Exmoor National Park
Take in some of the most spectacular parts of Exmoor National Park
In just 692 square kilometres Exmoor, designated in 1954, offers a vast diversity of landscapes as the moorlands give way to the sea, with some of the highest coastal hills in England. The moorland landscape is different from that of Dartmoor’s granite heights: softer, more rounded hills support a patchwork of small hedged fields and wooded combes. Exmoor is Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve and is a great place to view wildlife.
Hawkridge to Withypool
- Approximately 6 miles
Despite being the Devon Coast to Coast walk here the Two Moors Way enters Somerset! From the ridgetop settlement of Hawkridge the trail descends to the medieval clapper bridge across the Barle: the famous Tarr Steps. An easy riverside path then leads the walker all the way to the pretty village of Withypool, once the headquarters of Exmoor’s Royal Forest: for several centuries the twice-yearly Royal Court was held just upstream at Landacre Bridge. Facilities here include a pub, café and village shop.
Withypool to Simonsbath
- Approximately 7 miles
A delightful section of the route following the Barle river valley. The trail passes through moorland and fields, initially above the river, with great views down to the idyllic Landacre Bridge, before dropping down to walk beside the water. The scenery gets more and more dramatic as you approach Cow Castle, an Iron Age hillfort, before passing the remains of the Wheal Eliza iron ore mine and following the river to the small moorland village of Simonsbath.
Simonsbath to Lynmouth
- Approximately 12 miles
The final section of the route crosses Exmoor’s remotest and wildest country: the Chains, source of the great River Exe. This second-longest stage crosses the boundary of the Royal Forest (and back into Devon) by the Hoaroak, then passes historic Hoar Oak Cottage, built on the site of a medieval farmstead. The final stretch enjoys wonderful views across the steep-sided wooded valley of the East Lyn River as it tumbles towards the sea at Lynmouth and the end of the walk.