Beacon Batch Circular Walk on Black Down

Region: Black Down, Mendip Hills National Landscape, Somerset

Walk summary: This 7.2-mile clockwise Beacon Batch circular walk starts at Burrington Ham, crosses Black Down to its 325-metre summit and continues past the wartime decoy site, Tyning’s Farm, Rowberrow Warren and The Swan Inn before returning on the Limestone Link. It has 928ft of ascent and takes around four hours with a coffee stop.

The Beacon Batch circular walk is a varied circuit across Black Down, the highest part of the Mendip Hills. Rather than simply walking to the trig point and returning, this route combines open moorland, local wartime history, broad woodland tracks and the village of Rowberrow.

This is not a technically difficult walk. The climb to Beacon Batch is gentle, while the return from Rowberrow Warren involves a gradual incline rather than a severe ascent. Its principal challenge is covering 7.2 miles, and wet weather can make the shaded woodland tracks boggy and slippery.

Places to stay: Cheddar, Wells and the villages surrounding the Mendip Hills provide useful bases for this route and other Somerset walks.

Beacon Batch circular walk map, GPX and parking

• Parking and start: Burrington Ham Car Park on the B3134
• GPX: Download the Beacon Batch circular walk GPX
• Route app: View the route on Outdooractive
• Facilities: Parking is free, but there are no toilets or refreshments at the car park. The Swan Inn has facilities for customers later in the route.

The paths across Black Down are clear in good conditions, but Rowberrow Warren contains several tracks and junctions. Download the GPX before setting out rather than relying on mobile signal. If you are new to digital routes, read my guide explaining what a GPX file is.

Beacon Batch circular walk route description

Begin at Burrington Ham Car Park and follow the dirt path through the small wooded area towards the B3134. Cross carefully and take the lane climbing away from the road. Pass the house and continue through the gate onto Black Down.

When the path splits, take the higher route ahead. The ascent is gentle and the trig point soon appears slightly to the left. You will return to this junction from the lower path near the end of the walk.

Climbing to Beacon Batch

Beacon Batch stands at 325 metres and is the highest point in the Mendip Hills. The summit is broad and open, with extensive views over Somerset. The climb is short and straightforward, making the trig point accessible to walkers who may not want to complete the full circuit.

From the trig point, follow the straight path across Black Down. Continue to the crossing of paths near the distant treeline, turn sharply left and begin the gradual descent towards a gate.

Black Down decoy site and Tyning’s Farm

Before passing through the gate, look to the right for the remains of the Black Down decoy site. It formed part of a Second World War scheme intended to draw enemy aircraft away from Bristol, and the surviving structures are among the route’s most interesting historical features.

Go through the gate and descend the stony track. At Tyning’s Farm, turn right and join the West Mendip Way through the farmyard. Continue beyond the cottages towards Rowberrow Warren.

Walking through Rowberrow Warren

Enter Rowberrow Warren and follow the GPX through the woodland. At the two principal path splits, this clockwise route bears left. The shaded tracks can become boggy and slippery after rain, so footwear with reliable grip is worthwhile.

The Warren is used by mountain bikers and horse riders. The paths are generally wide and offer good visibility, but remain alert, listen for approaching riders and share the trail considerately.

Rowberrow and The Swan Inn

Leave the woods, turn right and descend Holloway Lane. Join the lane into Rowberrow, where The Swan Inn appears on the right. We stopped here for coffee, and it is an excellent place to rest before the return leg. Check its current opening hours if you intend to use the pub or its customer facilities.

Limestone Link return to Burrington Ham

Continue towards Rowberrow Church, following the road first left and then right. A gate on the right leads back into the woods and onto the Limestone Link. This path returns through Rowberrow Warren before climbing gradually towards Black Down.

There is no difficult final ascent. The path rises steadily out of the woodland, rejoins the open moorland and returns to the earlier path junction. Retrace the short opening section to Burrington Ham Car Park.

Beacon Batch walk practicalities

• Parking: Burrington Ham Car Park is free but has no toilets, refreshments or other facilities.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate. There are no technical sections; the principal consideration is having enough fitness for 7.2 miles.
• Underfoot: Moorland paths, roads and woodland tracks. The woodland can become boggy and slippery after rain.
• Navigation: The open sections are straightforward, but carry the GPX for junctions in Rowberrow Warren.
• Children and beginners: Suitable for all levels with suitable footwear and reasonable fitness for the distance.
• Dogs: Suitable for capable dogs. Keep them under control around roads, horses, cyclists and other trail users.
• Food and toilets: There are no facilities at the start. The Swan Inn provides refreshments and facilities for customers.

Preview the route in 3D

Watch the route before setting out to understand the Black Down, Rowberrow Warren and Limestone Link sections.

Watch my Beacon Batch circular walk 3D video

Beacon Batch Circular Walk FAQs

More Somerset walks: Try my Cheddar Gorge cliff-top circular walk.