A self-guided hike along the North Devon coast and on wild Exmoor.  Starting at Barnstaple, the route hugs the cliffs from Ilfracombe via Hunters Inn to Lynmouth, and then winds up the East Lyn valley to Brendon, the Doone Valley and Exford, Tarr Steps, Dunkery Beacon and ancient Dunster Castle.

Smugglers' tales and moorland trails

Exmoor sits in an often by-passed shoulder of the west country peninsula; it's easy to forget civilisation, with the sea breaking against rearing cliffs on one side and on the other the wild, wide expanse of bracken-covered moor. Barnstaple, Hunters Inn, Brendon, Exford, Dunster: your path starts along the sea, with two days of cliff walking, before striking inland along the Doone Valley and across the wildest part of Exmoor to Exford, nestling in the very centre, with its famous pubs and hunting patrimony. Then a gentle but highly picturesque circuit, taking in the old clapper bridge at Tarr Steps and a pub lunch before your return walk, high above the Exe valley.  Your final day takes you over Dunkery Beacon, before descending once more and entering old Dunster in triumph over Gallox bridge. Spend an extra day here if you can, to see the castle, and then home on the steam railway to Taunton (almost!). Walked by On Foot staff: Simon and Debbie.

Standard option (7-nights as per 'Itinerary'). Suggested shorter alternatives: 6-night option (leave your car at Hunter's Inn, miss Day 2 walk); 5-night option (miss nights 3 and 5 and days 4 and 6 walking).