Brean
Down, a remnant of the Mendip Hills, stands at around 320 feet in
height and juts out impressively into the Bristol Channel. If you look
out towards the sea you will the island of Steep Holm which at one time
would have been attached to Brean Down.
Due
to its secure nature, Brean Down has been home to an iron age coastal
fort and a Roman temple. In more recent times and evidence of which
remains at the very end of the headland, are the extensive Victorian
fortifications on the Western tip.
These
fortifications were damaged in 1900 when a soldier accidentally fired
his rifle into the armoury and ignited the gunpowder. The first and
second World War again saw the site used for defensive purposes.
A walk
along Brean
Down promises the hiker some spectacular views of both Brean, Berrow
sands and beyond, including Weston-super-Mare which until you have
reached the top, remains hidden from view. In fact, many people do not
appreciate just how close this major resort is to Brean and also how
inaccessible it is from this headland.
It is
not possible to walk round Brean Down to reach Weston-super-Mare
or to cross at the base of Brean Down. Whilst looks can be deceiving,
so can the tide which at Brean Down is one of the widest tidal ranges
in Europe and the currents around the headland are unpredictable, fast
moving and extremely dangerous.
Brent
Knoll
Brent
Knoll is a
well known landmark which on a clear day can be seen from South Wales.
At a height of 445 feet Brent Knoll would have originally been an
island before the surrounding area was drained. Access is by way of
footpaths from East Brent and Brent Knoll. Brent Knoll is the site of
an Iron Age hillfort.
