Haddon Hill

Haddon Hill is a heather-covered ridge beside the village of Brompton Regis in west Somerset, on the south-eastern edge of Exmoor National Park. It runs east to west and looks down on Wimbleball Lake. It suits visitors who want wide views from an easy walk.

Where is Haddon Hill?

The ridge sits close to Hartford, inside the civil parish of Brompton Regis. The valleys of the Haddeo and the Exe separate it from the main Exmoor upland. Most of the hill lies within the national park, whose boundary follows the B3190 between Watchet and Bampton. That road crosses the eastern end of the ridge.

How do you get there and where do you park?

Drive in along the B3190. The Haddon Hill car park sits beside it on a sharp bend, just east of the hill, and has toilets, including accessible ones. No buses serve it. A pay-and-display car park on the western shore of the lake is the alternative, giving a longer approach. For refreshments, try the seasonal lakeside kiosk or the pubs in Brompton Regis and Upton.

What can you see?

A trig point marks the top of the ridge at 355 m (1,164 ft), grid reference SS 962286. From there you look north across Wimbleball Lake in the Haddeo valley and out over the Exmoor hills. The hill is grazed by one of the park's two herds of Exmoor ponies. From late summer the heather and gorse draw insects, including the rare heath fritillary butterfly, and plenty of birds.

Which walk should you choose?

Most of the upper hill is open access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Two public footpaths cross it north to south, and many tracks follow its length.

• Short stroll: the park's Exmoor Explorers route is about 2.3 km, takes roughly 40 minutes and climbs around 30 m.
• Longer loop: from the car park to the summit, down towards Hartford and back along the lake, about 4.2 miles (6.8 km).
• Lake circuit: starting from the western car park by Wimbleball Lake gives a walk of about 7.6 miles (12 km).

The climb is steady rather than steep. Some routes are muddy near the start, so wear sturdy footwear.

When should you visit?

Late summer into early autumn is best, when the heather blooms. Clear days give the best views over the lake and surrounding hills. The ridge is exposed, so carry a windproof layer.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for Haddon Hill? No. The upper hill is open access for walkers, and there is a car park beside the B3190.

How long does a visit take? The short route takes about 40 minutes. Allow a few hours if you add the lakeside descent.

Can I get there by public transport? No, buses do not reach the car park. Arrive by car.

Are there toilets and food nearby? Toilets are at the car park. A kiosk operates seasonally by the lake, and pubs are in Brompton Regis and Upton.