The Best Walks on Exmoor

In this guide

1. Tarr Steps & the River Barle

2. Dunkery Beacon

3. Heddon's Mouth

4. Horner Woods

5. Lynmouth to Watersmeet

6. Valley of Rocks

7. Porlock Marsh

8. Simonsbath & Wheal Eliza

9. Doone Valley

10. Exford to Dunkery Beacon

Which Exmoor walk should I choose?

Walking Exmoor with a dog

What should I take walking on Exmoor?

What are the best easy walks on Exmoor?

What's the best walk on Exmoor for first-time visitors?

What's the best woodland walk?

What's the best coastal walk on Exmoor?

When is the best time to walk on Exmoor?

A final piece of advice

Back to Luckett Farm

From ancient woodland and riverside paths to open moorland and dramatic coastal valleys, walking is one of the best ways to discover Exmoor.

There are many ways to explore Exmoor, but we think walking is one of the best.

Leave the car behind and the landscape changes. You start noticing the sound of the river, the smell of the woodland, ponies grazing on the moor and views you would simply drive past.

And you certainly don't need to be an experienced hiker.

Exmoor National Park has everything from short accessible strolls to two-hour woodland walks and serious all-day hikes. Its official walking collection includes Exmoor Strolls, Exmoor Explorers and longer Exmoor Classics, so there's something for almost every ability. Exmoor National Park

Here are some of the walks we'd put on your list when staying at Luckett Farm.

1. Tarr Steps & the River Barle

Tarr Steps is one of the classic Exmoor walks, and for good reason.

The famous clapper bridge crosses the River Barle beneath a canopy of woodland. At 54 metres long and with 17 spans, it's the longest surviving clapper bridge of its kind in Britain. Exmoor National Park

But the bridge isn't really the walk.

The magic is following the River Barle through the surrounding woodland and meadows.

The usual Exmoor Explorer circuit is around 3.5 km / 2 miles and takes a little over an hour. However, there's an important current caveat: the bridge at Hinds Pitt upstream has been closed since May 2025, meaning the normal circular route cannot presently be completed. You can still walk upstream from Tarr Steps, but need to return on the same side. Exmoor National Park

Luckett Farm says

This would be high on our list for somebody visiting Exmoor for the first time.

Don't rush the bridge. Walk beside the river, enjoy the woodland and give yourself time for a drink or something to eat afterwards.

Good to know: Check the latest National Park route information before setting out because river conditions and path closures can change.

2. Dunkery Beacon

If you want to stand on top of Exmoor, this is the one.

At 502 metres, Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Exmoor. The shorter official Explorer route climbs steadily from the car park to the summit before returning on a steeper descent. Exmoor National Park

On a clear day, the views are enormous.

It's a wonderful introduction to the openness of the moor and there's also a chance of seeing red deer.

For people wanting something gentler, there's a shorter 1.5-mile Exmoor Stroll following a stony track towards the summit. Exmoor National Park

And serious walkers can make considerably more of it: the Exford and Dunkery Beacon Classic is about 11 miles / 18 km and takes around four to five hours. Exmoor National Park

Luckett Farm says

Pick your day.

Dunkery on a clear morning and Dunkery disappearing into cloud are two completely different experiences.

For the views, we'd save this for decent weather.

3. Heddon's Mouth

This is a beautiful example of what makes Exmoor unusual.

You start inland and follow the little River Heddon through a steep, wooded valley until suddenly the landscape opens and you reach the sea between some of England's highest cliffs.

The official Explorer route is around 3.6 km, generally following fairly level ground through the valley, although the optional descent to the beach is rougher. Exmoor National Park

There's also a pub close to the start.

Which never hurts.

Luckett Farm says

One of our favourites for visitors who want a proper sense of adventure without committing to a long hike.

You get woodland, river, cliffs and sea in little more than an hour.

That's quite a return on your investment.

4. Horner Woods

If your mental image of Exmoor is entirely open moorland, Horner Woods will change it.

This is a beautiful woodland walk following Horner Water, initially along the valley before climbing to a viewpoint over the wooded landscape.

The official Explorer route is about 5.4 km / 3.5 miles and takes around two hours. The second half involves a substantial climb, so don't be fooled by the gentle beginning. Exmoor National Park

There's also a shorter accessible option along the lower valley for those who don't want the climb. Exmoor National Park

Luckett Farm says

This is exactly the kind of place we'd choose in autumn.

Trees turning colour, water running through the valley and that slightly damp, earthy smell you only get in old woodland.

Take proper footwear.

5. Lynmouth to Watersmeet

Start in Lynmouth and follow the East Lyn River upstream towards Watersmeet.

This is Exmoor at its greenest.

Rather than wide-open moorland, you're walking through a steep wooded valley with the river constantly beside you.

The National Park includes Lynmouth and Watersmeet among its ten selected shorter Explorer walks, describing the route as following the East Lyn upstream to its meeting with Hoar Oak Water. Exmoor National Park

The wider Watersmeet landscape also has more challenging routes through sessile oak woodland, with wildlife that can include deer and, for very fortunate walkers, otters. National Trust

Luckett Farm says

A particularly good choice when you want to combine walking with exploring Lynmouth.

Walk first.

Lunch afterwards.

You'll enjoy both more.

6. Valley of Rocks

The Valley of Rocks near Lynton doesn't feel quite like anywhere else on Exmoor.

Huge rock formations rise above the coast, with views towards the Bristol Channel and the famous feral goats roaming around the valley.

There are various ways of exploring the area on foot, so we'd treat this less as a single prescribed walk and more as somewhere to wander.

Combine it with Lynton and Lynmouth and you've got one of North Devon's best days out.

Luckett Farm says

Go early if you can.

Walk the valley before spending some time in Lynton or Lynmouth.

And take your camera.

7. Porlock Marsh

For something quite different again, try Porlock Marsh.

The official Exmoor Explorer route starts from Porlock and follows a boardwalk through the marsh, with open views towards the sea. Exmoor National Park

It's flatter and more open than many of the wooded Exmoor walks, creating an almost haunting landscape.

This is a particularly good option if you want coastal atmosphere without tackling one of Exmoor's steeper cliff walks.

Luckett Farm says

Combine the walk with Porlock and Porlock Weir.

This is the sort of day where we'd deliberately avoid making too many plans.

Walk. Explore. Find lunch. See where you end up.

8. Simonsbath & Wheal Eliza

If you'd like to experience a quieter side of Exmoor, head towards Simonsbath.

The Explorer route follows the upper valley of the River Barle towards the remains of Wheal Eliza. Exmoor National Park

It feels more remote than some of the better-known visitor locations and combines beautiful countryside with a little of Exmoor's industrial history.

Luckett Farm says

A good one when you've already visited Tarr Steps and Dunkery and want to discover somewhere less obvious.

9. Doone Valley

The Doone Valley is closely associated with R.D. Blackmore's Lorna Doone, but you certainly don't need to have read the novel to enjoy walking here.

The National Park's Explorer route follows Badgworthy Water through fields and woodland before reaching open moorland and the site of a deserted medieval village. Exmoor National Park

It's another example of how quickly the Exmoor landscape changes when you're walking through it.

Luckett Farm says

One for guests who want something that feels a little more remote and distinctly Exmoor.

Take your time.

10. Exford to Dunkery Beacon

If the shorter walks sound suspiciously easy, this one's for you.

Starting in Exford, this circular route climbs through farmland and moorland to Dunkery Beacon before eventually returning.

At around 18 km / 11 miles, it's one of Exmoor National Park's Classic walks. Exmoor National Park

This isn't something we'd recommend setting off on casually after a large Sunday lunch.

Come prepared.

Check the weather.

Take water and food.

Wear appropriate footwear.

And allow plenty of daylight.

Luckett Farm says

If you enjoy walking, dedicate a day to it.

Then come back to Luckett Farm, open something cold and feel extremely pleased with yourself.

Which Exmoor walk should I choose?

If you're staying at Luckett Farm and aren't sure where to start, we'd keep it simple.

If you want…	We'd choose…
Your first Exmoor walk	Tarr Steps
The best big views	Dunkery Beacon
Woodland	Horner Woods
River and woodland	Lynmouth to Watersmeet
River meeting the sea	Heddon's Mouth
Dramatic coastal scenery	Valley of Rocks
Something gentler	Porlock Marsh
Quieter Exmoor	Simonsbath & Wheal Eliza
History and atmosphere	Doone Valley
A serious day's walk	Exford to Dunkery Beacon

Walking Exmoor with a dog

Exmoor can be wonderful walking country for dogs, but remember you're in working countryside.

You may encounter sheep, cattle, horses and ponies, as well as wildlife.

Dogs should be kept under close control and you'll need to follow any signs or temporary restrictions you encounter.

It's also worth checking the individual route before setting out rather than assuming every walk is suitable in every season.

We'll cover this properly in our forthcoming Dog-Friendly North Devon & Exmoor Guide.

What should I take walking on Exmoor?

Even on a relatively short walk, we'd recommend sensible footwear, water and an extra layer.

Exmoor weather can change quickly.

For longer walks, take a proper map or reliable navigation, waterproof clothing, food and enough water.

And don't rely entirely on your phone.

The more remote the walk, the more prepared you should be.

What are the best easy walks on Exmoor?

If you want something relatively gentle, look at the National Park's Exmoor Strolls collection.

These are short, step-and-stile-free routes designed to make some of Exmoor's best landscapes accessible to more people. Locations include Dunkery Beacon, Horner Woods, Bossington Hill and Countisbury Common. Exmoor National Park

The separate Exmoor Explorers collection is the next step up: ten selected shorter routes, generally taking from under an hour to around two and a half hours. Exmoor National Park

That's a useful way of choosing a walk according to how energetic you're feeling that morning.

What's the best walk on Exmoor for first-time visitors?

We'd probably choose between Tarr Steps and Dunkery Beacon.

Choose Tarr Steps if you prefer rivers and woodland.

Choose Dunkery if you want open moorland and far-reaching views.

If you've got two days?

Do both.

They show you two completely different sides of Exmoor.

What's the best woodland walk?

Horner Woods would be very high on our list.

For a combination of woodland and river scenery, we'd also look at Lynmouth to Watersmeet and Heddon's Mouth.

What's the best coastal walk on Exmoor?

For a relatively short experience, Heddon's Mouth is hard to beat.

For more dramatic open scenery, explore around the Valley of Rocks.

And experienced walkers have plenty of longer options along the Exmoor section of the South West Coast Path.

When is the best time to walk on Exmoor?

Every season gives you something different.

Spring brings new growth and longer days.

Summer gives you maximum daylight for longer routes.

Autumn transforms the wooded valleys.

Winter can be wonderfully atmospheric, although shorter daylight and more difficult weather mean you need to plan more carefully.

Our favourite?

That depends on the walk.

For Horner Woods, we'd love autumn.

For Dunkery Beacon, give us a crisp, clear morning.

For Heddon's Mouth, a beautiful late spring day.

And for Tarr Steps?

Pretty much anytime.

A final piece of advice

Don't turn walking on Exmoor into a competition.

You don't have to climb the highest point.

You don't have to walk 15 miles.

And you certainly don't need to complete every route on this page.

Sometimes the best walk is simply the one that suits the weather, your mood and how long you want to spend in the pub afterwards.

Pick one.

Put your boots on.

And go and see where it takes you.

Back to Luckett Farm

One of the pleasures of a proper countryside walk is coming home afterwards.

Back at Luckett Farm, boots can come off.

The fire can go on.

Dinner can wait.

And if your property has a hot tub, aching legs have a fairly obvious next destination.

Tomorrow?

You could walk somewhere else.

Or you could head to the beach.

That's the beauty of staying in North Devon.