15 Short Walks on Exmoor

Experience the diverse and unspoilt landscapes of Exmoor, where open heather moorland, rugged coastal cliffs, ancient woodland and characterful villages combine to create a truly memorable walking destination.

This collection of 15 short walks in Exmoor National Park has been carefully designed to be completed in under three hours, with circular routes ideal for families, weekend explorers, and anyone wanting to enjoy spectacular scenery without tackling a longer hike.

Routes range from 4.5 to 11km (3 to 7 miles) and feature clear step-by-step directions alongside Ordnance Survey maps and GPX files, helping you navigate Exmoor’s moorland paths, coastal trails, wooded valleys and quiet country tracks with ease
Explore some of Exmoor’s most iconic landscapes, including panoramic views from Dunkery Beacon, the dramatic rock formations of the Valley of Rocks, the historic riverside setting of Tarr Steps and the South West Coast Path
Each walk includes helpful practical information such as parking details, terrain descriptions, public transport options and suggestions for nearby cafés or pubs in towns and villages like Combe Martin, Lynton and Simonsbath, making it easy to organise relaxed half-day adventures
Along the way, uncover Exmoor’s rich heritage and wildlife, from picturesque villages and centuries-old bridges to ancient woodland habitats where red deer and Exmoor ponies are often seen
Several routes offer optional variations to shorten or extend the distance, allowing you to tailor each walk to your time available, weather conditions or preferred level of challenge


From sweeping coastal viewpoints and high moorland ridges to peaceful riverside paths and charming rural villages, Exmoor offers remarkable variety within a compact landscape. With this easy-to-use Cicerone Short Walks guidebook, you can explore the national park with confidence, discovering its scenery, history and wildlife through a series of rewarding short walks.

Seasons

Can be undertaken year-round, however, the seasons bring with them different expectations. From October to the end of March is generally the wettest period, with occasionally snow and frost, especially high up. April through to the end of September is typically the driest and warmest period, however, the weather can be unpredictable, so always be prepared.

Centres

Within the National Park: Combe Martin, Dunster, Dulverton, Lynton & Lynmouth, Porlock and Simonsbath; outside the National Park there is Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Minehead, Tiverton, and Watchet.

Difficulty

The walks have been chosen so that they are relatively easy to undertake and follow tracks and paths that are reasonably well signposted and cared for. However, paths can become muddy/slippery after wet weather, the walks are hilly – especially the coastal walks – and involve a reasonable amount of ascent and descent; some of the coastal paths are narrow – so care is required.

Must See

Dunkery Beacon – Exmoor’s highest hill at 519m; the fascinating rock structures of the Valley of Rocks; Lynton & Lynmouth cliff railway; Culbone Church – possibly the smallest complete parish church in England; Tarr Steps – a rather well-know ancient clapper bridge; picturesque Allerford and Selworthy; Great Hangman – highest point on the South West Coast Path; Dulverton – a historic market town; Dunster and its castle; Badgworthy Water and Malmsmead – made famous through the fictional Lorna Doone.