Walking the Selworthy and Selworthy Beacon Trail is a fun adventure that will expose you to a variety of rugged terrain types within Exmoor National Park, with the ultimate payoff being a rewarding view overlooking Porlock Bay. While out on the trail, you will pass through the quaint village of Selworthy and walk past charming thatched cottages before climbing up the steep hillside to the summit viewpoint atop Selworthy Beacon. There is definitely a fair bit of uphill walking along this route; however, the beautiful views across Exmoor and the Bristol Channel are well worth the trouble.

Route Description for Selworthy and Selworthy Beacon Walk

Although the Selworthy and Selworthy Beacon Walk is a popular route for outdoor enthusiasts of varying skill levels, there are several things to take into consideration before setting out on your journey. There are a number of inclines along the route, some of which are fairly steep, as well as portions of the route that are often blanketed in mud. Make sure to wear proper walking boots with good support to better traverse the trail. Additionally, there is a decent network of trails in the area and a good number of paths that intersect the one referred to here. You may want to bring a GPS or trail map to stay on the correct course.

Setting out from the car park opposite the Medieval church, you will pass through the charming cottage-lined village of Selworthy and head northwest to enter into the dense cover of the forest. Continue in this direction along the hillside and enjoy the peaceful forest setting before arriving at the Agnes Fountain for some lovely views of Porlock Bay. From here, you will make the steep climb up to the open terrain of the moor, traversing it to the east to eventually reach the summit of Selworthy Beacon. Take some time to appreciate the stunning views across the Exmoor landscape and the Bristol Channel to the north before descending the hillside on the return to the trailhead in the village of Selworthy.

Getting to the Selworthy and Selworthy Beacon Walk Trailhead

To reach the trailhead for the Selworthy and Selworthy Beacon Walk from Porlock, head east on High Street/A39 for 3.1 km and turn left to continue on for another 1.0 km. Make a right here and you will arrive at the car park in 58 m.

Route Information

Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
Year-Round
Pets allowed:
Yes
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit