The Black Riders

You'll find yourself on high ground looking out across Somerset's rolling countryside, which is really what The Black Riders is all about. It's a viewpoint rather than a destination with facilities, so manage expectations accordingly. On a clear day the views stretch for miles, and the vantage point itself sits well above Bristol's sprawl to the north.

Walkers get the most from this spot. It's the kind of place you'd reach as part of a longer ramble across the Mendips rather than drive to specifically for twenty minutes. Families with young children might struggle if there's no obvious path or interpretation board - it can feel a bit exposed and underwhelming unless you're already enjoying a proper hike.

Access appears to be free and unrestricted, though there's no visitor infrastructure to speak of. Go midweek or early morning if you want to avoid crowds, though the Somerset countryside tends to stay relatively quiet anyway. Allow it as a pause point during a walk rather than blocking out half a day.

If you're camping nearby - Somerset Glamping sits just 1.5 miles away, with Mendip Basecamp Family Adventure Campsite another 4.6 miles further on - this works as a natural circuit walk destination. Pair it with the broader Mendip Hills hiking network and you've got a solid day's activity. Solo though, it's not the reason to book a holiday. It's the bonus.