Washford to Dunster - starting from Dunster with a train ride
Highlights:
Dunster Station, West Somerset Railway ride, Washford Station, racehorse stables, red deer (hopefully), views from Withycombe Hill, Gallox Bridge, Dunster Castle
Start Point: Exmoor National Park Centre, Dunster
Start Grid ref: SS 991 438
Distance: 7.4 miles in total, linear using steam railway
Height gained/lost: 358 metres. The walk is generally easy going until Culver Lane with a climb over Withycombe Hill, becoming easy again with one fairly steep descent.
High Point: 218 metres
Low Point: 8 metres
Toilets: Dunster Station, Washford Station, Dunster
Eating places: Washford, Dunster
Time required, including stops: 5 to 6 hours
Public transport:
West Somerset Railway
Route description:
This walk includes a ride on the West Somerset Steam Railway, taking you back to a more leisurely way of travel. From Washford the walk offers easy going across open fields and paths before reaching Withycombe village. From here one follows an old lane which gains height quickly on to Withycombe Hill. There is a good chance of seeing red deer on the top. The walk becomes easy again before losing height down to Dunster village and castle.