Brean Down Walk

About Us

The Brean Down Way opened in July 2017 after a lot of hard work.  The River Axe separates Weston-super-Mare from Brean Sands and has been impassable for many years as the sluice gates were closed to the public.  This has now been strengthened and screened so that pedestrians and cyclist can pass safely over the river without disturbing the many species of birds that visit the area, including Redshanks.

Brean Down is a wonderful location for a day out in Somerset if you are a keen walker.  It's 8 miles from Weston-super-Mare promenade on level ground along the new cycling/walking route that takes you through nature reserves to the foot of Brean Down, which is a National Trust peninsula full of history.

If you venture to the top of the Down you can take the exhilarating 1.5 mile walk along Somerset’s greatest natural pier. The Down stands 97m high and offers spectacular views of the Somerset coastline, views of Weston-Super-Mare, Brean and the south coast of Wales looking across to Penarth and Cardiff on a clear day, as well as Steepholm, Flatholm and the Somerset Levels. You may want to take a picnic or just while away the hours marvelling at the scenery. This is a walk that will certainly leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

There are examples of Brean’s military past all over the down and you will find the remains of Brean Down Fort at the tip.

The southern slopes of the down are known for the white rock rose, dwarf sedge and Somerset hair grass. It's a haven for bird watchers and there is an abundance of flora and fauna. The northern slopes are carpeted with Bluebells in the spring.

At a steady pace, the walk takes 2.5 hours and is available to do year round, however, do leave enough time to complete the walk in daylight.

The walk is steep and uneven in places and is not suitable for the infirm or the disabled. It is great for dog walking but please keep dogs on leads and supervise children closely as there are steep cliff edges and free roaming cattle and goats. We advise you wear suitable clothing and footwear and take refreshments.

There are toilets, a Visitor Centre and a café but please check the website for seasonal opening times.