Discover five of the best short walks on Exmoor
Designated as a national park in 1954, Exmoor is one of England’s most distinctive landscapes, where rolling moorland meets a dramatic coastline of high cliffs and secluded coves. Straddling the counties of Somerset and Devon, the area is known for its wild open spaces, the South West Coast Path and the famous Exmoor ponies that roam freely across the hills. Each of the walks described here is perfect for a relaxed day out and can be completed in under three hours, combining well-known highlights with quieter corners of this beautiful region.
15 Short Walks on Exmoor
£9.95
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.
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The best walk to see Exmoor Ponies...
What: Haddon Hill and Wimbleball Lake
Summary: Enjoy views from Haddon Hill, explore the open heathland – good for seeing Exmoor ponies – and visit a dam
Start/finish: Haddon Hill car park
Time: 2½hr
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Climb: 175m
The first part of this relatively easy walk follows tracks and paths as it heads over open heath, visiting Haddon Hill with its views over Wimbleball Lake before meandering alongside woodland. After a quick visit to the dam, it’s off through a meadow before climbing up through woods. The final section follows a level route along the top edge of the heath back to the car park. The walk can easily be split into two shorter loops, if preferred.
The best walk to see unique rock formations...
What: Lynton and the Valley of Rocks
Summary: A coastal walk exploring the fascinating Valley of Rocks and climbing South Cleave and Hollerday Hill
Start/finish: Bottom Meadow car park, Lynton
Time: 3hr
Distance: 5¼ miles
Climb: 210m
From Lynton this rollercoaster walk follows the coast path past the fascinating Valley of Rocks. On reaching Lee Abbey, it’s a stiff climb before following the other side of the valley for more views. After dropping back into the valley the last section skirts round Hollerday Hill then heads back to Lynton. A shorter walk misses out the hilly bit above Lee Abbey. While you are in Lynton take a ride on the world-famous cliff railway.
The best walk for picturesque riverside rambles...
What: Tarr Steps and the River Barle
Summary: Cross a popular clapper bridge, wander along a wooded riverside path and return through open fields
Start/finish: Tarr Steps car park
Time: 1½hr
Distance: 4.5km (2¾ miles)
Climb: 180m
After crossing the picturesque Tarr Steps clapper bridge this walk meanders through woodland beside the River Barle before crossing back via a footbridge. Then it’s off up Watery Lane – as the name suggests it can be a bit wet after heavy rain – to Knaplock. From here head down through fields, admiring the views on the way back towards Tarr Steps. A slightly shorter, and much easier, return is also given. If the river is in flood, save this walk for another day.
The best walk for epic coastal views...
What: Combe Martin and Great Hangman
Summary: A hilly coastal walk from Combe Martin, offering views from Little and Great Hangman
Start/finish: Combe Martin museum, Cross Street
Time: 2¾hr
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Climb: 390m
Combe Martin, tucked on the western edge of Exmoor, is the start point for a coastal walk along part of the South West Coast Path high above sea cliffs, visiting Little and Great Hangman for some brilliant views. Back in the village visit the museum or head to the beach. A shorter walk to Little Hangman is also possible.
The best walk to experience a woodland walk on the South West Coast Path...
What: Porlock Weir and Culbone church
Summary: From Porlock Weir the route soon follows the coast path up through woods to a secluded church before heading back along the Coleridge Way
Start/finish: Porlock Weir
Time: 3hr
Distance: 8.5km (5¼ miles)
Climb: 400m
From the harbour settlement of Porlock Weir with its picturesque thatched buildings, the route soon makes a steady climb (which is steep at first) through Yearnor Wood up to Culbone church. Then it’s another steep climb up towards Silcombe Farm. From here the walk becomes easier, following the Coleridge Way along quiet lanes before heading down through Worthy Wood back to Porlock Weir.
