Cothelstone, near Taunton, Somerset, England
Cothelstone Hill
Viewpoint
Place photograph
6.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Big-sky
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.5A short climb from woodland to open hilltop brings you to the Seven Sisters, a clump of beech trees planted over an ancient burial feature. Nearby are Bronze Age barrows and the remains of an eighteenth-century beacon folly; on a clear day, views stretch across Somerset and towards Wales.
Cothelstone Hill packs a remarkable range of discoveries into a compact walk: mixed woodland, open grassland, ancient burial features, a ruined folly and the landmark Seven Sisters. Its broad views make the hill feel much larger than the walk required to reach them.
Big-sky · Peaceful · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapCothelstone, near Taunton, Somerset, England
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The experience
Follow a short loop from the hill parking through mixed woodland and onto open grassland. Explore the summit around the Seven Sisters, look for ancient burial features and the ruined beacon folly, and pause for the expansive Somerset views. The paths can be rough and muddy when wet.
Things to do
Walk from the woodland to the hilltop
Follow the Cothelstone Hill walk through mixed woodland and grassland to the open summit, then explore the hilltop before returning.
About 1.5 hours; 4 km (2.5 miles)
See the Seven Sisters
Find the distinctive clump of beech trees on the hilltop, a landmark visible from far across the surrounding landscape.
Look for the hill’s ancient and later remains
Explore the reported Bronze Age burial features and the remains of the folly near the summit; the hill also has a medieval rabbit warren.
Watch for ponies and farmland birds
Exmoor ponies graze the hilltop, and the Quantock Hills walk information notes farmland birds in spring and summer.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1.5 hours; the Quantock Hills walk is listed as 4 km (2.5 miles).
1 — Quick Escape: Seven Sisters and the summit view
- 01
Start at Cothelstone Hill parking.
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Follow the woodland-and-grassland walk uphill to the Seven Sisters and hilltop.
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Look for the historic features near the summit and take in the views before returning by the walk route.
Half day · Half day, allowing time beyond the approximately 1.5-hour walk to explore and pause at the summit.
2 — Make a half day of it: woodland, hilltop and heritage
- 01
Walk the Cothelstone Hill route through mixed woodland and onto the open hilltop.
- 02
Spend time at the Seven Sisters, ancient burial features and remains of the beacon folly.
- 03
Look for Exmoor ponies and listen for birdsong; in May, check the woodland floor for bluebells.
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If you need facilities, the Quantock Hills walk information identifies Fyne Court as having toilets and a café; check details before making it part of your plans.
Verified history
Cothelstone Hill contains several Bronze Age barrows and the remains of a folly, alongside a post-medieval tree-ring enclosure. The Seven Sisters beech clump is described as an eighteenth-century planting above a prehistoric burial feature. A separate walk account reports a medieval rabbit warren and says the eighteenth-century Cothelstone Beacon Tower was destroyed in 1919; its remains can still be found near the summit.
Hidden details
A burial landscape beneath the hilltop landmark — The Seven Sisters beech clump stands over a much older prehistoric burial feature, connecting a familiar hilltop landmark with the Bronze Age landscape beneath it.
Traces of the beacon folly — Near the summit, look for the remains of Cothelstone Beacon Tower, an eighteenth-century folly reported to have been destroyed in 1919.
The medieval rabbit warren — A walk account identifies a medieval rabbit warren near the summit, another layer in the hill’s long history of use.
When to go
April · May · June · Choose a clear day for the broadest views; the supplied sources do not identify a best time of day.
The Quantock Hills walk information highlights farmland birds in spring and summer. Another route account reports bluebells in May. Clear conditions improve the prospects of seeing distant landmarks, including the coast of Wales.
Paths can be rough and muddy in wet conditions. Wear suitable footwear; check conditions before setting out.
Worth pairing with
Fyne Court
The Quantock Hills walk information lists toilets, an accessible toilet, a café and designated parking at Fyne Court. Check current details before travelling; no additional pairing itinerary is verified here.
What to look for
- 01
The Seven Sisters beech clump
- 02
Bronze Age burial mounds and cairns
- 03
remains of Cothelstone Beacon Tower
- 04
the old rabbit warren
- 05
Exmoor ponies on the hilltop
- 06
and bluebells in the woodland in May.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Spring to early summer for bluebells and farmland birds; choose a clear day for the widest views.
Choose a clear day for views across Somerset and, in good conditions, towards the coast of Wales. Spring and early summer bring woodland bluebells and farmland birds; go when conditions are dry if you want firmer paths.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; a half-day visit if you allow time to explore the hilltop and nearby woodland.
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
A hilltop destination with a walk starting from Cothelstone Hill parking. The main route includes uneven ground and steep slopes; an accessible surface reaches a lower viewpoint. Check current access and conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Free car parking is reported at Cothelstone Hill parking. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting. The Quantock Hills walk information lists toilets at Fyne Court, not at the hill itself.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting. The Quantock Hills walk information lists a café at Fyne Court.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting for current dog guidance and any livestock-related restrictions.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The main route includes uneven terrain and steep slopes, including cross slopes. An accessible surface reaches a lower viewpoint; this does not describe the full hill walk. Check conditions and suitability before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Cothelstone Hill
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
