The best walks and hikes in Exmoor

Yes, Exmoor is very welcoming to dogs. Many trails are suitable, but it's best to keep your dog on a lead, especially on moorland where livestock graze and near cliff edges. A great option is the Heddon Valley & Woody Bay loop, which starts from the dog-friendly Hunter's Inn and offers a mix of woodland and coastal scenery.

Many circular routes in Exmoor are designed to start or finish near a traditional pub. For a classic experience, the walk around the ancient Tarr Steps often includes a stop at the nearby pub for refreshments. This area offers beautiful riverside paths along the River Barle.

The Exmoor section of the South West Coast Path is known for having the highest cliffs in mainland Britain, offering dramatic views. A particularly rewarding stretch is the hike to Little Hangman from Combe Martin. This route provides spectacular coastal panoramas over the Bristol Channel.

Exmoor has numerous gentle walks perfect for families. The area around the Holnicote Estate offers several easy-going paths, such as the walk from the picturesque village of Bossington to the pebble beach. Another popular choice is the flat, accessible path around Wimbleball Lake.

While a car offers the most flexibility, you can reach Exmoor via public transport. The nearest mainline train stations are Taunton and Tiverton Parkway. From there, local bus services run to key towns and villages within the park, such as Minehead, Lynton, and Dunster, which serve as excellent starting points for many hikes.

The walks around Watersmeet are famous for their stunning woodland and river scenery, where the East Lyn River meets Hoar Oak Water. Key highlights include the lush, steep-sided gorge, a series of small waterfalls, and the historic Watersmeet House, now a National Trust tea garden. The trails offer a peaceful and picturesque experience.

The hike to Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor's highest point at 519 meters, is generally considered a moderate challenge. The ascent is steady but not overly steep from most starting points, like Dunkery Gate car park. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views across the moorland, the coast, and even to Wales on a clear day.

Exmoor was Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve, making it a prime location for stargazing. Open moorland spots away from village lights are best. Popular locations include Holdstone Hill, County Gate, Brendon Two Gates, and Webbers Post, all of which offer wide, unobstructed views of the night sky.

Yes, several long-distance paths cross Exmoor. The most famous is the South West Coast Path, which starts in Minehead. Another significant route is the Coleridge Way, a 51-mile (82 km) trail that runs from Nether Stowey in the Quantocks, through Exmoor, to Lynmouth, inspired by the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

The komoot community rates hikes in Exmoor very highly. Reviewers frequently praise the incredible diversity of the landscape, from the wild, open moorlands and dramatic coastal cliffs to the tranquil, wooded river valleys. The feeling of remoteness and the well-maintained network of paths are also common highlights.

For a rewarding challenge, consider the Watersmeet & the Valley of the Rocks loop from Lynmouth. This nearly 10-mile (16 km) route combines two of Exmoor's most iconic landscapes, involving significant elevation gain as you traverse from the lush river valley up to the dramatic coastal cliffs.

Hikers in Exmoor are drawn to several highly-regarded spots. The Valley of Rocks is a top-rated local favorite, known for its unique geology and resident wild goats. For incredible views, Bossington Hill is another popular choice, offering panoramic vistas over the coast. And of course, the wider Exmoor National Park itself is celebrated for its vast, open moorlands and extensive network of trails.