Best Walks in Exmoor National Park in 2026

A dramatic landscape comprising wide-open moors, peaceful woodlands, picturesque farms, and charming valleys, Exmoor National Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Featuring 692km² of wild and rugged terrain waiting to be explored, you will have no shortage of grand adventures on your next visit to this beautiful region that is steeped in history.

Established as a national park in 1954, Exmoor has a rich history of natural and human interaction that has shaped the landscape over thousands of years into what it is today. Throughout the region, you can spot the remnants of Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Medieval settlements that provide a window into the importance of Exmoor to earlier populations. These sites, in addition to the breathtakingly scenic natural sites in the park, make the area perfect for outdoor adventures. So whether you come for the history or the views, you will be sure to enjoy your time spent in Exmoor National Park.

Best Walks in Exmoor National Park

Featuring a wealth of different terrain types that range from lovely sandy beaches and rugged coastal cliffs to barren, and exposed stretches of open moorland, Exmoor National Park offers walkers countless opportunities to explore its picturesque landscape. While the undulating terrain throughout the region may seem a bit daunting at first glance, there are walking routes fit for all skills and ages, making Exmoor a beautiful place to explore no matter your experience level. If you are looking to plan an excursion in the region, check out this awesome list of walks in Exmoor that we’ve put together below:

• Valley of the Rocks and Lynton Walk: This is an exceptional trail along the North Devon coast that offers breathtaking views over the Bristol Channel. It isn’t too difficult either, making it the ideal way to explore the coastal areas of Exmoor with friends or family.
• Lee Abbey and Exmoor Coast Walk: A popular trail for anyone visiting Lynton, this route will lead you along the coast for some wonderful views across the water. After passing by an historic gothic-style building now used as a Christian retreat, you will climb uphill for even better views of the surrounding area that stretch out to South Wales on a clear day.
• Lynmouth to Brendon Walk: This is a challenging walk thanks to some fairly steep terrain, but the amazing atmosphere along the East Lyn River and beautiful views of the coast make it worthwhile. Your legs may burn a bit by the end of it, but at least you'll be able to spot some local wildlife while walking through the gorge!
• Lorna Doone Valley Trail: A lovely countryside walk in Exmoor National Park, the Lorna Doone Valley Trail will take you along the edge of Badgworthy Water and through peaceful woodland landscapes that will help you relax.
• Lynton, Watersmeet, and Valley of the Rocks Walk: This is a fun walk along the North Devon coast that will see you traverse some undulating terrain and pass through a beautifully scenic area known as the Valley of the Rocks. There is a bit of steep terrain here, but the views overlooking the Bristol Channel are stunning.
• Porlock Bay Walk: Another coastal walking route, the Porlock Bay Walk will take you along beaches and through various marshlands for exceptional views of the channel. Sprinkled with a few charming villages throughout the route, this is a wonderful way to experience the natural and manmade scenery of Exmoor.
• Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk: Walking this trail is an amazing experience that will let you reconnect with nature and visit a unique historical site. In addition to the peaceful riverside setting along the River Barle, you will be able to cross over a beautiful Medieval bridge.
• Combe Martin Circular Walk: Featuring some small sections of uphill walking, this route provides beautiful views along the coast, making it popular with a variety of walkers. Along the trail, you will also have the chance to explore the charming village of Combe Martin, which makes for a fun day outdoors.
• Selworthy and Selworthy Beacon Walk: Another uphill walking route along the North Devon coast, the Selworthy and Selworthy Beacon Walk will take you through some rugged terrain for exceptional views overlooking Exmoor National Park and the Bristol Channel.
• Horner Wood Circular Walk: While this route does feature some brief climbs and descents along its length, they are manageable for walkers of most skill levels. The peaceful woodland setting along this route makes for a relaxing afternoon out on the trails.

Scroll down to find even more stunning walks in Exmoor National Park.

What’s New for Walking in Exmoor National Park in 2026

Exmoor remains one of the best places in southwest England for varied walking, with coastal routes around Combe Martin and the Valley of the Rocks, wooded river trails near Watersmeet, and open moorland routes around Dunkery Beacon and Selworthy. The most reliable conditions are usually from late spring to early autumn, but the park is walkable year-round if you pack waterproof layers and sturdy footwear. Coast paths can be windy and exposed, while wooded routes such as Horner Wood and the East Lyn River are especially useful choices when the weather turns. If you are planning a longer trip, book accommodation early around Lynton, Lynmouth, Porlock and Combe Martin during summer weekends.

Best Walks in Exmoor National Park by Type

The Search Console data shows demand around Combe Martin, Valley of the Rocks, Horner Wood and Watersmeet, so this section surfaces those routes in a more helpful way for readers.

Best Family-Friendly Walks in Exmoor National Park

• Valley of the Rocks and Lynton Walk: a short coastal route with huge views over the Bristol Channel, making it one of the best easy introductions to Exmoor.
• Tarr Steps and River Barle Walk: a gentle riverside route that visits a historic clapper bridge and works well for families who want an easy walk with a memorable landmark.

Best Half-Day Walks in Exmoor National Park

• Combe Martin Circular Walk: matches the strong Combe Martin search demand and gives walkers coastal views, village scenery and a satisfying moderate loop.
• Horner Wood Circular Walk: one of the best woodland walks in Exmoor, with a peaceful forest setting and manageable climbs for most walkers.
• Lynton, Watersmeet, and Valley of the Rocks Walk: connects two of the region’s biggest search draws, Watersmeet and the Valley of the Rocks, in one scenic North Devon route.

Best Full-Day Walks in Exmoor National Park

• Exmoor Circular Walk: a long 26.7 km circuit with moorland, coastal views and Somerset countryside, best suited to walkers who want a full day out.
• South West Coast Path: County Gate to Trentishoe: an 18.3 km point-to-point section of the South West Coast Path with rugged coastal scenery between County Gate and Trentishoe.

When is the Best Time to Walk in Exmoor National Park?

The weather in Exmoor National Park is favourable year-round, with average summer temperatures (℃) in the high teens to low twenties and winter temperatures in the single digits. This means that any time of year is suitable for a fun walking adventure in the park. There are some exposed areas along the coast and in elevated positions on the moor that may experience more inclement weather, so if you want the most favourable conditions for your trip, try aiming for June-September.

Other Outdoor Activities in Exmoor National Park

Featuring favourable weather year-round and a good variety of landscapes throughout the park, Exmoor offers a number of different activities to get you exploring the outdoors. In addition to a bevy of picturesque walking routes, Exmoor National Park has exceptional cycling routes, so much so that they are featured in the Tour of Britain. Other activities that can be found here include camping, rock climbing, abseiling, archery, kayaking and canoeing.

If you want to explore beyond the walking trails, browse our self-guided England bike tours, which include cycling holidays across the English countryside and coast.

Self-Guided Walking Tours Near Exmoor National Park

If you want the logistics handled, start with our self-guided walking tours in England or the more specific self-guided walking tours in Southern England. For a route that directly matches Exmoor’s coast, the South West Coast Path: Somerset and Devon walking tour follows the coastline from Minehead through Exmoor and onward toward north Devon. You can also browse self-guided walking tours in Europe if you are comparing Exmoor with other classic walking regions.

Walking Near Exmoor National Park

Exmoor sits between some of southwest England’s best walking regions. To the south, walks in Devon include coastal routes, woodland trails and neighbouring Dartmoor. Nearby Dartmoor National Park walks offer open moorland, tors and long-distance routes, while walks in Cornwall continue the South West Coast Path along another dramatic stretch of coastline. For the wider picture, browse all our walks in England.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exmoor National Park

Is Exmoor in Devon or Somerset?

Exmoor National Park is actually split between the two counties, taking up part of north Devon and part of west Somerset.

How large is Exmoor?

Exmoor national park is 692km², making it the 12th largest national park in the UK.

Find other spectacular walking regions in the United Kingdom

• Cotswolds
• Lake District
• Peak District
• Snowdonia
• Cairngorms National Park
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs