, (Κοινός) Σπίνος and Χουχουριστής. During Summer Δεντροφυλλοσκόπος, Μαυρομυγοχάφτης, Θαμνοτσιροβάκος and occasionally Δεντρογέρακο have been seen. Amongst conifer trees (Κοινός) Σταυρομύτης and Χρυσοβασιλίσκος can be expected.
Details
Access
The A358 leaves the town of Taunton (far to the South East) and eventually meets up with the A39 at the large village of Williston, continue West on the A39 (towards Minehead) passing through the villages of Washford and then Carhampton, on nearing Dunster turn Left off the A39 onto the A396 signposted Dunster Medieval Village/Yarn Market (BE AWARE DO NOT TAKE LEFT TURN SIGNPOSTED DUNSTER CASTLE AND GARDENS). On entering Dunster look for Dunster Steep Car Park (150 spaces Fee Payable) on Left. For smaller car park continue on A396 through Dunster, after sharp Right Turn continue and take third Left into Park Street, the car park (19 spaces Fee Payable) is down this road on the Left.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Valley , River , City/villageConditions
Flat , Hilly , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration , SummerRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
BE AWARE Dunster can become VERY BUSY during the Summer Months especially at weekends, the castle is a popular visitor attraction and car parks can get full. A visit outside of these times or EARLY MORNING is best. As you can see by map there are numerous other paths and shortcuts available.
