Quantock Hills Dog Walk: Holford Combe, Rams Combe, and Somerset's Ridge Heathland
Holford, Somerset
The Quantock Hills give dogs two walks in one. The valley combes below the ridgeline are enclosed, oak-shaded, and run alongside streams - Holford Combe is the classic approach, with a path that follows water uphill through a narrowing woodland corridor. Above the treeline the walk transforms entirely: open heathland, wide sky, gorse, and bracken stretching to the horizon. The transition between the two is one of the more rewarding shifts in character of any walk in Somerset. The Plough Inn in Holford village sits directly on the route and is the natural end point.
Partial off-lead: the open heathland above is CRoW Act open access land, where dogs must be on a lead of no more than 2 metres from 1 March to 31 July. Outside this period, commoners’ livestock graze the ridge seasonally and dogs must be on lead near cattle and sheep. The headline management consideration on the Quantocks is red deer. They are present year-round and the rut runs from late September through November, when stags can be aggressive and chasing deer is an offence. During the rut, lead your dog on all open heathland sections. The valley combes offer the most relaxed walking throughout the year.
Frequently asked questions
Are there red deer on the Quantock Hills and is the rut a problem for dogs?
Yes. Red deer are present on the Quantock Hills year-round and the rut runs from late September through November. During the rut, stags can be aggressive and unpredictable, particularly towards dogs. Chasing deer is an offence under the Deer Act 1991. During the rut period, keep dogs on lead on all open heathland sections and under close control in the valley combes. If you encounter deer at any time of year, keep your distance and do not allow dogs to chase or approach. The valley combes (Holford Combe, Rams Combe) are generally lower-risk than the open ridge, but deer move through all habitats.
Can I let my dog off the lead on the Quantock Hills?
Partially. The open heathland on the Quantock ridge is CRoW Act open access land, which means dogs must be on a lead of no more than 2 metres from 1 March to 31 July. Outside that period, commoners’ livestock (cattle and sheep) graze the ridge seasonally, so leads are required whenever stock is present. During the red deer rut (late September to November), leads are strongly advisable on all open sections. The valley combes - including Holford Combe and Rams Combe - offer more relaxed walking with fewer formal restrictions throughout the year.
Is the Plough Inn in Holford dog-friendly?
Yes. The Plough Inn in Holford village sits at the foot of the combes and is well-positioned as the natural end point of the circular walk from Holford. It is dog-friendly and provides the traditional pub finish that this walk invites. Holford is a small village with limited facilities; the Plough Inn is the primary refreshment option on the route. The car park in Holford village (TA5 1RY) is near the pub and the main combe entrances - it fills quickly on busy weekends.
Are adders a risk on the Quantock Hills?
Yes. The open heathland sections of the Quantock Hills carry adder populations, and adders are well documented in the AONB heathland environment. They are most active from April through June, particularly during warm sunny spells when they emerge to bask on bracken edges, rocky outcrops, and south-facing gorse banks. Keep dogs to the main paths and out of dense bracken and gorse on the ridge sections, especially in spring. The valley combes are lower risk than the open heathland above. Ticks are also present from March to October throughout both the combes and the open ridge.
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