Walking holidays, tours and vacations in Exmoor, England, UK

Smugglers' tales and moorland trails

Exmoor sits in an often by-passed shoulder of the west country peninsula, and once out of the old mining centre of Combe Martin, 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, Rockford, Exford, Dunster: your path starts along the sea, with almost three 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 (as per 'Itinerary'): 7 nights, but why not add an extra rest day along the route?

Suggested shorter alternatives: 6-night option (miss night 3 and day 4's optional walking); 5-night option (miss nights 3 and 5 and days 4 and 6 walking).