Selworthy Beacon Coastal Loop
Somerset
Selworthy Beacon at 308 metres is one of the finest viewpoints on the Exmoor coast, and this 9.7km circuit combines the steep climb from Selworthy village with a dramatic stretch of the South West Coast Path along the cliffs above Porlock Bay. The route climbs through the thatched, whitewashed village of Selworthy, one of the most photogenic in Somerset, before heading up through ancient oakwood onto the open heather moorland of the beacon with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The coastal section drops to Bossington beach before the return along the cliff path with 354 metres of demanding ascent. The mix of woodland, moorland and coast gives this walk three distinct personalities.
This is a physically demanding dog friendly walk that requires a fit dog comfortable with steep terrain. Off-lead potential is moderate on the open moorland sections, though leads are needed through the farmland and where livestock grazes the hillside. The coast path sections have steep drops and require close control near cliff edges. Bossington beach provides sea access for swimming at the walk's lowest point. Water is available from streams in the lower sections but not on the exposed hilltop. The Periwinkle Tea Rooms at Selworthy welcome dogs, and the village is National Trust owned and impeccably maintained. Parking is available at Selworthy village. A walk that earns every view with genuine physical effort.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.7 km (6.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Periwinkle Tea Rooms in Selworthy; Kitnors Tea Rooms at Bossington; White Horse Inn at Tivington
- Parking
- Free car park off North Hill from Minehead (TA24 8TJ); Selworthy village car park (16 spaces)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Selworthy Beacon Coastal Loop dog friendly?
Selworthy Beacon Coastal Loop is dog friendly and earns a 7/10 rating on Wildpack Collective. Dogs are welcome throughout the route, and after the walk you can stop in at the Periwinkle Tea Rooms in Selworthy, which also welcome dogs. Bossington beach, reached at the walk's lowest point, offers a chance for a swim if your dog enjoys the sea.
Can dogs be off lead at Selworthy Beacon Coastal Loop?
Off-lead potential is moderate on the open heather moorland sections around the beacon, but leads are required elsewhere. Dogs need to be kept on lead through farmland and areas where livestock graze the hillside, and close control is essential along the coast path sections due to steep cliff drops. It's a walk that rewards attentive handling rather than free-roaming.
What should I know before visiting Selworthy Beacon Coastal Loop with my dog?
This is a physically demanding 9.7km circuit with 354 metres of ascent, so it's best suited to fit, confident dogs that are comfortable on steep and uneven terrain. Water is available from streams in the lower sections but not on the exposed hilltop, so bring your own supply for the upper parts of the route. Livestock graze the hillside, so reliable recall and a lead are essential in those areas, and extra care is needed near cliff edges on the coast path sections.
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