Alderman’s Barrow, Three Combes Foot and Larkbarrow -3.8 miles
Parking What 3 Words: ///indulgent.recipient.packages Park next to the cattle grid at Alderman’s Barrow
This gentle, shorter route — kindly shared by Sarah Hailstone of Exmoor with Jack — offers an atmospheric wander over open moor to the remarkable beech-ringed sheep stell at Three Combes Foot, with a return via the ruins of Larkbarrow Farm. Expect rough, often wet ground with one steep pull.
walking map alderman’s barrow three combes foot
The Route
Pass through the pedestrian gate on the bridle path marked “Malmsmead”, then follow the grassy path straight ahead to a gate onto a clear but uneven moorland track.
By the gate you’ll see a tree enclosure marking the remains of Larkbarrow Farm, a former dairy farm you’ll return through later. At the pedestrian gate, turn right onto the track and continue to a further wooden gate.
Ignore the fingerpost here and leave the track, continuing straight ahead with the wall on your right.
As the ground begins to dip, the path curves away from the wall to your left. Follow this and look ahead to spot the beech trees of the circular sheep stell at Three Combes Foot, tucked at the base of three combes.
Keep to the undulating path along the edge of Maddercombe, cross the remains of a field boundary, and arrive at the stell.
Explore the walled enclosure — a remarkably complete sheep stell built to shelter flocks in rough weather — sitting where three small streams meet and offering a striking, almost cathedral-like feel.
At the front of the stell, cross the footbridge over Chalk Water and take the path that climbs diagonally up the bank to the left if facing downstream. Ascend the steep path onto Kittuck Meads and follow it back, aiming for the Larkbarrow ruins now on your left. Avoid shortcuts to steer clear of boggy ground.
The path curves clearly to the trees around the farm ruins. Walk out through the front of the remains to the track, turn left, and follow it back to the gate where you left it.
Retrace your steps to the road. Note a fork you may have missed on the outward leg — keep right to reach the pedestrian gate (the other gate is generally padlocked).
Highlights of Circular Walk
Beech-ringed sheep stell at Three Combes Foot — one of Exmoor’s most complete
Wide-open moorland views across Maddercombe and Kittuck Meads
Ruins and shelterbelts of historic Larkbarrow Farm
Quiet, atmospheric stream crossings at Chalk Water
Walk Essentials
Length: 3.8 miles (6.1 km)
Time: 1.5–2.5 hours
Terrain: Moorland paths and tracks; rough, often wet underfoot; one steep climb
Start/Finish: Alderman’s Barrow cattle grid (///indulgent.recipient.packages)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes, but livestock graze these commons — keep dogs on leads
📍Ready to follow in Sarah and Jack’s footsteps? Book a cottage nearby and make this your base for exploring Exmoor.
Check out other walks on our blog
FAQ
Park next to the cattle grid at Alderman’s Barrow. What3Words: ///indulgent.recipient.packages.
It’s 3.8 miles and typically takes 1.5–2.5 hours. Mostly easy to moderate going with one short, steep climb up from Chalk Water.
You’ll use clear moorland paths and tracks, but there are junctions where you must ignore a fingerpost and keep the wall to your right. In poor visibility, take extra care with navigation.
Yes, but livestock graze these commons. Keep dogs on a short lead and avoid cutting across boggy ground.
The beech-ringed sheep stell is one of the most complete on Exmoor, built to shelter flocks at the meeting of three small streams. It’s a striking historic feature.
Several pedestrian gates and one footbridge over Chalk Water. Surfaces can be wet and uneven after rain.
A: None on the moor. Bring water, snacks, and suitable clothing. The ground can be very wet; waterproof boots are recommended.