SS9147 : West Somerset : Exmoor Footpath

Selworthy Beacon

308m Elevation
192m Prominence
England Country
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SS9147 : West Somerset : Exmoor Footpath

Lewis Clarke Photo source

Explore routes near Selworthy Beacon

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Locking Parklands–Hutton–Christon

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Banwell–Vering Down–Winscombe

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Westhay–Mearse–Shapwick

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Cheddar Reservoir-Strawberry Line-Hythe

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Selworthy Village to Beacon

A lovely loop trail starting from the picturesque Selworthy village, ascending gently to the summit.

3 km ~1.5 hours Moderate

West Lyn River Path

Beginning at the West Lyn river, this route meanders through lush woodland before climbing steeply to the summit.

4.5 km ~2 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 300-399m hill

Elevation

308m

1,012 ft

Prominence

192m

Coordinates

51.2208, -3.5495

SS918479

OS Map

181

Explorer: OL9E

At the Summit

The summit boasts a prominent stone trig point which not only serves as a great photo opportunity but also as a handy navigation aid - if you trust the old stone, that is!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with some rocky sections offering a delightful mix of cushiony steps and the occasional surprise underfoot!

The beacon is primarily composed of volcanic tuff and sandstone, providing a fascinating glimpse into Earth's geological past. The unique rock formations can spark a conversation among hiking companions, particularly when discussing the eccentric shapes!

Views & Scenery

The summit offers breathtaking views over the Bristol Channel, the rugged coastline of Exmoor, and on a clear day, you can even spot the iconic coastline of Wales.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name likely derives from 'Selworthy', meaning 'the estate of the Selworthys', highlighting its historical roots.

Historical Significance

Selworthy Beacon has been a significant landmark for centuries, guiding both locals and sailors, and is an integral part of Exmoor's cultural landscape.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available in Selworthy village, a short walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service operates from Minehead to Selworthy, making it quite convenient for both hikers and departing tourists.

Nearby Facilities

The small village of Selworthy has tea rooms and public toilets. A great place to grab a bite before or after your hike!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Muddy paths after rain; watch your step to avoid a surprise dip!
  • Strong winds at the summit can make standing upright an athletic feat.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Selworthy Beacon?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Selworthy Beacon through the maps

Are there other walkers around Selworthy Beacon?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Selworthy Beacon search or of course create your own walk for Selworthy Beacon

Can I organise a walk to Selworthy Beacon?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Selworthy Beacon.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Selworthy Beacon?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Selworthy Beacon here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SS918479

View on OpenStreetMap

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