The 14 Most Amazing Peaks in Exmoor

The highest point in Exmoor, and indeed in Somerset, is Dunkery Beacon Summit. Standing at 519 meters (1,703 ft), it offers extensive panoramic views over the surrounding moorland, the Bristol Channel, and on clear days, can stretch up to 86 miles away, encompassing the Brecon Beacons, Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor, and the Severn Bridges.

For breathtaking panoramic views, Dunkery Beacon Summit is unparalleled, offering vistas across the Bristol Channel, Wales, Exmoor, and Dartmoor. Selworthy Beacon also provides magnificent views over the rolling countryside and out to sea towards the south coast of Wales. Additionally, Bat's Castle Iron Age Hillfort offers superb views in every direction, including Dunster Castle and the Bristol Channel.

Yes, Exmoor's peaks are rich in history. Dunkery Beacon Summit has evidence of human occupation since the Bronze Age, including several burial mounds. Bat's Castle Iron Age Hillfort is a significant Iron Age site with clearly visible earthworks. Haddon Hill Trig Point was home to a U.S. Army military camp during World War II, adding a touch of more recent history.

Exmoor's peaks offer diverse terrain, ranging from open moorland at Dunkery Beacon Summit and Haddon Hill Trig Point, to dramatic coastal cliffs at Little Hangman and Great Hangman. You'll also find ancient woodlands and historical hillforts like Bat's Castle Iron Age Hillfort. The paths can vary from gentle climbs to challenging ascents, often with exposed sections on the moorland.

While many routes can be challenging, there are options for families. For example, a shorter, gentle climb to Dunkery Beacon Summit is possible from Dunkery Gate car park. The area around Haddon Hill Trig Point is also easily accessible and offers beautiful views. For easy hikes in the broader Exmoor area, you can explore routes like the Dunster Castle, Bat's Castle & Gallox Bridge loop from Dunster.

For dramatic coastal views, the Hangman Hills are a must-see. Little Hangman, along with its 'big brother' Great Hangman, forms some of the highest sea cliffs on mainland Britain, offering spectacular vistas of Exmoor's rugged coastline and the Bristol Channel. Selworthy Beacon also provides stunning coastal views where Exmoor meets the sea.

Beyond hiking to the peaks themselves, Exmoor offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the Selworthy Beacon & Hurlstone Point loop from Selworthy. Mountain biking is also popular, with routes like the Selworthy, Horner Woods & Periton Hill loop from Minehead. For more relaxed exploration, there are many easy hikes in Exmoor, including the Dunkery Beacon & Great Rowbarrow loop from Dunkery Gate.

Yes, there are many recommended hiking trails. For a classic experience, consider the Dunkery Beacon & Great Rowbarrow loop from Dunkery Gate, which offers a relatively easy ascent to Exmoor's highest point. The South West Coast Path also ascends Selworthy Beacon and traverses the dramatic Hangman Hills, providing challenging and rewarding experiences. For more options, explore the easy hikes in Exmoor guide.

Dunkery Beacon Summit is popular for several reasons: it's the highest point in Exmoor and Somerset, offering unparalleled panoramic views. Its rich history, including Bronze Age burial mounds, adds cultural interest. It's also a popular spot for hikers, with various routes to the summit, and the chance to spot Exmoor ponies on the way enhances the natural experience.

Many of Exmoor's peaks offer good accessibility. For Dunkery Beacon Summit, there's a shorter, gentle climb from Dunkery Gate car park. Selworthy Beacon has a road leading directly to the top. Haddon Hill Trig Point is easily accessible from Bury or a nearby parking area, making it convenient for visitors.

Exmoor is renowned for its wildlife. When exploring the mountain trails, you might spot the iconic Exmoor ponies, which roam freely across the moorland, particularly around areas like Dunkery Beacon Summit. The diverse landscape also supports various bird species and other moorland animals, making wildlife spotting a rewarding part of your visit.

Selworthy Beacon is known for its accessible yet stunning coastal views across the Bristol Channel to the south coast of Wales. It's a prominent hill and Marilyn within Exmoor National Park, easily reachable by road to the top. It's also a key point along the South West Coast Path, offering a unique landscape where Exmoor's moorland meets the sea.

While popular spots like Dunkery Beacon Summit can attract visitors, Exmoor has many other elevated areas that offer unique moorland experiences and can be less crowded. Peaks such as Great Rowbarrow (510m), Five Barrows Hill (493m), and Chains Barrow (487m) provide various elevations and opportunities for solitude amidst the natural beauty of the park.