Welcome back to all our lovely readers. The other week we brought you a blog all about some of the beautiful walks you can enjoy on Dartmoor. Well, this week we wanted to talk to you about Devon’s other fantastic National Park, Exmoor. Exploring Exmoor is a fantastic activity to do while on holiday in Devon this year. It is peaceful, relaxing and a great way to explore the stunning countryside that makes up Devon and Exmoor. Unlike Dartmoor, Exmoor is a little softer in looks, it is made of moor, farmland, woodlands, rivers and coastline.
Lynmouth National Trust Circular Walk, Exmoor
One of the most famous Exmoor walks will be that of the Lynmouth circular walk via Watersmeet. Lynmouth is a stunning fishing village, sandwiched in the middle of Exmoor. The sweet town is filled with fantastic, boutique shops and food places which makes it a fantastic tourist spot. Lynmouth also has the twin town of Lynton which sits 500ft above. Lynton is another picturesque village and you can get there from Lynmouth by the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. This alone is a great family activity and a stunning way to see beautiful views over Lynmouth. For those wanting to feel the waves between their toes, there is a small pebbled beach at Lynmouth which you can walk along. However, for those wanting to get their walking boots out, there is a brilliant circular route that goes via Watersmeet. Starting in Lynmouth you begin your ascent up the North Devon Coastline, providing you with some beautiful views, before turning into the rolling farmland and finally into woodland where you will find Watersmeet. This is a National Trust site which serves tea, coffee and food. The walk continues to meander following the river back to Lynmouth.
Tarr Steps, Exmoor
Another one of Exmoor walks that has been enjoyed by many is that of Tarr Steps. It is Famous for its ‘Clapper Bridge’ which is the longest and oldest of its kind in Great Britain, dating back hundreds if not thousands of years! There are two walks that can be enjoyed at Tarr Steps depending on your energy levels! There is a short circular route which takes you across the river, around some of the beautiful woodland that surrounds the Tarr Steps and then back over the river using the Clapper Bridge. For those feeling a little bit more adventurous, there is a longer circular route to be enjoyed. Starting at the lovely pub situated at Tarr Steps, you walk right down the Tarr Steps, following the river for around 2 miles. You will reach an area of open grassland where you want to turn right across the grassland and into the woods. Continue on this path and through several gates until you reach Withypool. Pass the Royal Oak Inn, or even pop in for a half-way drink and then cross over the Withypool bridge. You will walk uphill towards Hawkridge which will provide you with stunning views of Exmoor. Keep walking until you reach Westwater Farm before turning onto the path signalled Tarr Steps.
Valley of the Rocks, Exmoor
One of the Exmoor walks which showcases the moors stunning, rugged coastline is the Valley of The Rocks. The theory suggests that the River Lyne used to go through the valley but then changed its course to reach the sea at Lynmouth. There are several spots where you can stop and go for a climb to enjoy the stunning views over the sea. However, one walk to be enjoyed starts at the Exmoor National Park car park at the eastern entrance to the valley. Once parked you cross the road and follow the footpath directly ahead which follows the western section of Hollerday Hill. The path will reach a T-juntion at which you will turn left and stroll along the South West Coast Path with stunning views of the sea to the right. During your walk along the coastline, you may spot a feral goat or two! During the walk, you will reach a roundabout style spot where you can descend down a path to a secluded shingle beach, the perfect spot for a picnic. Back on the path, you will descend towards Lee Abbey, steer left from the mansion and start a gentle incline, as you approach a woodland,take a sharp left and follow along the bridle path. When you reach a switchback, leave the bridleway and go straight ahead along a trail that zig-zags through the heather to join a path leading east above South Cleave. Stay on this path and it will lead back to the car park where you started.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed this blog and have been inspired to grab your walking boots and head out onto Exmoor. If you want to learn more about our accommodation click here, or alternatively read our previous blog about walks on Dartmoor.