Crook Peak
Crook Peak is one of the largest areas of open land on the Mendips. It rises 191m above the Levels and has breath taking views over Somerset. This site together with Cross Plain and Shute Shelve Hill are owned by the National Trust.
Overview
There are a wide range of habitats including semi-natural broadleaved woodland, unimproved calcareous grassland and a complex mosaic of calcareous grassland and acidic dry dwarf-shrub heath, some with a restricted distribution in Britain. Paths are very steep in places and can be very muddy and slippery when wet. Walking shoes are recommended.
Key Species
Butterflies: Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Grayling, Wall Brown.
Moths: Seen on the August 2022 guided walk: Humming-bird Hawk-moth, Pyrausta cingulata, and July Belle.
Walk leaflet
For further information about the walk, please download our walk leaflet.
Species you may see
Please check the flight times for any species you particularly want to see. (species pages)
April
Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Orange-tip, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Common Blue
May & June
Speckled Wood, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Large White, Small White, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
July & August
Grayling, Wall, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Marbled White, Large White, Small Skipper, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Dark-green Fritillary, Small Copper.
September
Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Large White, Small White, Red Admiral, Comma
Directions
Entrance is on the road between the villages of Cross and Loxton towards the Webbington Hotel.
Parking
Recommended to park at the large lay-by on the Webbington Road at ST 392 550.
what3words: ///pulsing.currently.starting
Public Transport
The nearest bus stops are at Cross (service 48) or on the A38 at Shute Shelve (Falcon) – where you can walk along the West Mendip Way (Kings Wood across Wavering Down to Crook Peak).
Check bus times: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset
South West Falcon coach (Plymouth, Exeter, Cullompton, Wellington, Taunton, Bristol Airport and Bristol city centre):
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/south-west/fly-the-south-west-falcon
Facilites
Axbridge is the nearest town
Toilets - Axbridge (Moorland St) - just off the Town Square.
Useful links
Crook Peak Gallery
These photos have been provided by our members during their visits to Crook Peak
