Best walks in Exmoor National Park

By Daniel Graham

Published: Wednesday, 25 January 2023 at 12:00 am

Exmoor National Park is situated on the north coast of Devon and Somerset. The area was designated as a national park in 1954 and, today, its 267 square miles offer outdoor enthusiasts numerous opportunities for exploration.

A network of footpaths mesh the park, rambling over moorland and farmland, dropping through ancient woodland and navigating spectacular clifftops. It’s a wild landscape, home to a vast range of flora and fauna, including red deer, otters, butterflies and bats.

Visitors to the area can find refuge in one of the many pretty villages or small towns that span Exmoor – from the coastal settlements of Linton, Lynmouth, Porlock and Combe Martin, to the inland communities of Dulverton, Exford and Simonsbath.

Our guide explores some of the best walks in Exmoor. Click on the links to find out more about the routes, including a path descriptions and maps.

Learn more about Britain’s national parks

What is a national park, how many national parks are there in the UK, and where is the nearest one to you? Our guide to the UK’s 15 spectacular national parks looks at the history of each, how to visit them, the best walking routes, and local wildlife to spot.

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Exmoor walks

Tarr Steps, Somerset

7.3 miles | 4 hours | moderate

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Tarr Steps are one of the highlights of Exmoor/Credit: Getty

Tarr Steps is one of Exmoor’s true hidden treasures and a firm favourite with visitors – once you’ve discovered it you’ll find yourself drawn back time and time. This gentle seven-mile ramble meanders alongside the river before looping through Withypool and climbing for gorgeous views over Exmoor.

Route details

  • 11.7km/7.3 mile
  • 4 hours
  • moderate

Map and route

"Tarr

Valley of Rocks, Devon

3.6 miles | 2 hours | moderate

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Cloud drifts around the Valley of Rocks on the Exmoor coast/Credit: Getty

On a quiet day, there’s a lost world feel to North Devon’s enigmatic Valley of Rocks, despite the serpentine ribbon of road that curls through the vale in the place where a river once ran. Exult in towering sea cliffs where feral goats clamber skilfully between Devonian crags on this short circular walk around the rocky coastal valley.

Route details

  • 5.8km/3.6miles
  • 2 hours
  • Moderate

Map and route

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Porlock Bay, Somerset

8.5 miles | 5 hours | moderate–challenging

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Porlock Bay after a storm, Somerset/Credit: Jake Graham

The coastline between the tiny harbour at Porlock Weir and rugged Hurlstone Point comprises wildlife-rich salt and freshwater marshland, dramatic storm beaches and gnarled cliffs. Discover Porlock Bay with a nine-mile circular walk, ending with a relaxing drink the among books, sofas and firelight at Porlock Weir’s quirky Millers at the Anchor inn.

Route details

  • 13.6km/8.5 miles
  • 5 hours
  • Moderate/hard

Map and route

"Porlock

Dunster, Somerset

4 miles | 2.5 hours | easy–moderate

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Explore the village of Dunster/Credit: Getty

High on a hill in north-east Exmoor, medieval Dunster Castle looks down upon historic Dunster and its bustling gift shops. It’s a magical scene best enjoyed after a circular walk through the surrounding countryside

Route details

  • 6.4km/4 miles
  • 2.5 hours
  • Easy/moderate

Map and route

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Horner Valley, Somerset

4.8 miles | 3 hours | moderate

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Spot wood warblers and a host of other wildlife in Horner Wood/Credit: Getty

The Horner Valley and its surroundings, including the Vale of Porlock and Exmoor’s highest point Dunkery Beacon, lies within the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate, once owned by the Acland family. nestles by Horner Water, ideally situated for excursions on horseback or foot. This wonderful four-mile bridle trail explores Exmoor’s ancient oak woodlands – the perfect walk for wildlife-spotting.

Route details

  • 7.8km/4.8 miles
  • 3 hours
  • Moderate

Map and route

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Elwill Bay, Devon

7.4 miles | 4 hours | moderate

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Gorse blooms in summer on the Devon cliffs above Elwill Bay/Credit: Getty

Begin in a verdant inland valley before striking out on to the South West Coast Path with beautiful views across Elwill Bay on this eight-mile coast walk.

Route details

  • 11.9km/7.4 miles
  • 4 hours
  • Moderate

Map and route

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East Lyn River, Devon

6.8 miles | 4 hours | moderate

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Confluence of East Lyn River and Hoar Oak water at Watersmeet/Credit: Getty

Rising high above Exmoor, the East Lyn River flows through the East Lyn Valley in Devon to the picturesque village of Lynmouth. This beautiful six-mile walk begins at Lynmouth in the Exmoor National Park and follows the East Lyn River upstream to Rockford before heading back to the coast.

Route details

  • 11km/6.8 miles
  • 4 hours
  • Moderate

Map and route

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