Brean Down
Brean Down is one of the landmarks of the Somerset coastline between Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare.
This limestone headland is owned and managed by the National Trust.
Overview
The 1.5 mile (4km) circular route along the Down follows short turf. The fort and down are reached by a steep climb up a flight of steps from the car park. The cliffs are extremely steep and for this reason NT request that dogs are kept on leads at all times.
Key Species
Butterflies: Chalkhill Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Ringlet, Small Heath, Wall, Grayling, Small & Large White, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady.
Moths: Jersey Tiger, Silver Y, Six-spot Burnet, Yellow Shell, Speckled Yellow, Brown Silver-Line.
Walk leaflet
For further information, please download our walk leaflet.
Thank you to one of the Brean Down Transect Walkers (JB) who has kindly reviewed and updated the walk description.
Species you may see
Please check the flight times for any species you particularly want to see. (species pages)
March & April
Orange Tip, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue
May & June
Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Heath, Marbled White
July & August
Chalkhill Blue, Grayling, Wall, Skipper - Large, Small & Essex. Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Cream-spot Tiger (moth)
Autumn
Comma, Red Admiral, Peacock
Directions
Nearest motorway junction: M5, J 22 (Burnham-on-Sea). (approx 8 miles).
Follow signs to Brean village and then continue along the coast road (Warren Road) to the end (Brean Down).
what3words: ///stands.restriction.pheasants
Parking
There is a National Trust Car Park (free to members) as well as a Pay & Display car park at the base of the hill and on the beach when tides permit.
Parking Charge: £6 all day (NT website - Nov 2023).
Please note, the pay and display machine accepts coins only, card payment can be made via the PayByPhone app.
Public Transport
The nearest bus stop is at Brean village hall (approx. 1.5 miles).
Bus route: 20 (Weston-super-Mare to Burnham).
Check bus times: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset
Facilites
The NT owned, Cove café is at the start/finish point.
The cafe also has toilet facilities (normally open 10am – 4pm).
Other toilets:
Brean Beach carpark - Warren Road
Brent Knoll – Brent Street
Burnham-on-Sea
Apex Park; South Esplanade (Tourist Information Centre); Oxford St; Crosses Penn.
Useful links
National Trust - Brean Down https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brean-down
Brean Down Way (Cycle route 33) https://breanbikehire.co.uk/brean-down-way/
Trampers for Hire
Two all-terrain mobility trampers that can go ‘off road’ are available to hire at Brean Down. So even if you have difficulty walking, you can still enjoy a great day out and amazing views with the family. See NT website for full information:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brean-down/features/explore-brean-down-by-scooter
Brean Down Gallery
These photos have been provided by our members during their visits to Brean Down.
