Looking for an unforgettable walking holiday in Exmoor?
Exmoor National Park, of which two thirds lies in West Somerset and one third in North Devon. This walking holiday will give you the opportunity to explore the unique National Park’s landscapes of contrasting countryside, and coastline featuring the highest sea cliffs in England with its deep wooded combes (valleys), ancient farms, sheltered villages and wild uplands.
Exmoor’s special qualities were officially recognised in 1954 when it was given National Park status to help conserve the area’s natural beauty and wildlife. There is probably nowhere in Britain that offers such a variety of walking within such a compact area during each season of the year.
Holiday Highlights
- Five nights half board accommodation at the Simonsbath House Hotel
- Four included walks
- Included packed lunch on all walks
- Knowledgeable local walking guides
- One walk directly from the hotel
Itinerary
DAY ONE – Arrival day
Make your own way to Simonsbath House Hotel for five night’s half board accommodation.
DAY TWO – Walk 1
6.25 MILES – 142M ASCENT/320m DESCENT This walk starts at County Gate with beautiful views across Doone Country. You will leave the hotel car park and follow the path along the valley ridge before slowly dropping down into Brendon Village. From here your guide will lead you along the River Lyn through Rockford. After lunch the walk continues along the river to Watersmeet, before descending through the gorge to Lynmouth. For those wanting a longer option there will be an extension through the Valley of the Rocks and over Hollerday Hill into Lynton, before dropping back into Lynmouth.
DAY THREE – Walk 2
6.5 MILES – 346M ASCENT/ 273m DESCENT Transfer to the start of your walk (7 miles). Walking the two moors way, the short walkers will start in Withypool and follow the water meadows before climbing across farmland to follow the old sunken road. You will then travel across moorland before dropping down to Landacre Bridge. Your guide will take you along the road up to Braddimoor, before dropping back down into the valley and following the River Barle back via Cow Castle and Wheal Eliza to Simonsbath. The route finishes with a loop through Birch Cleave Woods and a walk through Ashcombe for those still needing to stretch their legs.
DAY FOUR – Walk 3
6.65 MILES – 148M ASCENT/255m DESCENT Transfer to the start of your walk (10 miles). Starting at Dry Bridge on top of the moor your walk will start out across open moorland towards Malmsmead Hill with far reaching stunning views. Walking across the hill your guide will take you north towards Southern Ball, before dropping down through the woods to the National Trust café at Lorna Doone Farm. The return follows the river, Badgeworthy Water from Malmsmead past Cloud Farm and the Blackmore memorial, the water slide that features in Lorna Doone to the medieval village. You will then be taken west to climb back onto the moorland, before dropping down through Lancombe Ford and returning to the starting point.
DAY FIVE – Walk 4
7.5 MILES – 136M ASCENT/185m DESCENT
Starting at Rodhuish Cross, the walk will start up Culver Lane and then skirt across Withycombe Common to the Scruffets before heading into Long Combe. We walk down through Broadwood to the tall trees trail and the tallest tree in England, before climbing over Vinegar Hill (there will a short option into Dunster) crossing the iron age hill forts to Withycombe Hill Gate. We then follow the bridleway down to Carhampton and across the Deer Park to Dunster.
Accommodation
Simonsbath House Hotel is an old hunting lodge originally built by James Boevey is 1645, which has been converted into a small hotel. This 350 year old house retains many of the wonderful features of yesteryear, yet still provides a comfortable and cosy place to stay with individually decorated bedrooms. All rooms have picture postcard views of the Barle Valley, where you can sit and relax whilst taking in the magnificent scenery. Located in Barle Valley, Simonsbath House Hotel is nestled in the heart of Exmoor National Park and is well-known for its many walking routes. The beautiful town of Watersmeet is only 7 miles away, while Lynmouth and Lynton are 9 miles from the property.
Hotel Features
Dates & Prices
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