The best running trails in Exmoor

Exmoor National Park offers a vast network of trails for runners. On komoot, you can find over 190 jogging routes, catering to various fitness levels and preferences. This extensive network ensures a multitude of options, from easy runs to challenging trail experiences.

Exmoor's running trails feature a diverse range of terrains. You'll encounter expansive open moorland, ancient woodlands, and dramatic coastal paths. The region is characterized by varied gradients, from gentle slopes to challenging ascents, often through river valleys carved by waterways like the Barle and East Lyn. The highest coastline on the British mainland also offers towering craggy cliffs and impressive dry valleys.

Yes, Exmoor offers routes suitable for families. While many trails involve varied terrain, some are more moderate. For example, The Valley of Rocks loop is a moderate 5.3 miles (8.6 km) path featuring impressive dry valleys and unique rock formations, where you might even spot wild goats. You can find more details about this route here: The Valley of Rocks loop.

Many trails in Exmoor National Park are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs under close control, especially on open moorland where livestock or ground-nesting birds may be present. Always check local signage for specific restrictions. A good option for a run with your dog could be the Haddon Hill and Wimbleball Dam loop, a moderate 10.7 km route that offers varied scenery.

Exmoor is rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can run past the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, explore the dramatic rock formations of the Valley of Rocks, or ascend to Dunkery Beacon Summit, Exmoor's highest point, for panoramic views. Other highlights include Selworthy Beacon and the picturesque Lorna Doone Valley.

Yes, many of Exmoor's trails are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An excellent example is the challenging Heddon Valley & Woody Bay loop from the Hunter's Inn, a 9.9 km trail that takes you through ancient woodlands and along the dramatic coastline. Find more information here: Heddon Valley & Woody Bay loop.

Exmoor offers rewarding jogging experiences year-round, but each season has its charm. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while summer provides longer daylight hours and generally drier conditions. Autumn showcases stunning foliage, and winter, though colder, can offer crisp, clear views across the moorland. Always be prepared for changeable weather, especially on higher ground and coastal paths.

While Exmoor is known for its rivers and valleys, prominent waterfalls are less common than in some other regions. However, you can explore areas like Glen Lyn Gorge, which features cascades, or the Waterfall in Western Cliff Wood. These areas offer picturesque scenery and can be incorporated into longer runs.

The komoot community highly rates Exmoor's running trails, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 18 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse landscapes, from the expansive moorland to the dramatic coastline, and the sense of freedom and solitude these trails offer. The variety of routes, catering to different fitness levels, is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.

Absolutely. Exmoor is well-suited for challenging trail running, with many routes featuring significant elevation changes and rugged terrain. For instance, the Selworthy Beacon & Hurlstone Point loop from Selworthy is a difficult 15.9 km trail leading through coastal hills and along the rugged shoreline, offering a demanding yet rewarding experience. You can find this route here: Selworthy Beacon & Hurlstone Point loop.

Many popular trailheads and villages in Exmoor National Park offer parking facilities. For example, routes like the Heddon Valley loop often start from locations with designated parking, such as near the Hunter's Inn. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for parking information relevant to your chosen starting point.

Yes, Exmoor hosts various organized running events throughout the year, catering to different fitness levels. These include challenges like the Maverick Exmoor, with distances ranging from 15km to 58km, and the South West Coast 50 challenge. These events provide excellent opportunities to experience the park's diverse landscapes in a structured and communal way. For more information on events, you might check local tourism sites like Visit Exmoor.