Walk Into Spring on Exmoor
Book a cottage near Exmoor’s best walking trails and enjoy Easter surrounded by wildflowers, woodland and dramatic coastal paths.
There’s no better way to celebrate Easter than pulling on your walking boots and heading out into the Exmoor countryside. With spring in full bloom, the moors are carpeted in wildflowers, the woodland paths are alive with birdsong, and the dramatic coastline is quieter than the summer crowds.
Whether you’re after a gentle riverside stroll with the family or a challenging ridge walk with panoramic views, Exmoor National Park has a route for you. We’ve picked out the best spring walks across Exmoor — each one paired with nearby holiday cottages so you can base yourself right on the doorstep of your next adventure.
For more Easter family ideas beyond walking, check out our Easter on Exmoor 2026 Family Activities Guide and our classic 8 Eggsellent Ways to Spend Easter on Exmoor.
In This Guide
You might also find our Top 10 Exmoor Walking Spots and Best Walking Routes & Resources on Exmoor helpful for planning your trip.
1. Valley of the Rocks, Lynton
Distance: 3 miles (circular) · Difficulty: Easy to Moderate · Time: 1.5–2 hours
Starting from the charming Victorian town of Lynton, this circular walk takes you along the dramatic North Devon coastline to the Valley of the Rocks — a striking landscape of ancient rock formations and feral goats perched on cliff edges. In spring, the coastal wildflowers are stunning, and on a clear day you can see across to Wales.
The path follows the South West Coast Path westward, passing Castle Rock and the Wringcliff Bay viewpoint before looping back through Lynton. It’s one of Exmoor’s most iconic walks and perfect for families with older children. For a detailed route guide, see our Valley of the Rocks Circular Walk.
Top tip: After your walk, take the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway down to Lynmouth for a cream tea by the harbour. And if you fancy a beach visit, Lee Abbey Beach is just a short walk from the valley.
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2. Tarr Steps & the River Barle
Distance: 4 miles (circular) · Difficulty: Easy · Time: 2–2.5 hours
The Tarr Steps is one of Exmoor’s most famous landmarks — a medieval clapper bridge spanning the River Barle near Dulverton. This walk follows the river through ancient oak woodland that’s spectacular in spring, with bluebells, wood anemones and fresh green canopy overhead.
The circular route heads upstream along the Barle before crossing and returning along the opposite bank. It’s mostly flat, making it ideal for families with younger children or anyone who prefers a gentler pace. Keep an eye out for dippers and grey wagtails along the riverbank — our Spring Wildlife on Exmoor guide has more on what to spot this season.
Top tip: The Tarr Farm Inn right by the bridge serves excellent lunches — perfect for refuelling after your walk. For more great food stops, see our 12 Best Exmoor Pubs.
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Image Credit: Shaun Davey
3. Horner Woods & Dunkery Beacon
Distance: 6 miles (circular) · Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging · Time: 3–4 hours
This is Exmoor’s classic hill walk. Starting from the pretty hamlet of Horner, you climb through ancient oak woodland — one of the largest remaining areas of Atlantic oakwood in Britain — before emerging onto open moorland and ascending to Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point at 519 metres.
On a clear spring day, the views from the summit are extraordinary — stretching across the Bristol Channel to Wales, and inland across the rolling moors. In April, the woodland is carpeted with bluebells, and you may spot red deer, Exmoor ponies and buzzards soaring overhead. For a shorter version of this walk, see our 1-hour Dunkery & Horner Wood circuit.
Top tip: Pack layers — it can be significantly windier and cooler at the summit than in the sheltered valley below. See our Exmoor packing guide for more advice.
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4. Porlock Weir to Culbone Church
Distance: 4 miles (out and back) · Difficulty: Moderate · Time: 2–3 hours
This magical woodland walk from Porlock Weir follows the South West Coast Path through dense ancient woodland to Culbone Church — the smallest complete parish church in England. The path winds through gnarled oaks draped in moss and ferns, with glimpses of the sea through the trees.
In spring, the woodland floor is thick with wild garlic and bluebells, and the air is filled with the sound of birdsong. It feels like stepping into another world. The tiny church, seating just 33 people, has been a place of worship for over 900 years. For more on this area, see our Porlock Village Guide.
Top tip: Start at Porlock Weir harbour and reward yourself with fish and chips when you get back. You can also extend your walk with the Porlock Weir to Porlock circular loop.
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5. Watersmeet, Lynmouth
Distance: 3 miles (circular) · Difficulty: Easy to Moderate · Time: 1.5–2 hours
From the harbour village of Lynmouth, this walk follows the East Lyn River upstream to Watersmeet — where two rivers meet in a spectacular wooded gorge. The National Trust-owned Watersmeet House serves cream teas and light lunches, making it the perfect halfway point.
The path follows the river through steep-sided valleys with waterfalls, moss-covered boulders and towering trees. In spring, the river is at its most impressive after winter rains, and the woodland is full of wildflowers. For the full route details, see our Watersmeet Circular Walk guide.
Top tip: Continue upstream to Brendon if you want to extend the walk — adding another 2 miles along a beautiful, quieter stretch of the river. Our Brendon & Doone Valley Walk covers this extended route.
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6. Dunster Castle & Park Walk
Distance: 2.5 miles (circular) · Difficulty: Easy · Time: 1–1.5 hours
The medieval village of Dunster is one of Exmoor’s most beautiful, and this gentle walk takes in its highlights. Start at the iconic Yarn Market in the High Street, walk up to Dunster Castle (National Trust) for stunning views across the Bristol Channel, then loop through the castle grounds and riverside parkland.
In spring, the castle gardens are filled with camellias, magnolias and daffodils. The deer park below the castle is home to a herd of fallow deer, and the riverside path back into the village is a lovely, peaceful stretch. This is the perfect walk for all ages and abilities. Nearby Bossington & Allerford are also well worth a visit.
Top tip: Dunster Castle hosts special Easter events — check the National Trust events page for egg trails and family activities over the bank holiday weekend. If you fancy extending your walk, try the Bossington Hill Circular Walk nearby.
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7. Combe Martin to Heddon Valley
Distance: 5 miles (one way) · Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging · Time: 3–4 hours
This stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path takes you along some of the highest sea cliffs in England. The route from Combe Martin climbs to the Great Hangman (318 metres) before descending to the Heddon Valley, where the River Heddon meets the sea at a dramatic rocky cove.
It’s a challenging walk with some steep ascents and descents, but the reward is some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the country. Spring brings nesting seabirds, coastal wildflowers and the chance to spot dolphins and porpoises in the waters below. For a dedicated guide to this area, see our Heddon Valley Circular Walk.
Top tip: The National Trust’s Heddon Valley cafe at the end makes a great finish point. If you’re bringing dogs, our Dog-Friendly Walks on Exmoor guide has route-specific advice.
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Spring Walking Tips for Exmoor
- Wear layers — spring weather on Exmoor is changeable, especially at higher elevations
- Waterproof boots — paths can be muddy after rain, particularly woodland routes
- Bring binoculars — spring is peak time for birdwatching and wildlife spotting
- Check tide times — for coastal walks, especially around Porlock Weir and Combe Martin
- Start early — Easter weekends can be busy on popular routes like Valley of the Rocks
- Carry a map — mobile signal is patchy across Exmoor. OS Explorer OL9 (Exmoor) is the one you need
- Plan your bank holidays — see our 2026 UK Bank Holidays guide for the full Easter dates
More Walking & Spring Reading
Ready to Explore Exmoor This Easter?
Browse our full collection of walking-friendly cottages across Exmoor — all handpicked and ready for your spring adventure.