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15 Short Walks on Exmoor

ISBN

9781786311900

Availability

Published

14 Oct 2024

Edition

First

Pages

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x .60cm

Weight

120g

Delivery & Returns

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Discover 15 of the best short walks on Exmoor. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.

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.

ISBN

9781786311900

Availability

Published

14 Oct 2024

Edition

First

Pages

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x .60cm

Weight

120g

Delivery & Returns

Overview

Would you like to explore the best of Exmoor? This guidebook covers 15 of the area's best short walks (between 4.5 and 11km, all under three hours) including Dunkery Beacon, Valley of Rocks, Allerford, Selworthy, Tarr Steps, Great Hangman, Dunster and Malmsmead.

Why choose this guidebook?

Easy to moderate walks suitable for almost everyone
Short climbs but no challenging terrain
Numbered points which tie maps to clear route description
Details of public toilets and refreshments along the route
Route Summary Table to help you choose your walk

Cicerone’s Short Walks guidebooks contain everything you need to get outdoors and discover the best of an area. The routes are perfect if you’re new to walking or looking for something you can enjoy with the whole family. Let the adventures begin!

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Location of walks

Map key

Using this guide

Route summary table

Introduction

Walking on Exmoor

Where to stay

Travel

The walks

1. Combe Martin and Great Hangman

2. Hunter’s Inn and Martinhoe

3. Lynton and the Valley of Rocks

4. Lynmouth and Watersmeet

5. The Foreland

6. Simonsbath and the Barle Valley

7. Lorna Doone Country

8. Porlock Weir and Culbone church

9. Tarr Steps and the River Barle

10. Dunkery Beacon

11. Allerford and Selworthy

12. Dulverton and Marsh Bridge

13. Haddon Hill and Wimbleball Lake

14. Luxborough and Withycombe Common

15. Dunster and Bat’s Castle

Useful information

Updates

June 2025

Walk 9 – Tarr Steps and the River Barle

The footbridge across the River Barle between Point 2 and Point 3 has been closed for safety reasons; currently, Exmoor National Park has not provided a timescale for the re-opening of the bridge (for information/map visit: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/150194/Hinds-Pitt-Bridge-closed.pdf).

Therefore, there are two options to modify this walk depending on the length of walk you want to undertake:

Option 1 (shorter linear walk): Follow the route description as far as Point 2 and then retrace your route back to the start.

Option 2 (longer circular walk): Follow the route description down towards Tarr Steps. Do not cross the clapper bridge, but instead, after passing Tarr Farm Inn, turn right and follow a path upstream with the River Barle on your left. Later cross a footbridge over a side stream to arrive at a junction (Point 3). Turn right up Watery Lane and continue with the main route description.

May 2025

Walk 11 - Allerford and Selworthy

There is a tea room at Allerford – Allerford Village Shop and Tea Room – very near the Start of the walk, along with a tea room– Periwinkle Tea Room – at Selworthy (near Point 2)

Updated route text:

Point 1 - Stand facing the Allerford Museum with the Allerford Village Shop and Tea Room off to the left and turn right along the road. At the corner, turn left across the scenic footbridge over the River Aller and head up the lane.

Downloads

15 Short Walks on Exmoor - GPX File

By Steve Davison

Steve Davison is a writer and photographer who has written a number of books, including several guidebooks published by Cicerone. He has also written articles for a range of outdoor magazines and other publications. A keen hill walker for most of his life, with interests in nature, geology and the countryside, Steve is a qualified Mountain Leader and has also previously worked as a part-time outdoor education instructor. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild. Find out more about him at www.stevedavison.co.uk.

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