Brean Down and its Victorian era Palmerston Fort.

Brean Down, reaching out into the Bristol Channel from the Somerset coast, was one of Queen Victoria's unsinkable battleships standing guard over the Severn Estuary and its ports.  In the mid 19th century concern over the growing strength of the French Navy led to the construction of a number of forts at key points around the coast.  These were known as the Palmerston Forts. Seven such forts protected the Severn Estuary one of which was built on the headland at Brean Down.

The fort was completed in 1871 having taken seven years to build.  It was armed with seven 7 inch rifled muzzle-loading guns, mounted in 1877, and remained in service until 1900.  In World War ll it was brought back into use and armed with two 6 inch naval guns and two searchlights.
  

Brean Down Fort on a hazy April day with Steep Holm, which also has a Palmerston Fort, in the background.

Having parked at the National Trust car park, free to members, at the end of Warren Road there is a decision to be made about which route up on to Brean Down is best.  There are fairly narrow steps taking the direct but rather intimidating way straight up or the sloping path to the right.  As an asthmatic I chose the less steeply rising path - one can stop as often as necessary and enjoy the view to the south.

On reaching the high ground there is another choice of route.  You can follow the undulating path along the ridge to the headland or take the tarmac path along the northern slopes which is easier going and sheltered from the prevailing south west wind.

The path along the ridge obviously provides the most spectacular views:  the Levels and Glastonbury Tor to the south east; Brent Knoll and the Mendips; Bridgwater Bay and the Quantock Hills beyond; the Blackdown Hills to the far south west; Weston Bay and Sand Point to the north east; and, on the other side of the Bristol Channel, the coast of South Wales.

While enjoying the panoramic views, tranquillity and fresh air, don't forget to keep an eye open for the local flora and fauna - including the feral goats.

Finally, a word of warning.  If you take your dog with you keep it under control: dogs regularly lose their lives falling over Brean Down's steep slopes and cliffs.

A section of the 1.5 mile route along the ridge toward the headland.  A Trig Point is just visible on the skyline.