Coastal Exmoor

Coastal Exmoor Overview

In contrast to the more crowded sections of the South West Coast Path, the part along the North Devon and Somerset coasts is not only quieter but of quite a different character. We've created a magical combination of the best coastal walking with Exmoor itself, cosy villages and some striking literary connections.

This is Lorna Doone country – the heroine of R D Blackmore’s Exmoor-set historical tragedy. You can visit the church she married in, as well as other places connected with her tale, and much of the second half of the walk uses the Coleridge Way (named for the English Romantic poet who made his second home in this area).

Start with a night at the railhead of Barnstaple, where you can have a look at the interesting centre and have a good supper to prepare yourself for the next day’s walking. Following a short transfer to the sea village of Combe Martin, start with an immediate climb up to Great Hangman, high over the Bristol Channel, before dropping down to stay in the secluded valley of Heddon’s Mouth and its National Trust run hotel. A day of coastal walking to the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, linked by a venerable cliff railway, is followed by a stretching circuit taking in Foreland Point, Countisbury Church and the beauty spot of Watersmeet on the East Lyn river. Then Lorna’s day to Porlock Weir, surely one of the prettiest ports in the region – maybe an oyster supper? – and finally a long walk over the north slopes of Dunkery Beacon to historic Dunster, with its unmissable castle, High Street and a range of eateries. Your holiday should end (we recommend) with a trip on the privately run West Somerset Railway to (almost) Taunton, and home.

Five, four and three night versions of this holiday are also available. See the On Foot Holidays website for details of prices and dates.