The highest point in the Blackdown Hills is on Staple Hill; from there, spectacular views stretch across the Vale of Taunton. There are also different walking options: from the 800 m circular trail on Staple Hill to the 22 km Staple Fitzpaine Herepath. For your getaway in Staple Fitzpaine, you can choose between the landscape, a short walk and the area’s architectural history as different points of focus.

Walking on Staple Hill and at Castle Neroche

The Staple Hill Easy Access Trail is an 800 m circular route with two viewpoints. It has no steep gradients and features a wide, firm surface suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Check trail conditions before your visit. The viewpoints provide two clear stopping points on the short circuit, each offering a view of the landscape.

The Staple Hill and Staple Park Wood circular walk is a moderate route covering 5 miles (8 km). Towards the end, it passes very close to the highest point in the Blackdown Hills, which is about 1,000 feet above sea level.

The Staple Fitzpaine Herepath is a 22 km circular route that starts at the Castle Neroche car park. Staple Hill is one of the points along the route. Castle Neroche lies at the south-east corner of the parish of Staple Fitzpaine and offers various paths, bridleways and forest tracks. Castle Neroche is open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk; check opening information before your visit.

Architectural history in Staple Fitzpaine

The Church of St Peter in Staple Fitzpaine is a Grade I listed building. It dates back to Norman times and preserves a Norman doorway that was moved to the south aisle. An aisle is a side area beside the main nave and forms part of a church’s interior.

The almshouses of Staple Fitzpaine date from 1643. They were originally founded to provide accommodation for six people in need. The Manor also has a clearly defined historical function: it was built as a vicarage in 1840.

The distances offer a range of options, from 800 m through 8 km to 22 km. The short trail is described with details about gradients and its firm surface; the 8 km circular walk is rated as moderate. The Herepath is the longest of the three walking options. This lets you match your preferred distance with the profile of each route, while the church, almshouses and The Manor offer a cultural and historical addition.

Discover more destinations

Evercreech, Burnham-On-Sea, Rode, Milborne Port, Otterhampton, Ditcheat, Taunton, Cucklington

For the main travel overview: Somerset.