Exmoor National Park
Exmoor is a unique place shaped by people and nature over thousands of years and is recognised as one of the UK’s finest landscapes. Large areas of open moorland provide a sense of remoteness and tranquillity rare in southern Britain. Spectacular coastal views, deep wooded valleys, high sea cliffs and fast flowing streams all combine to form a rich and distinct mosaic.
It is a landscape that has inspired poets writers and artists for hundreds of years and continues to inspire people today.
Exmoor coastline is beautiful and dramatic stretching from Minehead in the East to Combe Martin in the West. This spectacular coast, with the highest sea cliffs in England, was one of the reasons why in 1954, Exmoor was designated a National Park.
Seeing Exmoor Ponies on the open moors is always special.
They are one of a number of British native ponies and a common sight on Exmoor, where a number of managed herds graze the rough pasture. The ponies are only ‘wild’ in the sense that the herds roam freely on the moor, for all the ponies belong to someone. There are around twenty different herds that run on the various commons of Exmoor, two of which are owned by the National Park. As many of the commons have shared boundaries, it is essential that those visiting the moor remember to close the gates.
Exmoor’s Iconic Red Deer
Red deer have survived on Exmoor since pre-historic times. Exmoor was once a Royal Forest with strict Forest Law which protected the deer in order to maintain a supply of venison and a hunting ground for the king. There are about three thousand deer on Exmoor, living on moorland and farmland, and using the woodlands for cover. Red deer are the largest wild land animals in England. Adult stags stand about 115 cm at the shoulder. Hinds are about 15 cm less. Only stags grow antlers. They shed them in April and early May and new ones start to grow immediately. As the stag gets older the antlers have more ‘points’ until they reach old age and start to ‘go back’.
Exmoor Places to Visit
Below are just a few places we know and love to visit and keep going back to!
- Dunkery Beacon – great walk and views
- Tarr Steps – scenic walk, great pub and food
- Exford – Heart of Exmoor, great for walking and eating, we recommend The White Horse Inn
- Molland – If you want to visit a rustic old Devon pub try The London Inn in Molland, also some great walks and we normally see Exmoor ponies on Molland Moor.
- Wimbleball Lake – The reservoir at Wimbleball is an excellent place to spot wildfowl and there are easily accessible paths and bird hides.
- Withypool – is a small village with pub, shop and toilets in a beautiful setting overlooking the Barle valley and heathland of Withypool Common.
- Simonsbath – At the heart of what was once the Royal Hunting Forest of Exmoor, a great place to stop of and explore the upper Barle Valley.
- Valley of the Rocks – Simply stunning, a great walk near Lynton
- Headons Mouth – An idyllic National Trust owned valley leads you along the River Heddon to the dramatic rocky cove at Heddon’s Mouth. Lovely walks down the valley and pub close by.
- Dulverton – A busy little town acting as a service centre for southern Exmoor. It lies in an attractive setting where the deep and wooded Barle valley broadens into meadows before joining the Exe
- Landacre Bridge – A lovely old bridge across the River Barle. There is limited parking here, but it is a lovely atmospheric place in the heart of the moorland.
- And many more…………..
Where to get more information
Visit Exmoor House in Dulverton, here you can purchase maps, walking routes, books and useful information concerning everything Exmoor. Definitely worth a visit.
Address
Exmoor National Park Authority,
Exmoor House,
Dulverton,
Somerset, TA22 9HL
Tel: 01398 323665
