Best trails in Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park is made of open moorland and has 55 kilometers of incredible coastline. Visitors can explore the rocky headlands, ravines, waterfalls, and towering cliffs. With its huge waterfalls and caves, this dramatic coastline has become an adventure playground for both climbers and explorers.
Top picks recommended by trailgoers
1
(697)
•Moderate
•2.5 mi
•Est. 1h 5m
This is a beautiful circular coastal walk near the cliff-top town of Lynton in Exmoor, Devon. The route leads you through the spectacular Valley of Rocks with its impressive geology and feral goats, following a stretch of the coastal path along the impressive high cliffs.
Heading into the town of Lynton, you’ll cross the cliff railway before exploring the town and then returning to the valley.
Even from the car park, it is easy to see why this dry valley is known as the Valley of Rocks,...
2
(312)
•Hard
•9.7 mi
•Est. 5h 23m
Starting from Lynmouth, take the path alongside the river to Watersmeet, which is a charming National Trust tearoom and shop. The route then takes the fishermans path alongside the shop up to Countisbury church before a glorious walk along the coast path back to Lynmouth.
From here you can either go back to the car (you will have done around 6 miles) or ascend to Lynton via the footpath or cliff railway. Head past the town hall, left into Crossmead, right at the end and straight on through...
3
(320)
•Moderate
•4.6 mi
•Est. 2h 28m
This trail takes in scenic paths and lovely views as you make your way from Lynmouth, through the woods beside the East Lyn, past Watersmeet, up to Countisbury, where you take in some refreshments, and back to the start via the coastal path and the river mouth.
Take care on the rougher sections, especially in wetter conditions when the paths are muddy and slippery, and along the roads and at the road crossings, where you will need to be aware of vehicles. Appropriate footwear is...
4
(333)
•Moderate
•5.1 mi
•Est. 2h 36m
Starting in Lynton, the trail heads along the coastal path passing The Valley of Rocks and Wringcliff Bay where you can enjoy great views out to sea before climbing inland and winding through the farmlands, returning to the start via the road. Take care on the rougher sections, especially in wetter conditions, and along the narrow roads where you will need to be aware of vehicles.
5
(285)
•Easy
•2.3 mi
•Est. 1h 5m
This is a fantastic circular trail taking you to visit the iconic Tarr Steps clapper bridge and meander along the River Barle in Exmoor National Park.
The simple route crosses this impressive ancient bridge before following a riverside journey through the woodland, a designated National Nature Reserve that runs alongside the River Barle.
The Tarr Steps are a clapper bridge across the River Barle, that dates back to around 1000 BC. According to an old story, the Tarr Steps were created by...
6
(260)
•Moderate
•4.4 mi
•Est. 2h 25m
Enjoy this seaside and countryside trail taking in a mix of sights and terrains as you make your way round. This includes views over the Bristol Channel and the climb up to the tops of Little and Great Hangman. Take care on the rougher sections of this trail, especially in wetter weather. Appropriate footwear is advised. Care is also needed for the road sections of this trail.
7
(280)
•Moderate
•5.9 mi
•Est. 3h 9m
This is a wonderful circular route in Exmoor National Park along the Bristol Channel and surrounding woodland. The views of the coast are breathtaking year-round and you can even encounter a beautiful waterfall. There are many adjoining paths to explore if you wish to shorten or lengthen your route. Dogs are also welcome on this route.
8
(226)
•Moderate
•4.5 mi
•Est. 2h 13m
This trail begins with a bit of a historical tour. You can choose to quickly walk the first paved part of the route, or to go more slowly and take in local sites like the Yarn Market (left over from when the wool industry thrived in this region) or detour to the castle.
Cross the River Anvill via the Gallox Bridge. Take in the beautiful scenery and take a second to remember that this spot was once known by the name Gallows’ Bridge. As the route moves away from the river it gains elevation....
9
(187)
•Moderate
•9.9 mi
•Est. 4h 29m
The South West Coast Path (SWCP) is the longest long-distance walking route in the UK and a designated National Trail. It spans an impressive 1,014 kilometres (630 miles) along the coastline of England's southwest peninsula, starting in Minehead in Somerset and winding its way through the rugged landscapes of Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset before concluding at South Haven Point.
The route is well marked and accessible at various points, making it possible to tackle in shorter sections or as a...
10
(143)
•Hard
•13.7 mi
•Est. 7h 44m
Enjoy a section of the UK’s longest and most treasured National Trail, the South West Coast Path, from Lynmouth to Combe Martin.
This long-distance walking route spans an impressive 1,014 kilometres (630 miles) along the coastline of England's southwest peninsula, starting in Minehead in Somerset and winding its way through the rugged landscapes of Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset before concluding at South Haven Point.
This section of the route involves a couple of challenging climbs and a...
Showing results 1–10 of 147
Trail reviews for Exmoor National Park
A stunning walk combining steep wooded valleys, waterfalls, open farmland and North Devon coast. If you’re lucky you may see some Exmoor ponies on the cliff walk. We took our time as we were with two young children (youngest 5). The variety, wildlife, views and opportunity for ice cream at Watersmeet kept them happy. There are options to shorten the walk. The path can be rough/slippy in places. The cliff walk section is high up on steep slopes down to the sea (near cliffs for short sections) so a head for heights helps as it can feel exposed.
Lovely walk edited to suit my stay at Cloud Farm campsite. Beautiful old oaks and then up into the moors with some Exmoor ponies present and views all the way to Wales. Stopped at the Buttery for the best Devonshire Cream tea and friendliest service ever. All the food looked amazing and I’d go back again in a heartbeat. Felt like a gentle but perfect Exmoor experience. Cloud Farm is a fab campsite too!
Excellent woodland walk with views. Starting a shortened version at the national trust car park with great coffee & cake at Horner tea garden. Taking the Cat Scramble path to ascend the hill & descending for the return leg alongside the fast moving stream. Paths were solid if a little rocky. An ideal walk with dogs off lead apart from the one short encounter with a couple of Exmoor ponies beside the stream.
Horner Valley
Great walk with good views over Somerset. Exmoor ponies maybe even a kingfisher!
Haddon Hill and Wimbleball Lake Circular
A lovely walk around Watersmeet and Lynton. I really recommend the walk to anyone who wants to explore the rivers in Exmoor.
Coleridge Way: Watersmeet to Lynmouth
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Exmoor National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Exmoor National Park is Valley of Rocks and Lynton Circular, which has a 4.7 star rating from 697 reviews. This trail is 2.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 354 ft.
What is the longest trail in Exmoor National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Exmoor National Park is Exe Valley Way. This trail is estimated to be 51.6 mi long.
How many trails are in Exmoor National Park?
There are 147 trails in Exmoor National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 8,065 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Exmoor National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Exmoor National Park has you covered. Coleridge Way boasts the most elevation gain with 9,586 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is England Coast Path - South West: Minehead to Combe Martin, which will get you 8,198 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Exmoor National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 26 camping trails in Exmoor National Park and the most popular is Lynton Village and Valley of Rocks Circular with an average 4.6 star rating from 333 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Exmoor National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 107 running trails in Exmoor National Park and the most popular is Valley of Rocks and Lynton Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 697 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Exmoor National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 23 biking trails in Exmoor National Park and the most popular is Dunkery Beacon Circular with an average 4.5 star rating from 200 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 76 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Exmoor National Park, including Valley of Rocks and Lynton Circular, Lynton, Watersmeet, and Valley of the Rocks, Lynmouth, River East Lyn, and Countisbury Circular, Lynton Village and Valley of Rocks Circular, and Combe Martin Circular.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 11 trails with archaeological sites in Exmoor National Park, including Heddon Valley and Woody Bay Circular, Dunster and Bat's Castle Circular, Lorna Doone Valley Trail, Badgworthy Water and Doone Country Loop, and Selworthy and Bury Castle Circular.
Are there any trails with bays in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 19 trails with bays in Exmoor National Park, including Lynton, Watersmeet, and Valley of the Rocks, Lynton Village and Valley of Rocks Circular, Combe Martin Circular, South West Coast Path: Lynmouth to Combe Martin, and Porlock Bay.
Are there any trails with springs in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 13 trails with springs in Exmoor National Park, including Dunster and Bat's Castle Circular, Porlock to Lynton, Selworthy and Selworthy Beacon, South West Coast Path: Porlock Weir to Lynmouth, and Hurlstone - Selworthy Beacon.
Are there any trails with rivers in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 55 trails with rivers in Exmoor National Park, including Lynton, Watersmeet, and Valley of the Rocks, Lynmouth, River East Lyn, and Countisbury Circular, South West Coast Path: Lynmouth to Combe Martin, Porlock to Lynton, and The River Barle, Withypool, and Tarr Steps Circular.
Are there any trails with beaches in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 22 trails with beaches in Exmoor National Park, including Combe Martin Circular, Minehead to Porlock Weir via South West Coast Path, South West Coast Path: Lynmouth to Combe Martin, Heddon's Mouth, and Porlock Bay.
Are there any trails with castles in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 11 trails with castles in Exmoor National Park, including Dunster and Bat's Castle Circular, Dunster Beach and Dunster Castle, Combe Martin to Hele, South West Coast Path: Trentishoe to Ilfracombe, and Croydon Hill, Bat's Castle and Dunster Circular.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with scenic viewpoints in Exmoor National Park, including Dunster and Bat's Castle Circular, Bossington Hill Circular, Horner Wood Circular, Hurlstone - Selworthy Beacon, and Webber's Post Wander.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with historical ruins in Exmoor National Park, including Watersmeet to Ash Bridge Circular, Cow Castle, Simonsbath, And Winstitchen Circular, East Lyn River Circular, Two Moors Way Section 12: Withypool to Simonsbath via The River Barle, and Two Moors Way Section 13: Simonsbath to Lynmouth.
Are there any trails with dams in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with dams in Exmoor National Park, including Wimbleball Lake Circular, Haddon Hill and Wimbleball Lake Circular, and Wimbleball Lake from Hadborough Plantation.
Are there any trails with historical monuments in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a historical monument in Exmoor National Park: Dunster Beach and Dunster Castle.
Are there any trails with huts in Exmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with huts in Exmoor National Park, including Countesbury Circular and Cloud Farm Campsite to Foreland Point Circular Walk.