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Bossington Hill

4.9
·129 reviews·, United Kingdom

Bossington Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bristol Channel and is a prime spot for sunset photography, with free-roaming Exmoor Ponies...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon/Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
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Bossington Hill - Image 1

Bossington Hill

Best Time

Late afternoon/Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Bossington Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bristol Channel and is a prime spot for sunset photography, with free-roaming Exmoor Ponies.

4.9
(129 reviews)

"Fantastic place to go for a walk with lovely views, but be prepared for a challenging drive and steep climb back up."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Challenging Drive Ahead

Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and steep inclines to reach the summit. :car:

🥾 Steep Climb Back Up

The walk down to Porlock Weir is lovely, but the return climb is steep. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Bristol Channel Views

Panoramic Bristol Channel Views

Summit of Bossington Hill

Breathtaking vistas of the Bristol Channel, especially magical during sunset.

South West Coast Path Access

South West Coast Path Access

Trailheads from Bossington Hill

Explore sections of the iconic SW Coast Path, offering coastal beauty and challenging gradients.

Encountering Exmoor Ponies

Encountering Exmoor Ponies

Grazing areas on Bossington Hill

Keep an eye out for the curious and friendly Exmoor Ponies roaming freely.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

Bossington Hill offers stunning vistas, especially during sunset. Consider visiting in the late afternoon to catch the golden hour and enjoy the panoramic views of the Bristol Channel before the crowds gather. Weekday evenings are often less busy than weekends.

Navigating the Scenic, Yet Steep, Terrain

The drive to Bossington Hill can be challenging with narrow roads and tight bends, so be prepared if you're not comfortable with such routes.Reddit The walk down to Bossington and Porlock Weir is rewarding but involves a steep climb back up to the car park.Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon/Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn mornings
Why
Crisp air, fall colors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did you know the UK had rainforests? Actually the UK has quite lot of small temperate rainforests. Mostly they can be found in Wales & Scotland but England also has its fair few particularity in Exmoor, Dartmoor and the Lake District. This one has to be one of our favourites that we have visited. It’s a rain forest and gorge and has an incredible path that leads you right into the gorge for view...
@myukstaycation
141.4K likes • 1.1M views

🚗 Challenging Drive Ahead

Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and steep inclines to reach the summit. :car: Reddit

🥾 Steep Climb Back Up

The walk down to Porlock Weir is lovely, but the return climb is steep. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Half way through October, so far this month is everything I was hoping for 🤎☺️ . . #autumn #october #autumnaesthetic #englishcountryside #britishcountryside #escapetothecountry #exmoor #airbnbuk #airbnb #travelengland #uktravel #bossington #countrylife #countryliving #cottagecore #cottagecoreaesthetic
@yrstudio.co.uk
2.3K likes • 20.7K views
Bossington Hill and Beach West Somerset, UK
houk_weareone
101 likes • 1.4K views

🐎 Watch for Wild Ponies

Exmoor Ponies are common here and can be very curious! :horse: Reddit

📸 Sunset Spectacle

The views are incredible at sunset, making it a popular time for photographers. :camerawithflash: Instagram

Bossington Hill📍 An incredible little hike around Bossington Hill last weekend with some extraordinary views of North Devon’s coast line and Bossington beach 🥾 Hopefully see even more of you at the next one, next Sundays hike information will be out tomorrow evening 🤙🏻 #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mensmentalhealth #hiking #travelling #uk #england #northdevon #somerset
adventure_therapy_hiking
14 likes • 558 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Challenging Drive Ahead

Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and steep inclines to reach the summit. :car: Reddit

🥾 Steep Climb Back Up

The walk down to Porlock Weir is lovely, but the return climb is steep. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

🐎 Watch for Wild Ponies

Exmoor Ponies are common here and can be very curious! :horse: Reddit

📸 Sunset Spectacle

The views are incredible at sunset, making it a popular time for photographers. :camerawithflash: Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Coastal Path Adventures

Access the South West Coast Path for stunning seaside walks. :hiking_boot: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.9
(129 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning, panoramic views of the Bristol Channel and the magical sunset opportunities at Bossington Hill. The chance to see curious Exmoor Ponies and access the South West Coast Path are frequently highlighted as major draws. However, some find the drive challenging due to narrow, steep roads, and the climb back up from the coast can be strenuous.

"Great viewpoint overlooking the Bristol Channel and a great place for an evening walk. This is the end point for the road from Minehead that goes up past St Andrew's church and along the ridge to this point where there is a carpark."

Bernard Savage

"Beautiful place 😍
Lovely sunset
Friendly natives 😁
Will definitely vist again next year with the family"

Blue Bubblegum

"Beautiful spot, lovely views, challenging drive at times though, not suitable if you cannot manage narrow roads, hills and tight bends"

Debs H.

What People Like

Spectacular sunset views
Panoramic Bristol Channel vistas
Encountering Exmoor Ponies

What People Dislike

Challenging drive
Steep climb back up

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The drive to Bossington Hill involves navigating narrow, winding roads with steep inclines and tight bends, particularly if coming from Minehead. It's recommended for drivers comfortable with challenging rural routes. There is a car park at the summit.Reddit

While direct public transport to the very summit is limited, you can reach nearby villages like Bossington or Porlock by bus and then undertake a walk. Check local bus schedules for routes serving Porlock and surrounding areas.

Several trailheads from Bossington Hill provide access to the South West Coast Path. You can walk down towards Bossington village and then connect to the path, or head towards Hurlstone Point for different coastal perspectives.Instagram

Yes, there is a car park located at the summit of Bossington Hill, which is a convenient starting point for walks and enjoying the views.Reddit

Cycling to Bossington Hill is possible, but be aware of the steep gradients and narrow roads. It's best suited for experienced cyclists who are comfortable with challenging terrain.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Bossington Hill is a natural landscape and part of Exmoor National Park, so there is no entrance fee to access the hill itself or the surrounding walking trails. Parking may be subject to charges in designated car parks.

Bossington Hill is accessible at all times, as it is an open natural landscape. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the views.

No, tickets are not required for Bossington Hill. It's a public access area, so you can visit spontaneously.

As part of Exmoor National Park, visitors are expected to respect the natural environment. Please follow the Countryside Code, stay on marked paths, and do not disturb wildlife.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome at Bossington Hill and on the South West Coast Path. However, they must be kept under close control, especially around livestock like the Exmoor Ponies.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy scenic walks, take in panoramic views of the Bristol Channel, spot Exmoor Ponies, and access the South West Coast Path for longer hikes. It's also a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset.Instagram

A short orbit of Bossington Hill can take around an hour, but if you plan to walk down to Bossington village, Porlock, or Porlock Weir, allow several hours for the round trip, including the steep climb back up.Reddit

There are limited facilities directly at the summit car park. Restrooms and cafes are more readily available in nearby villages like Bossington, Porlock, and Porlock Weir.Instagram

The most notable wildlife are the Exmoor Ponies that graze on the hills. You may also see various bird species and other small mammals common to the coastal heathland environment.

While the views are beautiful, the steep gradients and potentially challenging terrain might make it difficult for very young children or those with mobility issues. A short walk on the flatter parts of the summit is manageable.

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers sweeping views of the Bristol Channel, ideal for landscape photography. The paths leading down towards the coast and the village also provide picturesque scenes, especially with the Exmoor Ponies.TikTok

Sunset is particularly spectacular, casting a warm glow over the landscape and sea.Instagram Early mornings can also offer beautiful light and fewer visitors.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography, especially if you want to photograph the Exmoor Ponies from a respectful distance.

Look for the interplay of light on the water, the rugged coastline, and the grazing Exmoor Ponies. The winding paths and the distant views of Wales can also make for compelling shots.

Drone usage is subject to regulations within Exmoor National Park. Always check the latest guidelines from the National Park authority and ensure you fly responsibly and with consideration for wildlife and other visitors.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bossington Hill offers a scenic outing for families, but parents should be mindful of the terrain. The drive up can be challenging with young children due to narrow, winding roads.Reddit While the summit offers great views, the steep climb back up from villages like Porlock Weir might be too much for very young children or strollers.Reddit Consider a shorter, flatter walk on the summit itself or a picnic with a view. Spotting the curious Exmoor Ponies is usually a big hit with kids! :horse:

For a more accessible experience, explore the flatter parts of the village of Bossington or the accessible paths around Porlock Weir. Always keep children close, especially near the cliff edges and when observing wildlife.

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Walkers

Bossington Hill is a dream for hikers, offering direct access to the South West Coast Path. You can embark on challenging treks with significant elevation changes or opt for more moderate loops. The views along the coast are consistently breathtaking, making every step worthwhile.Instagram+1

Popular routes include walks down to Bossington village and Porlock Weir, or heading towards Hurlstone Point. Be prepared for steep ascents and descents, and always wear appropriate footwear. The opportunity to see Exmoor Ponies adds to the wild, natural appeal of these walks.Reddit

📸 Photographers

This location is a photographer's paradise, especially for landscape and wildlife enthusiasts. The panoramic views of the Bristol Channel are stunning at any time of day, but sunset transforms the scene into a spectacle of light and color.Instagram

Key subjects include the sweeping coastal vistas, the charming village of Bossington, and the iconic Exmoor Ponies grazing on the hillsides.TikTok A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the expansive scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife shots. Be prepared for potentially challenging driving conditions to reach the best vantage points.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the South West Coast Path

Bossington Hill serves as a fantastic gateway to sections of the renowned South West Coast Path. This iconic trail stretches for over 630 miles along the coast of England, and the segments accessible from Bossington Hill offer dramatic cliffside views and a true taste of coastal England.

Walkers can choose various routes, from shorter loops that take in Hurlstone Point and the charming village of Bossington, to longer treks towards Porlock Weir or even further afield. The terrain can be challenging, with steep ascents and descents, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking a good hike. Remember to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions.Instagram

Many visitors find the coastal path walks from Bossington Hill to be a highlight of their trip, offering a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Exmoor National Park and breathe in the fresh sea air. It's a perfect way to experience the rugged charm of the North Devon and West Somerset coastline.Instagram

The Enchanting Exmoor Ponies

One of the most delightful aspects of visiting Bossington Hill is the chance to encounter the Exmoor Ponies. These native British ponies are a rare breed, known for their hardiness and distinctive appearance, often with a 'meal' mark on their muzzle and dark 'goggles' around their eyes.TikTok They roam freely across the moors and hills of Exmoor, including Bossington Hill.

These ponies play a vital role in maintaining the unique landscape of Exmoor by grazing the heather and grasses. Visitors are encouraged to observe them from a respectful distance and never feed them, as they are wild animals. Their presence adds a magical, almost timeless quality to the scenery, and spotting them grazing peacefully against the backdrop of the Bristol Channel is a memorable experience.Reddit

Photographers and nature lovers alike will find the Exmoor Ponies to be a captivating subject. Their calm demeanor and adaptation to the rugged environment make them a symbol of the wild beauty of this national park. Remember to keep dogs under control when near ponies to ensure their safety and yours.Reddit

Driving and Access Challenges

While the destination offers spectacular views, the journey to Bossington Hill is not without its challenges. The roads leading to the summit are often described as narrow, winding, and steep, with tight bends that can be daunting for some drivers.Reddit This is particularly true for larger vehicles or those unaccustomed to rural driving conditions.

It's advisable to approach the drive with caution and patience. If you are uncomfortable with such roads, consider alternative access points or modes of transport. However, for those who navigate the route successfully, the reward is a stunning viewpoint and access to beautiful walking trails.Reddit

Once at the summit car park, be aware that the walk down to the villages of Bossington and Porlock Weir involves a significant, steep climb back up. Planning your visit with this in mind, especially if you have mobility concerns or are carrying young children, is recommended.Reddit

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