10 of the best walks on Exmoor

Days out, Walking, Nature

Posted by Ed Roberts on 11th December 2023

Man in orange coat stands on a rocky outcrop high above the Bristol Channel

What are the best ingredients for a country walk? Good company? Yes but not always, a walk can be rewarding by yourself, or with a silent companion like a dog. Conversation isn’t always a guaranteed plus, on occasion, you may appreciate some quiet time out with nature. In addition, we suggest that the right shoes are a must; you may also need a map, a rainproof coat, and a bit of lunch. What else do you need? Well, most importantly, we’d say a locational focus to the whole enterprise is key, and this is why we’d suggest Exmoor for a walking holiday.

Exmoor straddles parts of two counties in the South West of England: Somerset and Devon. It has miles of coast and varied landscapes, including river valleys, deep woodlands, sparse moorland, and heath. Wildlife and bird life are in abundance, so keep an eye out for red deer, badgers, foxes, otters, bats, and rare butterflies. There are Devon and Somerset walks galore, all unique and varied, so we’ve compiled a list of walks for visitors of all abilities. We have a useful guide to Exmoor National Park for you if you are looking for even more things to do during your holiday. 

Come to Exmoor for a walking holiday and stay in one of our many holiday cottages in North Devon and West Somerset. This way, you will be able to enjoy several of the walks included in this helpful guide. Click on the button below to find your Exmoor accommodation.

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Best long-distance walks on Exmoor

Exmoor trails on open moorland - grey skies | Ancient Mariner statue at Watchet.

The Coleridge Way 

The Coleridge Way is a long-distance walking trail that can be completed in six days. It’s the perfect focal point for an Exmoor and Somerset walking holiday.  The trail begins near the Quantock Hills, and winds through the Brendon Hills, before ending on Exmoor in the west. The Coleridge Way is named after the poet and writer Samuel Coleridge Taylor who wrote The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and takes in the villages of Nether Stowey, Porlock and Lynton and Lynmouth. 

Good to know

  • How long is the Coleridge Way? The Coleridge Way is 51 miles long.
  • How difficult is the Coleridge Way? Different sections vary between strenuous and moderate.
  • How long days does it take to walk the Coleridge Way? The Coleridge Way can be completed in six days.
  • Are there pubs along the way? Yes, there are pubs in most of the villages the trail passes through. There are lots of places where you could enjoy a picnic along this trail. 
  • Stay nearby: Clifftop Reach | sleeps 2 + 2 dogs 

Lynmouth cottages


The Two Moors Way winds into the Exmoor countryside | Birds line up along a telegraph wire on an Exmoor moorland plateau.

The Two Moors Way 

The Two Moors Way links Exmoor in the north of Devon to Dartmoor in the south. It also works as a complete coast-to-coast walk linking Wembury to Lynmouth. The trail takes in the breathtaking emptiness and beauty of Exmoor and Dartmoor as well as the countryside between the two. You get to see granite tors and Bronze Age barrows, moorland plateaus, and wooded river valleys. It’s an epic trail that passes through Lynton and Lynmouth, Withypool, Drewsteignton, and Wembury. 

Good to know

  • How long is the Two Moors Way? The Two Moors Way is 102 miles long.
  • How difficult is the Two Moors Way? Different sections vary between strenuous and moderate. 
  • How many days does it take to walk the Two Moors Way? It takes about 9 to 11 days to walk the full length of the trail from coast to coast.
  • Are there pubs on the Two Moors Way? There are long stretches without pubs on this walk but most of the villages have somewhere to get refreshed. There are also hundreds of picnicking prospects along the way. Every turn in the track has a spot.
  • Stay nearby: Stag Cottage | sleeps 4 + 3 dogs

Withypool cottages


Best coastal walks on Exmoor

The lime kiln ruins at Heddon Beach | The River Heddon flowing fast through the gorge

Heddon’s Mouth, near Combe Martin

Heddon’s Mouth is a short and relatively level circular walk close to Combe Martin. Occupying both banks of the narrow River Heddon as it follows its course from high on Exmoor out into the Bristol Channel, this is a popular walk for visitors of all ages and abilities.  You often see families with small children and elderly strollers at Heddon’s Mouth. At the sea’s edge is a pebbly beach and the remains of old lime kilns. You can hire a tramper from the National Trust office at nearby Hunter’s Inn,   and there are no stiles for those who need increased assistance with wheelchairs or prams.

Good to know

  • How long is the Heddon’s Mouth walk? The Heddon’s Mouth walk is 2 miles long.
  • How difficult is the Heddon's Mouth walk? Easy (but challenging for prams and wheelchair users).
  • Where can I park my car at Heddon’s Mouth? Hunters Inn, near Combe Martin, EX31 4PY. Charges apply.
  • Are there any pubs on the Heddon’s Mouth walk? Yes, The Hunters Inn stands at the head of the trail.  
  • Stay nearby: Beach Cottage | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Combe Martin cottages


The Valley of Rocks looking west along the North Devon coast.

Valley of Rocks, near Lynton

With incredible views across the Bristol Channel to South Wales, this coastal Exmoor walk is unforgettable. As the name would suggest, the Valley of Rocks is characterised by its limestone, sandstone, and slate landforms. The U-shaped valley is 1 mile from the heart of Lynton and is home to a herd of goats. The walking trail itself is well-signposted from the main car park and leads you through a succession of clifftop vistas, and moorland outposts. Valley of Rocks is a very photogenic Exmoor location and a big favourite with families all year round. Even though you will be high above the sea on this trail, it’s still a place of astonishing marine beauty. For more coastal walks in Devon, enjoy our guide. 

Good to know

  • How long is the Valley of Rocks walk? The Valley of Rocks walk is 3.5 miles long.
  • How difficult is the Valley of Rocks walk? Easy to moderate. There are some steep inclines and unlevel pathways.
  • Where can I park my car at the Valley of Rocks? The Valley of Rocks, Lee Road, Lynton EX35 6JH. Charges apply.
  • Are there any pubs at the Valley of Rocks? No, but there is a cafe next to the cricket pitch. 
  • Stay nearby: Siskin Cottage | sleeps 4 + 1 dog  

Lynton cottages


Best circular walks on Exmoor

Exmoor pony looking eastwards across Porlock and Bossington Hill. | Porlock village looking inward to its small harbour.

Porlock to Porlock Weir circular 

Visitors to Exmoor cannot miss out on a trip down to the lovely Porlock Weir. Tucked between the moors, Bossington Hill and the Bristol Channel, the Porlock circular is an absolute must. With a relatively level course, the trail has a variety of terrains that include a pebbly shoreline, woodlands, and a section across Porlock Marsh. Also, the trail offers a good excuse for a meander through the village of Porlock, where you can enjoy a beer in one of the pubs, or a spot of lunch at a cafe. Porlock and Porlock Weir are both as pretty as a picture and this loop is the perfect way to get to know them.

Good to know

  • How long is the Porlock circular? The Porlock circular is 4 miles long.
  • How difficult is the Porlock circular? Moderate. 
  • Where can I park my car for the Porlock circular? Porlock Weir car park, Porlock, TA23 8PB.
  • Are there any pubs along the Porlock circular? Yes, there are several pubs in Porlock, namely The Ship Inn where you can enjoy a good lunch most days. 
  • Stay nearby: Porlock Sunnyside | sleeps 6 + 1 dog

Porlock cottages


Sheep on Countisbury common | Three hikers head into the countryside on Exmoor.

Countisbury Common walk, near Minehead

If you want a wild walk to see Exmoor ponies then this short circular is bound to delight. This trail runs between Countisbury Common where you can see a herd of ponies and fantastic views across the high moorlands of the national park. There are photo opportunities galore at Butter Hill, Kipscombe Farm, and Barna Barrow. Please keep your dogs on a lead when you are on Countisbury Common due to the presence of livestock.

Good to know

  • How long is the Countisbury Common walk? The Countisbury Common walk is 3.5 miles long.
  • How difficult is the Countisbury Common walk? Easy to moderate. There are some steep inclines and unlevel pathways.
  • Where can I park my car at Countisbury Common? Countisbury Common car park walk, Countisbury, EX35 6NE.
  • Are there any pubs at Countisbury Common? No, the nearest pub is The Blue Ball Inn, 0.5 miles away.
  • Stay nearby: Whiteoaks | sleeps 8

Minehead cottages


Best dog-friendly walks on Exmoor

Male hiker at the peak of Dunkery Beacon in Exmoor.

Dunkery Beacon, near Wheddon Cross

Beautiful Dunkery Beacon is the highest point in Exmoor National Park and a great choice for a dog-friendly walk. The cairn at its summit stands at 519.5 metres and you can see across the Bristol Channel to South Wales. You’ve probably deduced that there is a steady climb involved for the first section of the walk, but the views make it worth the effort. The circular walk at Dunkery Beacon takes in Bronze Age barrows such as Great and Little Rowbarrow, Robin How Cairns, Journey How Cairns, and Kit Barrow. After a rainy spell, it can be very muddy, so your dogs will be very happy. Don’t wear your best trainers for this walk!

Good to know

  • How long is the Dunkery Beacon circular? The Dunkery Beacon circular is 3 miles long.
  • How difficult is the Dunkery Beacon circular? Moderate. About half of the way is a steady upward climb. Wear walking shoes.
  • Where can I park my car at Dunkery Beacon circular? Webber’s Post, Crook Horn Hill, TA24 8TB.
  • Are there any pubs along the Dunkery Beacon circular? No, Dunkery Beacon is located in a remote part of the national park but there is great picnic potential!
  • Stay nearby: Swallows Nest – Exmoor Farm Cottages | sleeps 2 + 1 dog

Wheddon Cross cottages


The night sky full of stars above Pinkery Pond on Exmoor.

Pinkery Pond and Moles Chamber walk, near Challacombe  

Another great dog-friendly walk on Exmoor is the Pinkery Pond and Moles Chamber walk. This 6-mile walk near Lynton and Lynmouth is also favoured by mountain bikers and long-distance runners. The course runs like a ribbon through grasslands and moorland terrain, taking in the gorgeous Pinkery Pond, the Bronze Age tumuli and barrows at Moles Chamber, and the River Barle. Dogs are bound to enjoy scampering about, sniffing trees, following scents, and getting very dirty – the path can get quite boggy in places. Here are some more suggestions for walks in Devon with your dog

Good to know

  • How long is the Pinkery Pond and Moles Chamber walk? The Pinkery Pond and Moles Chamber walk is 6 miles long.
  • How difficult is the Pinkery Pond and Moles Chamber walk? Easy to moderate. Boggy after rain.
  • Where can I park my car at the Pinkery Pond and Moles Chamber walk? There is no official parking for this walk. The closest road is the B3358.
  • Are there any pubs along the Pinkery Pond and Moles Chamber walk? No, the Pinkery Pond and Moles Chamber walk is located in a remote part of the national park but there is great picnic potential!
  • Stay nearby: The Stable | sleeps 2 + 1 dog

Challacombe cottages


Best river walks on Exmoor

The clapper bridge at Tarr Steps across a fast flowing river.

Tarr Steps walk, near Dulverton

A walk alongside a river can highlight so much life in nature. We wholeheartedly recommend a day trip to Tarr Steps where you can follow a trail through oak woodland along the river course of the Barle as it runs its way across Exmoor National Park. This is one of our favourite river walks in Devon with its gorgeous bridge made of stones. It’s a fun day out for all the family, even the dog. The walk is about 0.5 miles there and back so can be enjoyed by the elderly and the very young; in fact, it’s perfect for walkers of all abilities. There are toilet facilities in the car park for your convenience too. There is a longer walk to Dulverton and back for walkers looking for a challenge.

Good to know

  • How long is Tarr Steps walk? The Tarr Steps walk is 0.5 miles long.
  • How difficult is the Tarr Steps walk? Easy.
  • Where can I park my car at the Tarr Steps walk? Tarr Steps, near Dulverton, TA22 9PY. Charges apply.
  • Are there any pubs along the Tarr Steps walk? No, the nearest pub is very close by though, so seek out the Tarr Farm Inn (less than 0.25 miles).  
  • Stay nearby: The Lazy Sheep Barn | sleeps 10 + 3 dogs 

Dulverton cottages


Watersmeet House as seen from downstream in the gorge| The East River Lyn looking upstream through woodlands.

The Lynmouth to Watersmeet walk

This woodland gorge walk is one of our favourite Exmoor walks. Following the East Lyn River inland from the seaside village of Lynmouth, the path rises and falls. The river is a favourite with white river canoeists who love the fast and rocky course of the river. You can walk either side of the river to reach a cafe at the point where the East Lyn meets Hoar Oak Water. It’s such a picturesque walk which is best savoured at a leisurely pace on a warm day, as there is a lot of tree shade. There are lots of benches to stop for a picnic too. You are bound to encounter lots of families at the weekend, as this walk is popular with locals. It’s amazing. For more river walks in Devon, visit our helpful guide. 

Good to know

  • How long is the Lynmouth to Watersmeet walk? The Lynmouth to Watersmeet walk is 3 miles long.
  • How difficult is the Lynmouth to Watersmeet walk? Moderate.
  • Where can I park my car at the Lynmouth to Watersmeet walk? The are lots of car parks in Lynmouth. Charges apply.
  • Are there any pubs along the Lynmouth to Watersmeet walk? Yes, there are several pubs in central Lynmouth such as The Ancient Mariner
  • Stay nearby: Aberlyn | sleeps 4 + 1 dog

Map of the best walks on Exmoor

Check out our handy map that contains each of the places in this blog post. 

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