Top 10 Exmoor Walking Spots | Best Walks in Exmoor 2026

Exmoor National Park is one of Britain’s finest walking destinations, offering everything from gentle riverside strolls to challenging moorland hikes with breathtaking views. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely walk with stunning scenery, Exmoor has something for everyone.

We’ve updated our guide to the Top 10 Exmoor Walking Spots for 2026, featuring the best starting points for walks across this beautiful national park. Simply drive to one of these locations, grab an OS map or follow the waymarked trails, and discover why Exmoor is a walker’s paradise.

1. Tarr Steps, near Dulverton

Best for: Riverside walks, ancient history, wildlife | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

No list of Exmoor walks would be complete without Tarr Steps – Exmoor’s most iconic landmark and our visitors’ favourite walking spot. This ancient clapper bridge, thought to be over 3,000 years old, spans the River Barle in a stunning woodland setting.

Walking options:

• Short loop along the River Barle (1-2 hours)
• Extended walk to Withypool (4-5 hours)
• Woodland trails through the nature reserve

Don’t miss: The Tarr Farm Inn for refreshments after your walk – dogs welcome!

Parking: Two car parks near TA22 9PY (can get busy in summer – arrive early)

Photo by Mark Asprey/Featured Image by Neville Stanikk

2. Dunkery Beacon – Somerset’s Highest Point

Best for: Panoramic views, open moorland | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

At 519 metres, Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset. On clear days, you can see Wales, Dartmoor, and even the Brecon Beacons. The heather-covered moorland is spectacular in late summer.

Walking options:

• Direct route from Dunkery Gate car park (30-45 mins to summit)
• 8-mile circular from Wheddon Cross
• Link to Horner Woods for a longer day out

Tip: Perfect for dog walkers – wide open spaces with minimal livestock in most areas.

Parking: Dunkery Gate car park (free) on the road from Wheddon Cross to Porlock

3. Valley of the Rocks, Lynton

Best for: Dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

One of Exmoor’s most spectacular landscapes, the Valley of the Rocks features towering rock formations, wild goats, and stunning views along the North Devon coast. It’s unlike anywhere else in Britain.

Walking options:

• Valley circuit walk (1-2 hours)
• Coastal path to Woody Bay (3-4 hours)
• Link to Lynmouth via the cliff railway or coastal path

Wildlife: Look out for the famous feral goats that roam freely among the rocks.

Parking: Free car park at Valley of the Rocks, EX35 6JH

4. Horner Woods, near Porlock

Best for: Ancient woodland, red deer, stream walks | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

One of the largest ancient oak woodlands in Britain, Horner Woods is a magical place to walk year-round. The network of paths follows Horner Water through moss-covered trees, with chances to spot red deer, especially in autumn during the rut.

Walking options:

• 1-hour circular through the woods
• Climb to Webber’s Post for moorland views
• Continue to Dunkery Beacon for a full day

Refreshments: Horner Tea Garden – a perfect stop with outdoor seating for dogs.

Parking: National Trust car park at Horner, TA24 8HY

5. Dunster & Gallox Bridge

Best for: Castle views, deer park, woodland | Difficulty: Easy

Start at the medieval village of Dunster, cross the ancient Gallox Bridge, and explore the surrounding hills. The Dunster Deer Park offers easy walking with views of the castle, while Gallox Hill provides more adventurous woodland trails.

Walking options:

• 2-hour circular via Dunster Deer Park
• Gallox Hill woodland walk
• Walk to Dunster Beach (1.5 miles)

Parking: Park Street car park, Dunster, TA24 6SP

Worthy Cottage

Dashel Cottage

Piggery Cottage

Wingate Farm

St. Anthony’s Cottage

Yenworthy Cottage

The Coach House

Cascade Cottage

6. County Gate (Somerset/Devon Border)

Best for: Open moorland, coastal views | Difficulty: Moderate

Perched on the A39 between Porlock and Lynton, County Gate offers instant access to open moorland with spectacular views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. On a clear day, you can see for miles.

Walking options:

• Moorland loop with coastal views (2-3 hours)
• Descent to Lynmouth via the coastal path
• Walk to Foreland Point lighthouse

Parking: County Gate car park, EX35 6NQ

7. Watersmeet, Lynmouth

Best for: Riverside walks, waterfalls, woodland | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Where the East Lyn River meets Hoar Oak Water, Watersmeet is one of Exmoor’s most beautiful spots. The Victorian fishing lodge (now a National Trust tea room) sits amid spectacular wooded gorges with tumbling waterfalls.

Walking options:

• Watersmeet circular from Lynmouth (2-3 hours)
• Continue upstream to Rockford
• Challenging climb to Countisbury Hill

Refreshments: National Trust tea room at Watersmeet House

Parking: Lynmouth main car park or Watersmeet car park (limited spaces)

8. Porlock Weir to Culbone Church

Best for: Coastal woodland, hidden church | Difficulty: Moderate

This beautiful walk takes you through ancient oak woodland along the coast to Culbone Church – reputedly the smallest complete parish church in England. The path is atmospheric and peaceful, with glimpses of the sea through the trees.

Walking options:

• Return walk to Culbone (2-3 hours)
• Continue to Silcombe Farm or beyond
• Link with the South West Coast Path

See our Porlock Weir Visitors Guide for more information.

Parking: Porlock Weir car park, TA24 8PB

9. Exford Village

Best for: River walks, moorland access | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The village of Exford sits at the heart of Exmoor, making it an ideal base for walks in all directions. The River Exe flows through the village, and you’re just a short walk from open moorland.

Walking options:

• Exford circular walk
• Riverside walk along the Exe
• Walk to Winsford Hill for panoramic views

Refreshments: The Crown Hotel and White Horse Inn – both dog friendly.

Parking: Free village car park in Exford

10. Selworthy & Bossington

Best for: Picturesque villages, coastal views, variety | Difficulty: Moderate

These two beautiful National Trust villages offer some of Exmoor’s finest walking, combining thatched cottages, woodland, open hillside, and a pebble beach. The views from Selworthy Beacon are outstanding.

Walking options:

• Bossington Hill Circular Walk
• Walk to Hurlstone Point via the coast path
• Selworthy Beacon for panoramic views

Refreshments: Periwinkle Tea Room in Selworthy (dogs in garden)

Parking: National Trust car parks at Selworthy or Bossington

Photo by Neville Stanikk

Essential Walking Tips for Exmoor

Stay Near the Best Walking Spots

Make the most of your Exmoor walking holiday by staying in a cottage close to the trails. Here are our top picks:

View All Walking Holiday Cottages →

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Exmoor National Park offers some of the finest walking in England, with landscapes ranging from dramatic coastline and ancient woodland to open moorland and peaceful river valleys. Whether you’re seeking a gentle stroll to a historic bridge, a challenging climb to Somerset’s highest point, or a coastal adventure along the South West Coast Path, you’ll find it here.

The ten walking spots in this guide represent the very best of Exmoor – places that capture the magic of this special landscape and offer memorable experiences for walkers of all abilities. Each location has excellent parking, clear paths, and refreshment options nearby.

To make the most of your Exmoor walking adventure, consider staying in one of our carefully selected cottages positioned close to the best trails. Wake up to stunning views, step out the door onto world-class walks, and return to the comfort of your own private holiday home. Many of our properties welcome dogs too, so your four-legged friends can join the adventure.

Ready to plan your Exmoor walking holiday? Browse our collection of cottages and find your perfect base for exploring this beautiful corner of England.

Last updated: December 2025