BAT’S CASTLE
Moorland high above the River Avill, with mixed woodland in between
On the coastal edge of Exmoor, Dunster Castle enjoys a commanding view over the landscape. But even higher than this is Bat’s Castle and Gallox Hill, sites that once held Iron Age settlements and which are now a magnet for walkers and birdwatchers. A good variety of habitat means the route has many birding opportunities and its proximity to the coast offers the chance of heading in that direction for some extra spotting after this walk.
We saw no major rarities, but the magnificent views and delightful countryside made up for that.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Historic Gallox Bridge spans the River Avill on the edge of Dunster village, a fast-flowing waterway that rises on the slopes of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point of Exmoor. Look out for Dipper and Grey Wagtail. Nearby, beautiful cottage gardens tempt in many species: Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Wren, House Sparrow.
2
As you follow the footpath east through Dunster’s old deer park towards Carhampton Gate, scan the valley floor below the castle for Little Egret. Buzzards rise above the surrounding woodlands and various gulls are likely, wafting in from the shore. In summer, the sky is full of Swallows.
3
The steady plod up Park Lane towards Withycombe Gate passes through mixed woodland. We saw Great Spotted Woodpecker, Rook, Robin and Dunnock.
4 Follow the Macmillan Way West (MWW) across the open, airy space of Bat’s Castle, towards Gallox Hill. Scrubby gorse provides a good vantage point for Stonechat and Blackcap. Whitethroat is also a possibility in summer, as are flocks of Linnet in late summer/early autumn, and an occasional Song Thrush. Kestrel hover above the grassland. Exmoor ponies graze the area, our oldest native breed. 5
The MWW leads down from the heights, through conifer and deciduous woodland, back to Dunster. Goldcrest haunt the high conifer canopy, easier to hear than to see. There’s also a reasonable chance of finding Crossbill here – we heard them clearly. Also listen for yaffling Green Woodpecker. If the time of day is right, Tawny Owl may be heard. Tread quietly, you may spot the wild Red Deer who live here, before they spot you and melt away into the trees.
● Blackcap
● Buzzard
● Raven
● Rook
● Jay
● Jackdaw
● Green Woodpecker
● Great Spotted Woodpecker
● Various tits
● Dunnock
● Siskin
● Greenfinch
● Redwing
● Golden Plover
● Snipe
● Woodcock
● Chaffinch
● Pied Wagtail
● Grey Wagtail
● Dipper
● Treecreeper
● Goldcrest
● Nuthatch
● Meadow Pipit
● Stonechat
● Reed Bunting