The Dunster Forest is open for all to enjoy. This page will help you to get the most from a visit by giving you the info you should know before you go.
Rights of Way
Public Rights of Way on the Dunster Estate are the responsibility of Somerset County Council, though within the part of the estate that is in Exmoor National Park, it is the Park Authority who maintains the routes. Within Dunster Forest there is also a network of permissive waymarked trails which are maintained by The Crown Estate.
Bats Castle, Black Hill, Withycombe Hill and Hopcott Common are dedicated as Open Access Land. For more details on Open Access see Natural England website.
Report a fault on a Right of Way
You can report faults on Public Rights of Way either by contacting Exmoor National Park Authority Exmoor National Park Authority or via the Somerset County Council Rights of Way site. For faults on The Crown Estate waymarked trails and facilities please contact us by email: info@dunsterestate.co.uk
Waymarking
Exmoor Public Rights of Way are signposted by wooden fingerposts, labelled as footpath (yellow paint), bridleway (blue paint), or restricted byway (purple paint). These coloured paint daubs may also be found on trees or other features along the right of way. Permitted paths (by landowner permission) are marked with white paint.
Please note: The Crown Estate does not use paint to mark our waymarked trails- paint daubs are solely for the national park rights of way detailed above.
The Crown Estate walking trails are waymarked using a wooden post with a coloured disk denoting each trail. Our walking trails are also all named according to the primary destination. Disks are mounted on wooden fingers at the start of each trail, and at major trail junctions.
Please note: Our walking trails are not designed for cyclists, and so are for pedestrians only.
Forest and Farm operations
Dunster forest and the Dunster Estate are great places to visit, but are also still very much a working landscape. Please take care when out and about on the estate and be alert to farm and/or forestry operations that may be happening anywhere on the estate. It is very tempting to get up close to the machinery and watch it working, but for your safety and for that of others please stay well back and observe any signs or directions given on site.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on the Dunster Estate but please ensure that you observe the following advice:
- Keep dogs under close control at all times, especially when near to livestock or nesting birds (April-August). Dogs can be very harmful to livestock and wildlife, and as well as putting you and your dog in danger, it can also be an offence to cause disturbance.
- If animals do become aggressive and move towards you, keep calm, let your dog off the lead and seek the shortest and safest route out of the field.
- Please consider others, and prevent the spread of infections and diseases, by clearing up after your dog. Ensure that waste is either removed from site, or moved well away from the edge of paths
Disabled access
Many of the trails in the Dunster forest are constructed to a high standard, though due to the nature of the terrain, many may not be suitable for wheelchairs. There are wheelchair friendly picnic tables and parking bays at Nutcombe Bottom car park which give priority to blue badge holders. The Tall Trees Trail provides all abilities access and parking for blue badge holders.
Shooting
There are a number of small shoots on the Dunster Estate, and there may be occasions (October-February) when you encounter shooting parties along the tracks and trails. If you do encounter shooting activities, please stop and await instructions as to when safe to proceed, or find an alternative route.
Deer
In the absence of natural predators, it is essential to reduce deer numbers by shooting to protect deer health, prevent damage to woodlands and farmland and to keep numbers in balance with their habitat. Stalking mainly takes place in woodland areas in the evening and early morning between August and April. Users of the trails at these times are asked to take particular care to be aware that deer stalking may be taking place and to avoid causing disruption to shooting activities.
Camping
There is a range of campsites available on and around the Dunster Estate, see where to stay (link) for more details. Camping elsewhere on the estate is not permitted.
Motorised Vehicles
No unauthorised vehicles are permitted onto the Dunster Estate’s tracks, trails, or sensitive areas. Regular patrols operate in the area, and offenders will be reported to the Police. The Crown Estate is a partner in Avon and Somerset Police's Pathwatch scheme. To report illegal 4 x 4 use either contact us here or visit the Pathwatch site here.
Fires and Barbecues
Due to the risk of wildfires, fires and barbecues are not permitted anywhere on the Dunster Estate without prior authorisation from The Crown Estate.
Toilets
There are no public toilets in the Dunster Forest, nor on the Dunster Estate. Public conveniences are located in Dunster, Minehead, Blue Anchor and Watchet.
Exmoor activities
Visit Exmoor has loads of information on all sorts of sports and activities, great family days out and places to stay around the national park.
Country Code
The Country Code is a set of largely commonsense guidance on how to enjoy the countryside responsibly and safely. Many people will be aware of the Country Code, but please follow the link to refresh your knowledge of it, and ensure that you follow it at all times.
We hope you enjoy your visit to the Dunster Estate.