Dunster, Gallox Bridge and Bats Castle: deer park hillfort circuit

A circular walk from Dunster's Park Street car park to the Iron Age earthworks of Bats Castle, returning through the old deer park. The steady woodland climb gives way to open grassland and views across Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes for the steep ascent, uneven paths and time at the hillfort.

Leave the car park by its Park Street entrance and walk south along the short lane to Gallox Bridge. Use the raised packhorse bridge and causeway, not the adjacent ford. Beyond the yellow thatched cottage, follow the signed bridleway towards Bats Castle along Bonniton New Road. At the western fork turn left through the tall gate for Gallox Hill and Bats Castle. Follow the established path south, then east at the next junction and south-east through the Bats Castle earthworks. Continue east to the Withycombe Hill gate, join Park Lane and turn left downhill. At Carhampton Gate take the signed Dunster path left through the gate and across the deer park fields. Return past the cottage, cross Gallox Bridge and follow Park Street back to the car park.

There are steep climbs and descents, gates, roots and rough or muddy ground. Wear walking boots and keep dogs on short leads around livestock and ponies. The bridge is narrow with an uneven cobbled surface; pass other walkers carefully. The short Park Street approach involves walking on the carriageway, so watch for vehicles. This route uses established paths rather than a ford or a pathless hill approach.

Park Street is a small council car park with 24-hour access and charges from 9am to 6pm daily. Bring coins or use the parking app shown on site, and check the current tariff. Dunster's watermill tearoom and village shops are nearby, outside the plotted circuit. The route follows the southern hillfort and deer park section of the National Trust's Bats Castle walk, starting at Park Street rather than the castle car park; it does not include entry to the castle or gardens.

Route sources: National Trust, Bats Castle from Dunster Castle walk; Somerset Council, Park Street Car Park; Exmoor National Park path notices, checked 6 October 2026. The separate Avill Farm bridge closure west of this circuit is not part of the route. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill/bats-castle-from-dunster-castle-walk