Exmoor’s Best Walks
With mossy forests, hilly uplands and stunning stretches of coastline, Exmoor National Park has a lot of wonderful walking territory. This rich and varied part of Somerset and Devon is home to a wide variety of walks and trails for all abilities and fitness levels. Keep reading to find out more about Exmoor's best walks, whether you're looking for woodland strolls, coast path rambles, historic trails or family-friendly favourites.
Woodland and riverside walks
Exmoor is home to the longest stretch of continuous coastal woodland in England and has about 15% forest cover. Wondering where to start? We have a few ideas…
Horner Wood Walk
Just to the south of the pretty village of Porlock, Horner Wood is crisscrossed with woodland trails and small streams. This forest, which is owned by the National Trust, has a recommended three-mile circular route, taking you through the most scenic part of this temperate rainforest. The area is home to 15 species of bats and over 330 different kinds of lichen, alongside the scores of animals and birds that thrive in this wildlife haven. The route itself is a moderate one, with some steep sections through the woods. These climbs make the trail all the more interesting and atmospheric, but they also mean that it isn’t accessible to all and may not be the best option after very heavy rain.
Tarr Steps Circular Walk
Near the village of Liscombe in the southern part of the national park, this gentle loop starts and ends at the ancient clapper bridge that spans the river Barle. This riverside walk can either be done in a short version that lasts about an hour or as a seven-mile half-day route that follows the river as it wends its way northwards towards the village of Withypool. Key points of interest along the way include Withypool’s handsome stone bridge and the village’s tea rooms, where you can stop for a well-deserved cream tea or light bites.
Coastal walks
All of Exmoor’s coastline is on the South West Coast Path, a 630-mile waymarked trail that stretches from Poole to Minehead. If you’re not feeling quite that adventurous, these shorter coastal walks could well come in handy.
Porlock Weir to Porlock Bay
This relaxed walk connects the historic docks of Porlock Weir to Porlock Bay, a National Trust-protected mix of shingle beaches and fragile salt marshes. The village of Porlock Weir is arguably one the most picturesque coastal spots in the South West, with cute Exmoor cottages and traditional boats to admire. Heading out along the coast, the walk is fairly flat, but walking on the beach means progress can be slow. Enjoy this more relaxed pace and keep an eye out for seabirds as you stroll along the shingle.
Bossington Beach
Carry on driving along the coast east of Porlock Weir and you’ll reach Bossington, a sheltered seaside area with its own pretty stretch of coast path. Park up at the beach car park, then lace up your boots and get ready for a 2.5-mile stroll along the coast and halfway around grassy Bossington Hill. With views over Porlock Vale, archeological sites that date back to the Bronze Age and pretty green meadows along the way, this short walk is rightly considered a local favourite.
Historic and cultural walks
If you’re looking for a walk to take you back in time, check out these top history and culture trails.
Dunster Village and Castle
Explore the medieval village of Dunster and its castle on this two-hour circular walk. Start off on the High Street at the timber-framed yarn market, a 17th-century building with a remarkable octagonal shape. Carry on past the castle, enjoying views over the ramparts, before turning left and continuing on down Mill Lane. At the bridge, after passing the mill, head out into the countryside through the gorgeous Crown Estate before looping back to where you started. There are some rougher tracks involved here, so bring appropriate footwear, but the route itself isn’t too strenuous.
Selworthy and Selworthy Beacon
With its thatched cottages, green hills and gorgeous coastal location, the National Trust-managed village of Selworthy is one of Exmoor’s most iconic walking spots. Start off in the historic village centre, perhaps stopping off for refreshments at the tea room, before readying yourself for a bracing stroll up Selworthy Beacon, a long ridge overlooking the Bristol Channel that’s topped by various prehistoric cairns and ancient burial mounds. This hilly three-mile route also passes by an area known as Bury Castle, where Iron Age earthworks are still clearly on display – so you won’t get much more history per mile walked than here.
Family-friendly trails
Exmoor is a patchwork of different landscapes and isn’t as vast as many of the UK’s other national parks, so there are also lots of shorter trails that are great for little legs.
Nutcombe Bottom
Young kids who like the outdoors in little doses will love a chance to visit Nutcombe Bottom. This very short route is under a mile long but home to the flat and easy Tall Trees Trail, where you can gaze up at some of England's tallest trees. This woodland walk also has a family picnic area and a playground – pack sandwiches and some wellies and your youngsters are sure to find plenty to keep them entertained.
Valley of Rocks
This 3.5-mile route is great for adventurous kids that you want to introduce to ‘proper walking’ thanks to its winning combination of manageable terrain and rugged views over cliffs, boulders and the sea. Start from the coast path car park and follow the trail towards the coast. Climb up to the South West Coast Path, passing impressive rock formations as you go. Wild goats can often be spotted in this unusual landscape, and there are plenty of great views of the coast – to head down to the water’s edge for a closer look, make a detour and visit rocky Wringcliff Bay to watch the waves crashing as they collide with the shore.
Return back to the start point along the valley floor – if you’re running low on energy by the time you get back to the car, just head to Mother Meldrum’s Tea Gardens for a sweet treat before heading off.
With mile after mile of coastal paths, family-friendly trails and woodland wanders, Exmoor has everything you need for a fantastic walking holiday. Start finding places to stay near your favourite locations using Pitchup – with dozens of local listings featuring HD photos, honest guest reviews and nearby things to see and do, you’ll be out exploring Exmoor’s trails in no time.
Find out more about Exmoor in our guide to the national park