Sommerset-walk
Steep Holm Walking Route
Key Facts
- Location: Bristol Channel, Somerset
- Size: 20 hectares
- Terrain: Easy path; optional steep, exposed steps down cliffs
- Access: Boat
- Map: OS Explorer 153 Weston-Super-Mare and Bleadon Hill
- Starting point: East Beach. Lat/Long 51.339992, -3.103407. GR ST 23237 60679
Steep Holm Island walk summary
An exhilarating rib ride away from Weston Super Mare this steep-sided island is packed with surprises. A coast path circumnavigates the island providing an easy ramble around the military ruins, the museum and to enjoy the plentiful wildlife as well as fabulous views across to the Welsh and Somerset coastlines.
Steep Holm Island walk description
Start at East Beach, the landing site for the RIB at high tide. Walk up the zig-zag path past the ruins of Cliff Cottage and the inn, then follow the rail tracks through the sycamore wood to the plateau. Gooseneck Spit will be revealed at low tide from this point.
Continue clockwise along the S coast, past the Barracks for toilets and refreshments, to arrive at the gun emplacement on Split Rock Battery. The underground, brick-lined ammunition storerooms can be accessed via the steps. After a further 100m, there are great views of Split Rock and the nests of the great black-backed gulls.
The easy path continues to Rudder Rock Battery and the searchlight post that stands on dramatic sea arches on the island’s W tip.
Rounding Rudder Rock, the perimeter path bears E east along the island’s N coast and ascends steeply to Summit Battery. Further E, find the 208 Steps and another searchlight post before continuing towards Laboratory Battery and Tombstone Battery in the NE of the island.
Reaching the E coast, ignore the zig-zag path back down to East Beach and head S to the priory and Garden Battery to return to the Barracks. There is an optional descent down the steep path to South Landing on the S coast to see the lime kiln at the bottom. At low tide it is possible to rock-hop back to East Beach, but only if the birds have finished nesting
Steep Holm refreshments
Join our Islandeering community
We continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.