Somerset
My wife and I spend many hours throughout the year enjoying the natural beauty, wildlife and wonderful country pubs within the Quantock Hills. The Quantocks cover an area measuring some 12 miles by 4 and at the highest point (Will's Neck) reach to a height of 384 meters (1,260 feet). Stretching from just north of the county town of Taunton and west of Bridgwater they meet the Bristol Channel at their northern end. From the tops there are extensive views of the Brendon Hills and Exmoor to the west, the Blackdown Hills to the south-west and Bridgwater Bay at the north, to the north east views extend as far as Brean Down. Across the Bay on a clear day the south coast of Wales from the Gower to Cardiff and on to Newport can be seen. The Quantocks have long been recognised as being not only beautiful, but also of great scientific and historical importance. On the first of January 1957 they became England’s first designated "Area of outstanding natural beauty" a status that has provided protection from exploitation and over- development
The hilltops are largely covered by open heathland which descends into areas of broadleaved woodland, forestry and farmland and provide natural cover for a wide range of animal and bird life, including red deer, wild ponies, sheep, badgers, buzzards and many species of birds. The majority of the land is in privately owned by small to medium sized farms and estates. The hills are criss-crossed by many footpaths, bridleways and byways which are popular with walkers, mountain-bikers, horse riders and owners of off-road vehicles. They also provide a backdrop for the Quantock staghounds who continue to use the area for stag hunting.