The Best Resources for Walking on Exmoor
There’s no better way to experience the magic of Exmoor than on foot. From heather-covered hills to windswept cliffs and shaded woodland trails, the landscape is endlessly varied — and endlessly walkable.
Whether you’re planning a gentle dog-friendly stroll or a full-day hike across open moorland, the key to a great walk is knowing where to look. Exmoor is blessed with superb walking routes — and a wealth of resources to help you discover them. From national trail maps to downloadable GPX files, here’s our guide to the best walking route resources, including a few favourites from our own Exmoor walking blog.
🗺 Ordnance Survey – Classic Maps & the OS Maps App
If you’re walking on Exmoor, an OS map is your best friend. The OS Explorer OL9 map covers the whole National Park, showing every public right of way, bridle path and contour line. Ideal for planning off-the-beaten-track adventures.
Prefer digital? The OS Maps app lets you explore walking routes, download offline maps, and view 3D terrain — great if you’re venturing deep into the moors. This one’s a must-have for keen walkers.
💻 Outdooractive – Handy Route Finder
Outdooractive is an excellent online tool packed with ready-made walking routes. Each includes a detailed map, elevation profile, distance, and duration, plus user ratings and GPX files to download.
It’s especially helpful if you’re visiting a new part of Exmoor and want to see what others recommend. Many circular routes are included, ranging from short ambles to more demanding hikes.
📚 Pocket Mountains: Exmoor Walks Book
This compact guidebook — Exmoor: 40 Favourite Walks — is a joy for anyone who likes having a physical book in their rucksack. Each walk is circular, easy to follow, and includes practical notes and maps. A great way to explore new areas at your own pace.
🥾 Exmoor National Park – Walks for Everyone
The official National Park website is packed with downloadable routes, including themed walks and ‘Miles Without Stiles’ for those seeking easier terrain. It’s a brilliant resource for family walks, buggy-friendly paths and gentle moorland rambles.
You can also pick up free printed circular walk leaflets at the National Park Centres in Dulverton, Lynmouth, or Dunster. They often include hidden gems not listed elsewhere — and the staff are always happy to offer advice.
🌍 AllTrails – Community-Powered Reviews
AllTrails is another fantastic way to browse circular walks in Exmoor. Each route comes with user reviews, difficulty ratings, photos, and details on dog-friendliness. It’s a great tool for checking recent trail conditions and filtering options to suit your needs.
🌿 The Two Moors Way
Stretching 117 miles from Lynmouth on the North Devon coast to Ivybridge on the southern edge of Dartmoor, the Two Moors Way connects two National Parks in one unforgettable route.
The Exmoor section winds through quiet valleys, ancient tracks and open heather moor. Even if you’re not walking the whole thing, you can enjoy shorter circular walks that overlap with the trail.
📖 Download the official guides here:
✒️ The Coleridge Way
The Coleridge Way is a 51-mile route inspired by poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It stretches from Nether Stowey in the Quantocks to Lynmouth on Exmoor’s coast, passing through peaceful combes, uplands, and villages.
You don’t need to walk the whole trail — there are plenty of day-walks and circular options based on sections of the route.
🌊 South West Coast Path (Exmoor Section)
Exmoor’s dramatic coastline marks the start of the South West Coast Path, a 630-mile trail that begins in Minehead and follows the coast to Poole Harbour.
The Exmoor section is steep, wild, and stunning — from the wooded cliffs of Lynmouth to the vast seascapes near Countisbury.
For a taster, check out our Lynton & Valley of Rocks Loop.
Or visit the South West Coast Path website
👣 Don’t Forget Our Own Walking Blog
At The Best of Exmoor, we’re passionate about sharing the routes we walk ourselves. From family strolls to proper hikes, our walking blog is full of circular routes, tips, and photos:
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or planning a longer stay, you’ll find something to suit your pace.
🛟 A Quick Note on Safety
Exmoor’s wild beauty is part of its charm — but with that comes a need for sensible precautions:
- Before you go hiking, register to text 999. Simply text 999 the word “REGISTER” then reply “Yes”
- Download what3words to share your precise location with emergency services.
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Mobile signal can be patchy. Always download maps or carry a paper copy.
- In case of emergency, text 999 — but you must register first. Texts often succeed where calls don’t.
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Happy walking!
