Best walks & walking routes in Exmoor
Sitting on the edge of Somerset, Exmoor National Park covers an area of approximately 692 square kilometres and includes the highest land point in South West England, Dunkery Beacon, at 535 metres above sea level.
In this awesome expanse of open countryside, you'll find some of England's best walks, from short rambles to challenging hikes that take in some of Exmoor's most dramatic scenery. Here are the top walks in Exmoor National Park, which are all a great day out when you stay with us at the delightful Doniford Bay Holiday Park.
Tarr Steps Walking Route
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: moderate, tricky in places
If you're looking for some of the most well-preserved remnants of ancient history on the moors, then Tarr Steps should be your first stop. The steps were built to lead over the Barle Valley and up onto the moorlands, following a route created by the Romans more than 2000 years ago.
Tarr Steps is also an important part of heritage tourism as it offers superb views across Blackworthy Water and is only accessible from the Higher Tarr Farm car park. Accessibility can be tricky, so make sure you call ahead if there are mobility or accessibility needs in your group. There's also a cafe there with tea, coffee and cakes with the proceeds going towards the upkeep of the steps, and there are walking sticks available to borrow at no charge if you need them.
Dunster Circular Walking Route
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: moderate
This circular walk begins from Dunster and heads to Stoke Pero before returning via Holnicote. Passing along the coast, you can enjoy long views stretching from Lynmouth Bay to Westward Ho! as well as inland towards South Hill and then over the moors to Cothelstone.
Along the way, there are also plenty of amazing villages to explore, so make sure you make time for this looping walk in Exmoor National Park. For wildlife lovers, it is an absolute must to include on your list of trails. Enjoy some fantastic natural sightings, with around 75% of the UK's butterfly species found in Somerset and Cornwall to be seen here too!
Wimbleball Lake Walking Route
Distance: 3 miles, 9 miles around the entire perimeter of the lake
Difficulty: moderate
Near Bridgwater and Minehead, the village of Woolacombe on the south coast has a lovely seaside feel. With its long promenade and wide beach, it's also dog-friendly, with cafes, bars and souvenir shops that welcome man's best friend. The countryside around is mostly farmland but with spectacular views across hills. There are plenty of opportunities for country pursuits - you can even try clay pigeon shooting if you're so inclined.
There are plenty of great day hikes from the south coast, too. For example, the trail up to Wimbleball Lake is said to be one of Exmoor's most beautiful routes, taking in rugged scenery and dramatic coastal paths. It's about a six-mile-round trip and takes about four hours, but there are other shorter walks nearby. You'll need sturdy footwear or boots to tackle this terrain, which is reasonably steep at times, especially at the start, where you climb up onto the moorland plateau.
Dunkery Beacon Walking Routes
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Hard
The peak of Dunkery Beacon is the highest hill found within the National Park. The views from the 2,519ft top stretch for miles, and although it's a challenging climb, it’s achievable for most reasonably fit walkers.
When you get to the top, make sure you go inside one of the two Jubilee Cairns and admire the beautiful views. It has a number of trails and tracks, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot. There are also good facilities at the summit with benches, picnic tables and sheltering walls. If you're feeling adventurous, there are even a few little ledges to climb on, or if you want to experience some adrenaline, why not try paragliding?
Porlock Weir circular walking route
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: moderate, steep in places
For any visitor to the lowland West Somerset coast of Exmoor, Porlock Weir is a must-see. And it's also a must-visit. On one side, you'll have views of Poole Bay, and on the other side, you'll have vistas up towards Simonsbath and Heddon Hill with its trig point and Iron Age hill fort.
It's not too long at 5 miles, but there are two steep hills to climb (one about 3/4 of the way round), so this is a challenge in places!
Combe Martin & Croyde Walking Route
Difficulty: 4.5 miles
Distance: Moderate
The coastal village of Combe Martin and the inland village of Croyde are wonderfully different but offer some of the best walking routes in Exmoor. A particular highlight is the Croyde Beach Loop Trail.
This walk starts from Lynton and takes you past the dramatic cliffs of the highland crags to Croyde Bay and then around the coast to Combe Martin. Walking along this stretch is not recommended when the tide is out or before 9am or after 5pm as there are cliff edges that can pose safety issues. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy yourself as you explore these beautiful coastal paths. Dogs are allowed on most long-distance routes; however, they must be kept on a lead at all times.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway path walking route
Distance: 862 feet
Difficulty: steep!
This path is a rare example of a railway not powered by steam but by water. The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway opened on 22 September 1898 to carry passengers from the top of the cliffs at Lynmouth down to Lynton below. It has been working continuously ever since - one of only three remaining cliff railways in England and Wales still operating today.
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Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.