Burrow Mump and the River Parrett Circular
Somerset
Burrow Mump erupts without warning from the flat Somerset Levels at Burrowbridge, a natural knoll topped by the roofless St Michael's Church, which has medieval origins but was largely rebuilt in 1793, and the drove tracks on the return keep a dog well clear of the sheep and cattle that graze the surrounding fields. The National Trust took on the hill in 1946 as a memorial to Somerset's war dead, and it stands close to Athelney, where Alfred the Great is said to have taken refuge from the Danes in 878. This 8km circuit starts at the free car park, climbs the short, steep grassy slope to the summit for a 360 degree view over the Levels, then drops to follow flat droves and the bank of the River Parrett through the hamlet of Pathe before looping back. Aside from the climb, the going is flat and easy, though the ground can be muddy and there is no made path on the mump itself.
This is a dog friendly walk with plenty of room to roam once off the hill, since the drove tracks keep dogs separated from grazing fields by deep ditches. Sheep sometimes graze the Mump itself and cattle graze the surrounding farmland, so keep dogs on a lead there. The River Parrett gives a good spot for a dog to drink or paddle along the bank section. There is no shade on the exposed summit, and no toilets or shop on the route, though the Alfred pub in Burrowbridge serves food and drink at the end.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; the Alfred pub in Burrowbridge, at the start and end, serves food and drink.
- Parking
- Free National Trust car park off the A361 at the foot of Burrow Mump, Burrowbridge.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Burrow Mump and the River Parrett Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in SomersetFrequently Asked Questions
Is Burrow Mump and the River Parrett Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this 8km Somerset Levels circuit is a good choice for dogs, earning a 7/10 dog-friendly rating on Wildpack Collective. The flat drove tracks and river bank section give dogs plenty of easy, open ground to enjoy, and the River Parrett offers a natural spot for a drink or paddle along the way.
Can dogs be off lead at Burrow Mump and the River Parrett Circular?
Dogs can have more freedom along the drove tracks and river bank section, where deep ditches naturally separate the path from grazing fields. That said, sheep sometimes graze the Mump itself and cattle are present on the surrounding farmland, so you'll need to keep your dog on a lead in those areas.
What should I know before visiting Burrow Mump and the River Parrett Circular with my dog?
The climb to the summit is short but steep and grassy, with no made path, and the ground across the route can get muddy, so boots are worth wearing. There's no shade on the exposed summit and no toilets or shop on the route itself, but the Alfred pub in Burrowbridge is right at the start and end of the walk and serves food and drink. Parking is free at the National Trust car park off the A361 at the foot of Burrow Mump.
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