{"id":9190,"date":"2026-05-14T08:26:52","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T08:26:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/?p=9190"},"modified":"2026-05-14T08:26:52","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T08:26:52","slug":"countisbury-circular-walk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/countisbury-circular-walk\/","title":{"rendered":"Countisbury Circular Walk: 10 Miles of Coast, Combes &#038; Lifeboat Legend"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p><style>\r\n\/* boe-article-css *\/\r\n#kad-banner, .headerclass, .topclass, #topbar,\r\n.footerclass, #containerfooter, .home-footer,\r\n.wp-megamenu-main-wrapper, .wpmm-nav-wrap,\r\n#nav-main, .nav-main, #mobile-nav,\r\n.elementor-location-header, .elementor-location-footer,\r\n.kad-header-wrap, .kad-desktop-header,\r\nheader.banner, footer.footer-area,\r\n#header, #footer, .home-wrapper {\r\n    display: none !important;\r\n    visibility: hidden !important;\r\n    height: 0 !important;\r\n    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style=\"color: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 15px; font-size: 24px;\">The Countisbury Circular Walk \u2014 Exmoor&#8217;s 10-Mile Coast &amp; Combe Classic<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"color: #e8f5e9; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 16px;\">River gorges, ancient oak woods and England&#8217;s only road-cut coastal cliff \u2014 the Countisbury Circular Walk is one of Exmoor&#8217;s most rewarding day walks. Stay in a handpicked cottage right on the route.<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #ffffff; color: #5a7a50; padding: 16px 36px; border-radius: 50px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-countisbury\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Browse Cottages \u2192<\/a><\/div>\r\n<!-- INTRODUCTION -->\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">The <strong>Countisbury Circular Walk<\/strong> is a full-day circuit through Exmoor&#8217;s deepest river gorges, ancient oak woodlands and the highest stretch of coast on the South West Coast Path. First, you drop down to Brendon village. Then you follow the East Lyn River to Watersmeet, climb to Countisbury, and finish along the coast past Foreland Lighthouse and Sisters Fountain.<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Officially route No.\u00a03 in the Exmoor Classics series, the Countisbury Circular Walk starts at County Gate on the Devon\/Somerset border. From there, the path drops through woodland to Brendon, follows the East Lyn River downstream to Watersmeet, climbs through Trilly Ridge to Countisbury, and then runs east along the South West Coast Path. Eventually, after passing Foreland Lighthouse, Glenthorne Cliffs and Sisters Fountain, the route returns to the car park via Seven Thorns.<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">At 16.7\u00a0km (about ten miles) with 855\u00a0metres of ascent, this is a serious day&#8217;s walking. However, the Countisbury Circular Walk packs riverside paths, two of England&#8217;s rarest woodlands, England&#8217;s only road-cut coastal cliff and a piece of lifeboat history into a single circuit. As a result, it consistently ranks among Exmoor&#8217;s top-rated long walks.<\/div>\r\n<!-- TABLE OF CONTENTS -->\r\n<div style=\"background: #f5f5f0; padding: 32px; border-radius: 20px; margin: 40px 0; border-left: 4px solid #90b284;\">\r\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #90b284; font-family: Cormorant Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 24px;\">The Countisbury Circular Walk in This Guide<\/h3>\r\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: none; padding-left: 0; margin-bottom: 0;\">\r\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#quick-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>1.<\/strong> Quick Facts<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#route\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>2.<\/strong> Countisbury Circular Walk Route Directions<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#highlights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>3.<\/strong> Highlights Along the Way<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>4.<\/strong> History &amp; Heritage<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#practical\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>5.<\/strong> Practical Information<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#stay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>6.<\/strong> Where to Stay near the Route<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"padding: 8px 0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #333;\" href=\"#faqs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>7.<\/strong> Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">If you enjoy this guide, you might also like our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/circular-walk-valley-rocks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Valley of the Rocks circular walk<\/a>, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/circular-walk-porlock-weir-to-porlock\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Porlock Weir to Porlock circular walk<\/a>, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/culbone-church-hidden-sanctuary-woods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Culbone Church guide<\/a> (the next stop east along the coast path), or our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/exmoors-top-wild-swimming-spots\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Exmoor wild swimming spots guide<\/a> \u2014 Watersmeet is one of the best.<\/div>\r\n<!-- 1. QUICK FACTS -->\r\n<h2 id=\"quick-facts\">1. Quick Facts About the Countisbury Circular Walk<\/h2>\r\n<div style=\"background: #f5f5f0; padding: 28px; border-radius: 16px; margin: 24px 0;\">\r\n<ul style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\">\r\n<li><strong>Distance:<\/strong> 16.7\u00a0km (about ten miles)<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Total ascent:<\/strong> 855\u00a0metres (2,805\u00a0feet)<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Duration:<\/strong> About four to five hours of walking time<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> Challenging \u2014 a full day with significant climbs out of the East Lyn valley and onto the coast<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Start \/ end:<\/strong> County Gate Car Park, A39 (between Lynmouth and Porlock)<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Postcode:<\/strong> EX35 6NG \u00b7 <strong>Grid:<\/strong> SS\u00a0793\u00a0486 \u00b7 <strong>what3words:<\/strong> preheated.costly.headache<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Terrain:<\/strong> Woodland tracks, riverside paths, coastal grassland and short sections of quiet road<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Dog-friendly:<\/strong> Yes \u2014 keep dogs on a lead near livestock and ground-nesting birds<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Toilets:<\/strong> County Gate car park &amp; Watersmeet Tea Rooms (NT, seasonal)<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Refreshments:<\/strong> Stag Hunters Inn (Brendon), Rockford Inn, Watersmeet Tearooms (NT), Blue Ball Inn (Countisbury)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- 2. STEP-BY-STEP ROUTE -->\r\n<h2 id=\"route\">2. Countisbury Circular Walk Route Directions<\/h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Eight waypoints take you round the full Countisbury Circular Walk. First, you drop down into the East Lyn valley to Brendon. Then the route follows the river to Watersmeet, climbs through Trilly Ridge to Countisbury, and finally returns along the South West Coast Path via Foreland Lighthouse and Sisters Fountain.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Stage 1 \u2014 County Gate to Hall Farm<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">First, leave the western end of the car park taking the footpath signposted <strong>Public Footpath Brendon 1\u00be<\/strong>. At a junction of paths, pass through a gate and join the <strong>Coleridge Way<\/strong>, as indicated by the quill motif on the fingerpost. Then continue along this footpath as it drops gently through the woods. Eventually the path drops more steeply downhill, coming out via some steps onto the road at Hall Farm.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Stage 2 \u2014 Brendon Village &amp; the East Lyn<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Next, turn left along the road, still following the Coleridge Way quill. Then enter the village of Brendon, passing the road bridge over the East Lyn River. Just after a <strong>packhorse bridge<\/strong>, leave the road and join a footpath on the left, signposted <strong>Rockford 1<\/strong> and on towards Watersmeet. The path runs along the riverbank and is marked with regular signposts and waymarkers. Of course, the Stag Hunters Inn in Brendon and the Rockford Inn just downstream both make excellent refuelling stops if you set off early.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Stage 3 \u2014 Watersmeet &amp; Trilly Ridge<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">At the waymarker <strong>Watersmeet \u00bc<\/strong>, take the footpath uphill with the wall on your right. Walk uphill through Trilly Ridge. As you emerge from the woods, bear left and continue the zig-zags uphill along Trilly Ridge. Finally, at a junction of paths, follow the South Countisbury fingerpost, signposted <strong>Countisbury \u00bc<\/strong>, and continue uphill towards the A39.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Stage 4 \u2014 Countisbury Church to Foreland Point<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">After crossing the busy A39, follow a path uphill into a field. Walk uphill with <strong>West Coast Path Lynmouth \u00bc<\/strong> on your right. Then turn right and continue along the SWCP, signposted <strong>South Countisbury<\/strong>. Continue ahead past <strong>Countisbury Church<\/strong>. At a junction of paths, follow the path signposted <strong>Public Footpath Lynmouth 2<\/strong>. After passing a pond on your right, turn left and walk uphill to a signpost signposted <strong>Footpath Countisbury via A39 \u00bc<\/strong>, and pass through a gate.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Stage 5 \u2014 Foreland Lighthouse<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">At the next junction, take the <strong>Coast Path Porlock 11<\/strong>, signposted Coast Path. At the next junction of paths, turn right. Then the path runs along the edge of the hill and drops via some steps round to the road that serves <strong>Foreland Lighthouse<\/strong>. On reaching the road, turn right and walk uphill. Importantly, a short out-and-back down the lane takes you to the lighthouse itself \u2014 the most northerly point on the Devon coast, perched 70\u00a0metres above the sea.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Stage 6 \u2014 Glenthorne Cliffs &amp; Chubhill Combe<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">As the road bears round to the right, continue ahead on the signposted <strong>Coast Path Glenthorne Cliffs 3<\/strong>. Then at the <strong>National Trust sign for Glenthorne Cliffs<\/strong>, take the footpath on the right, signposted Coast Path. Continue along this woodland path, passing over <strong>Chubhill Combe<\/strong>, before coming out at a junction of paths.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Stage 7 \u2014 Glenthorne House &amp; Sisters Fountain<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Next, turn left, signposted <strong>Coast Path Porlock Weir 8<\/strong>. Follow the coast path as it crosses over several combes before it eventually joins the drive through <strong>Glenthorne House<\/strong>. Then turn right and follow the drive uphill, signposted Coast Path. After passing the greenway to Glenthorne, take the footpath to the left of the drive, signposted <strong>Coast Path Culbone 4<\/strong>. Finally, the coast path takes you past <strong>Sisters Fountain<\/strong>, a small spring-head dating from 1829 and marked by a stone known as the Decision Stone.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Stage 8 \u2014 Seven Thorns Back to County Gate<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">At the top of some steps, turn right, leaving the Coast Path and following the path signposted <strong>Public Footpath County Gate<\/strong>. Then at a junction known as <strong>Seven Thorns<\/strong>, turn left, signposted Public Footpath. Go through a tall deer gate and follow the track as it climbs steeply uphill. After a second deer gate, follow the path as it continues uphill towards the A39. Finally, cross over the A39 to get back to the car park and complete the Countisbury Circular Walk.<\/div>\r\n<div><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9196\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Walk-1024x619.jpeg\" alt=\"Countisbury Circular Walk\" width=\"1024\" height=\"619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Walk-1024x619.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Walk-300x181.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Walk-768x464.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Walk-1536x928.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Walk-2048x1238.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div>\r\n<!-- 3. HIGHLIGHTS -->\r\n<h2 id=\"highlights\">3. Highlights Along the Countisbury Circular Walk<\/h2>\r\n<h3>County Gate<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">The walk starts at County Gate on the Devon\/Somerset border. Indeed, there was a gate here in years gone by, and the stone posts can still be found in the wall. Furthermore, in the 1920s the Lynton stagecoaches ran along the road, which can be seen in the current car park.<\/div>\r\n<h3>The East Lyn River<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">The East Lyn is one of Exmoor&#8217;s main rivers. It is formed by the meeting of <strong>Oare Water<\/strong> and <strong>Badgworthy Water<\/strong> below Malmsmead. Then it flows past Brendon and Rockford, joining the West Lyn at Lynmouth before reaching the Bristol Channel.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Watersmeet<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Watersmeet is the confluence of the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water, set in a deep gorge of ancient oak woodland and owned by the National Trust. Usefully, the tea rooms, open seasonally in a Victorian fishing lodge above the waterfalls, are the essential refuelling stop roughly a third of the way round the Countisbury Circular Walk.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Countisbury Church<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Countisbury Church, dedicated to St John the Evangelist, was largely rebuilt in 1846 by the Revd Halliday. In the graveyard, you can find the graves of two Canadian sailors from a 19th-century shipwreck off Foreland Point \u2014 a reminder of the brutal sea below the headland.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Foreland Point &amp; Lighthouse<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\"><strong>Foreland Point<\/strong> is the most northerly point on the Devon coast. Built in 1900, Foreland Lighthouse sits 70\u00a0metres above the sea. Notably, it is the location of Exmoor&#8217;s only road cut into the coastal cliff \u2014 a vertiginous descent that has to be seen to be believed.<\/div>\r\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9197\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Circular-Walk-1024x675.jpeg\" alt=\"Countisbury Circular Walk\" width=\"1024\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Circular-Walk-1024x675.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Circular-Walk-300x198.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Circular-Walk-768x506.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Circular-Walk-1536x1013.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Circular-Walk-2048x1350.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div>\r\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\">Image Credit: Neville Stanikk<\/h5>\r\n<h3>Exmoor&#8217;s Coastal Woodlands<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Along the South West Coast Path, the Countisbury Circular Walk passes through some of the longest stretches of <strong>coastal woodland<\/strong> in England and Wales. Additionally, these woods are home to exceptionally rare endemic <strong>whitebeams<\/strong> \u2014 including the bloody whitebeam and the Somerset whitebeam, found nowhere else in the world.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Sisters Fountain<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Dating from the 19th century, Sisters Fountain marks the head of a spring built on the hillside above Glenthorne House. Construction started in 1829, marked by a small inscribed stone known as the <strong>Decision Stone<\/strong>. According to local tradition, it is the spot where the Revd Halliday made the decision to build Glenthorne House.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Stay in Countisbury &amp; Lynmouth<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px; margin: 20px 0;\">\r\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 280px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/bookingbrain-files\/properties\/2062\/33493f11-c0ea-44f6-a0f7-532c217e1b86.JPG\" alt=\"Yenworthy Cottage, Countisbury \u2014 near the Countisbury Circular Walk\" \/>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 15px;\">\r\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\">Yenworthy Cottage, Countisbury<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"color: #666; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Sleeps 6 \u00b7 3 Bedrooms<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #90b284; color: #fff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 5px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-countisbury\/yenworthy-cottage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 280px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/bookingbrain-files\/properties\/2668\/dd9c2717-e9bd-4164-b2bb-845fba3ad1a2.jpg\" alt=\"Dashel Cottage, Countisbury \u2014 near the Countisbury Circular Walk\" \/>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 15px;\">\r\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\">Dashel Cottage, Countisbury<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"color: #666; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Sleeps 6 \u00b7 3 Bedrooms<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #90b284; color: #fff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 5px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-countisbury\/dashel-cottage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 280px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/bookingbrain-files\/properties\/3503\/1f45cbc8-02b4-4087-b177-040754db1088.jpg\" alt=\"Lorna Doone Cottage, Lynmouth \u2014 near the Countisbury Circular Walk\" \/>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 15px;\">\r\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\">Lorna Doone Cottage, Lynmouth<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"color: #666; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Sleeps 4 \u00b7 2 Bedrooms<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #90b284; color: #fff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 5px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-lynmouth\/lorna-doone-cottage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- 4. HISTORY -->\r\n<h2 id=\"history\">4. History &amp; Heritage on the Countisbury Circular Walk<\/h2>\r\n<h3>The Louisa &amp; the Rescue of the SS Forrest Hall<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">The steep hill at Countisbury \u2014 with a gradient of 1 in 5 \u2014 was the scene of perhaps the most difficult lifeboat launch in the history of the RNLI. On the night of 12 January 1899, the alarm was raised after the SS <em>Forrest Hall<\/em> began to founder in Porlock Bay. However, the Lynmouth lifeboat <em>Louisa<\/em> was unable to launch from the harbour due to high seas.<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Consequently, the decision was taken to haul the boat up Countisbury Hill and then on to Porlock, after ten hours overland \u2014 <strong>thirteen miles<\/strong> in total. Finally, the boat was launched at Porlock Weir and the SS <em>Forrest Hall<\/em> crew were escorted to safety.<\/div>\r\n<h3>The 1952 Lynmouth Flood<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">On the night of 15 August 1952, the equivalent of three months&#8217; rain \u2014 about 230\u00a0mm \u2014 fell on the high moors above the East Lyn. As a result, the resulting torrent grew in size and ferocity as it flowed down to the coast at Lynmouth, carrying boulders, soil and trees through the narrow valleys.<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Much of the small town of Lynmouth and the village of Barbrook was destroyed in a single night, and thirty-four people lost their lives. Importantly, the Countisbury Circular Walk follows the upper reaches of the river system that caused the disaster \u2014 sobering, especially after heavy rain.<\/div>\r\n<h3>The Exmoor Classics Series<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">The Countisbury Circular Walk is route No.\u00a03 in the <strong>Exmoor Classics<\/strong>, the Exmoor National Park&#8217;s series of twelve longer waymarked walks. Other routes include Bossington Hill, Combe Martin &amp; Great Hangman, Dunster &amp; Bats Castle, Valley of Rocks and Winsford &amp; the Punchbowl. Leaflets are available from National Park Centres at Dunster, Dulverton and Lynmouth, or as digital maps from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exmoorwalks.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">exmoorwalks.org<\/a>. For more walking inspiration, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/tag\/exmoor-circular-walk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full collection of Exmoor circular walks<\/a>.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Stay in Brendon, Rockford &amp; Oare<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px; margin: 20px 0;\">\r\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 280px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/bookingbrain-files\/properties\/3543\/9edf5499-6332-49bc-be33-199f776b8a89.jpg\" alt=\"Riverside Cottage, Brendon \u2014 on the Countisbury Circular Walk\" \/>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 15px;\">\r\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\">Riverside Cottage, Brendon<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"color: #666; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Sleeps 4 \u00b7 2 Bedrooms<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #90b284; color: #fff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 5px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-brendon\/riverside-brendon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 280px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/bookingbrain-files\/properties\/4413\/images\/79029da6-6f08-48d0-b9b5-d17ed1f12784.jpg\" alt=\"Rockford Cottage, Brendon \u2014 beside the Countisbury Circular Walk\" \/>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 15px;\">\r\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\">Rockford Cottage, Brendon<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"color: #666; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Sleeps 9 \u00b7 4 Bedrooms<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #90b284; color: #fff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 5px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-brendon\/rockford-cottage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 280px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/bookingbrain-files\/properties\/2205\/53fb5e04-0e82-4c6c-9283-a35b9947634e.jpg\" alt=\"Oare Manor Cottage, Malmsmead \u2014 near the Countisbury Circular Walk\" \/>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 15px;\">\r\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\">Oare Manor Cottage, Malmsmead<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"color: #666; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Sleeps 6 \u00b7 3 Bedrooms<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #90b284; color: #fff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 5px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-malmsmead\/oare-manor-cottage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- 5. PRACTICAL -->\r\n<h2 id=\"practical\">5. Practical Information for the Countisbury Circular Walk<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Getting There &amp; Parking<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">The Countisbury Circular Walk starts and ends at <strong>County Gate Car Park<\/strong> on the A39, on the Devon\/Somerset border between Lynmouth and Porlock. The postcode is <strong>EX35\u00a06NG<\/strong>, grid SS\u00a0793\u00a0486, what3words <strong>preheated.costly.headache<\/strong>. Additionally, there are toilets in the car park and a seasonal refreshment kiosk in summer.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Refreshments on the Route<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">In order of appearance: Stag Hunters Inn (Brendon), Rockford Inn (Rockford), Watersmeet Tearooms (NT, seasonal), Blue Ball Inn (Countisbury). However, after Countisbury there are no facilities until you return to County Gate \u2014 so carry water and snacks for the coastal section. For more options, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/best-exmoor-pubs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guide to the best pubs on Exmoor<\/a>.<\/div>\r\n<h3>Dogs on the Countisbury Circular Walk<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">Dogs are welcome on this walk. However, please keep them under close control at all times. Sheep and lambs grazing on the moor can be injured or killed by even friendly dogs. If you feel threatened by cattle, drop the lead and move away, especially when they&#8217;re protecting their calves. Additionally, there may be wild animals like red deer and ground-nesting birds that could be disturbed by your dog. Finally, bag any waste and take it with you until you reach a dog bin.<\/div>\r\n<h3>What to Wear<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Footwear:<\/strong> Sturdy walking boots with good grip \u2014 the coast path has steep, uneven sections and the woodland tracks can be muddy after rain<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Layers:<\/strong> The clifftop section from Countisbury to Sisters Fountain is exposed \u2014 be prepared for wind, even on warm days<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Waterproofs:<\/strong> Weather can change quickly on the coast<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Map:<\/strong> OS Explorer OL9 (Exmoor) or the Exmoor Classics No.\u00a03 leaflet<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Waymarking<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">First, the outward route follows the <strong>Coleridge Way<\/strong> (quill motif) and then fingerposts towards Rockford and Watersmeet. Then the return follows the <strong>South West Coast Path<\/strong>, marked by the acorn motif throughout. Importantly, all rights of way on Exmoor use handmade fingerposts \u2014 footpaths waymarked with a yellow tip, bridleways with a blue tip.<\/div>\r\n<!-- SAFETY NOTE BOX -->\r\n<div style=\"background: #1c1917; padding: 32px; border-radius: 20px; margin: 40px 0; color: white;\">\r\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #90b284; font-family: Cormorant Garamond, Georgia, serif; font-size: 26px;\">Safety Note<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"color: #d6d3d1;\">The Countisbury Circular Walk is a long day&#8217;s walk with 855\u00a0metres of total ascent and very exposed sections along Foreland and Glenthorne Cliffs. Therefore, start early \u2014 allow at least four to five hours of walking time plus stops. Furthermore, the descent to Foreland Lighthouse and the climb out of Seven Thorns are both steep. After heavy rain, the East Lyn path can be slippery and high water levels can make stepping stones impassable.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- 6. WHERE TO STAY -->\r\n<h2 id=\"stay\">6. Where to Stay near the Countisbury Circular Walk<\/h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 1.4em;\">The Countisbury Circular Walk passes within a stone&#8217;s throw of some of Exmoor&#8217;s most beautiful villages \u2014 Brendon, Rockford, Countisbury and Oare. Below are three more handpicked cottages on or beside the route, from a couples&#8217; retreat in Lynton to a 13-guest farmhouse in Countisbury itself. Additionally, you can browse the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/porlock-visitors-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Porlock visitors guide<\/a> if you want to extend your stay further east, or our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/exmoor-map\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Exmoor map and area guide<\/a> for the bigger picture.<\/div>\r\n<h3>More Cottages near the Countisbury Circular Walk<\/h3>\r\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px; margin: 20px 0;\">\r\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 280px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/bookingbrain-files\/properties\/4436\/2b9aae66-0456-45ba-a72a-f741489d0f5b.jpg\" alt=\"The Cottage at Woodlands, Lynton \u2014 near the Countisbury Circular Walk\" \/>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 15px;\">\r\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\">The Cottage at Woodlands, Lynton<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"color: #666; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Sleeps 2 \u00b7 1 Bedroom<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #90b284; color: #fff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 5px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-lynton\/the-cottage-at-woodlands\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 280px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/bookingbrain-files\/properties\/3454\/69109803-57e3-42dc-8730-4a64eca5f757.jpg\" alt=\"Wingate Farm, Countisbury \u2014 on the Countisbury Circular Walk\" \/>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 15px;\">\r\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\">Wingate Farm, Countisbury<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"color: #666; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Sleeps 8 \u00b7 4 Bedrooms<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #90b284; color: #fff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 5px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-countisbury\/wingate-farm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 280px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/bookingbrain-files\/properties\/1789\/0f1dc101-d450-4350-91df-c7ea5fb4eccb.jpeg\" alt=\"The School House, Countisbury \u2014 on the Countisbury Circular Walk\" \/>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 15px;\">\r\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\">The School House, Countisbury<\/h4>\r\n<p style=\"color: #666; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Sleeps 13 \u00b7 6 Bedrooms<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #90b284; color: #fff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 5px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-countisbury\/the-school-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin: 30px 0;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #90b284; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 32px; border-radius: 50px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 13px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-countisbury\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Browse All Countisbury Cottages \u2192<\/a><\/div>\r\n<!-- FAQ SECTION -->\r\n<h2 id=\"faqs\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\r\n<div style=\"max-width: 900px; margin: 30px auto;\">\r\n<div style=\"background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; margin-bottom: 15px; overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: 600; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px;\">How long does the Countisbury Circular Walk take?<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 20px 20px; text-align: center; color: #555;\">Typically, allow four to five hours of walking time for the full 16.7\u00a0km (10 mile) Countisbury Circular Walk, plus extra for lunch at Watersmeet or one of the inns. However, most walkers complete it in around six hours including stops.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; margin-bottom: 15px; overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: 600; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px;\">How difficult is the Countisbury Circular Walk?<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 20px 20px; text-align: center; color: #555;\">Overall, this is a challenging walk. Specifically, there&#8217;s 855\u00a0metres (2,805\u00a0feet) of total ascent, with two big climbs out of the East Lyn valley and onto Countisbury, plus exposed coastal sections from Foreland to Glenthorne. Therefore, you&#8217;ll need a reasonable level of fitness, decent boots and a full day&#8217;s daylight.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; margin-bottom: 15px; overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: 600; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px;\">Where do I park for the Countisbury Circular Walk?<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 20px 20px; text-align: center; color: #555;\">Park at County Gate Car Park on the A39 (postcode EX35\u00a06NG, grid SS\u00a0793\u00a0486). Importantly, the walk leaves from the western end of the car park. Additionally, there are toilets at the car park and a seasonal refreshment kiosk in summer.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; margin-bottom: 15px; overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: 600; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px;\">Are there pubs or caf\u00e9s along the route?<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 20px 20px; text-align: center; color: #555;\">Yes \u2014 you&#8217;ll pass the Stag Hunters Inn in Brendon, the Rockford Inn at Rockford, the National Trust Watersmeet Tearooms (seasonal) and the Blue Ball Inn at Countisbury. Generally, the Watersmeet stop, roughly a third of the way round, is the most popular lunch break.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; margin-bottom: 15px; overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: 600; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px;\">Is the Countisbury Circular Walk suitable for dogs?<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 20px 20px; text-align: center; color: #555;\">Yes. However, please keep them under close control \u2014 there are sheep, cattle and red deer on the coastal section, and ground-nesting birds in spring. Finally, bag waste and take it with you until you reach a bin.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; margin-bottom: 15px; overflow: hidden;\">\r\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: 600; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px;\">What is the best time of year for the Countisbury Circular Walk?<\/div>\r\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 20px 20px; text-align: center; color: #555;\">Generally, late spring to early autumn offers the best conditions \u2014 longer days, drier paths and the East Lyn woodlands at their best. For example, May brings bluebells through Trilly Ridge, while October paints the oak gorges of Watersmeet in copper and gold. However, winter is doable in clear weather but the river path can flood and the coastal section is very exposed.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- FINAL CTA -->\r\n<div style=\"background: linear-gradient(135deg, #5a7a50 0%, #90b284 50%, #6a9460 100%); padding: 40px; border-radius: 24px; margin: 50px 0; text-align: center; box-shadow: 0 8px 30px rgba(144,178,132,0.3);\">\r\n<h3 style=\"color: #ffffff; margin-bottom: 15px; font-size: 24px;\">Ready to Walk the Countisbury Circular Walk?<\/h3>\r\n<p style=\"color: #e8f5e9; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 16px;\">Browse our collection of hand-picked holiday cottages in Countisbury, Brendon, Lynmouth and Oare \u2014 all within minutes of one of Exmoor&#8217;s finest circular walks.<\/p>\r\n<a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #ffffff; color: #5a7a50; padding: 16px 36px; border-radius: 50px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/stay-in-countisbury\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Browse Cottages \u2192<\/a><\/div>\r\n<!-- FOOTER -->\r\n<div class=\"boe-article-footer\" style=\"display: block !important; background: #1c1917; color: white; padding: 60px 24px 30px; margin-top: 60px;\">\r\n<div style=\"max-width: 1280px; margin: 0 auto; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.5fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 48px;\">\r\n<div>\r\n<h2 style=\"font-family: Cormorant Garamond,serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 16px; color: white;\">THE BEST OF EXMOOR<\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"color: #a8a29e; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 24px;\">We&#8217;re a tiny, passionate team of locals who know and love Exmoor. 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Full route, map &amp; where to stay.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/countisbury-circular-walk\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Countisbury Circular Walk: 10 Miles of Coast, Combes &amp; Lifeboat Legend\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Countisbury Circular Walk on Exmoor: a 10-mile circuit from County Gate via Brendon, Watersmeet &amp; Foreland Lighthouse. Full route, map &amp; where to stay.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/countisbury-circular-walk\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Best of Exmoor Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-05-14T08:26:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Countisbury-Circular-Walk.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2554\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1684\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"16 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/countisbury-circular-walk\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/countisbury-circular-walk\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/cfb99a88e34b5de3133a082d39cb0b37\"},\"headline\":\"Countisbury Circular Walk: 10 Miles of Coast, Combes &#038; Lifeboat Legend\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-14T08:26:52+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/countisbury-circular-walk\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2812,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/countisbury-circular-walk\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/Countisbury-Circular-Walk.jpeg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Things to Do on Exmoor\",\"Walks\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/countisbury-circular-walk\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/countisbury-circular-walk\\\/\",\"name\":\"Countisbury Circular Walk: 10-Mile Coast & Combe Classic\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/countisbury-circular-walk\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/countisbury-circular-walk\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/Countisbury-Circular-Walk.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-14T08:26:52+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/cfb99a88e34b5de3133a082d39cb0b37\"},\"description\":\"Countisbury Circular Walk on Exmoor: a 10-mile circuit from County Gate via Brendon, Watersmeet & Foreland Lighthouse. 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