The 8 Most Amazing Peaks around Exford

The Exmoor National Park area around Exford features several significant peaks. Among the most prominent are Dunkery Beacon Summit, which is the highest point in Somerset, and Selworthy Beacon, known for its coastal views. Other notable peaks include Periton Hill Summit and Winsford Hill Summit Monument.

The mountain peaks in Exmoor National Park offer spectacular panoramic views. From Dunkery Beacon Summit, on a clear day, you can see across the Bristol Channel to Wales, as well as over Exmoor and Dartmoor. Selworthy Beacon also provides magnificent views over the rolling countryside and out to sea, with the south coast of Wales visible across the Bristol Channel.

Yes, several peaks in the Exford area have historical significance. Dunkery Beacon Summit is a historical site itself. Additionally, near Dunkery Beacon, you can find Great Rowbarrow Cairn, which is a Bronze Age burial cairn dating back to the Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (2400-1500 BCE).

For challenging hikes, consider routes that ascend Dunkery Beacon Summit or Selworthy Beacon. The South West Coast Path, for instance, climbs Selworthy Beacon and involves steep sections. Many of the running and gravel biking routes in the area, such as the 'Dunkery Beacon Summit – Dunkery Beacon Summit loop from Malmsmead' or 'Dunkery Beacon and Great Rowbarrow loop from Exford', also indicate difficult terrain suitable for experienced hikers.

While many routes involve significant climbs, some areas offer more accessible paths. Selworthy Beacon is relatively accessible as a road leads close to the top, making it easier to enjoy the views without a strenuous climb. For general family-friendly options, look for shorter, less steep sections of trails within Exmoor National Park, though specific 'easy' mountain peak ascents are less common due to the nature of the terrain.

Exmoor National Park is generally dog-friendly, and many trails to the peaks around Exford welcome dogs. However, it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead, especially on open moorland where livestock (sheep, cattle, ponies) graze and during ground-nesting bird season (March-July). Always follow the Countryside Code and be mindful of other walkers and wildlife.

Beyond hiking, the area around Exford offers excellent opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, including routes like the 'Dulverton – Winsford Hill Summit Monument loop from Withypool'. There are also challenging gravel biking trails, such as the 'Dunkery Beacon Summit – Dunkery Beacon Summit loop from Malmsmead', and dedicated running trails like the 'Dunkery Beacon and Great Rowbarrow loop from Exford'.

The best time to hike the mountain peaks around Exford is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and the days are longer, offering better visibility for the panoramic views. Be aware that Exmoor weather can be unpredictable, so always be prepared for changing conditions, even in summer.

Accessibility varies by peak. For instance, a road leads close to the top of Selworthy Beacon, making it relatively easy to reach by car with parking available nearby. For Dunkery Beacon Summit, there are several car parks at the base or within a reasonable walking distance, such as at Horner or Wheddon Cross, from which you can begin your ascent. Always check local signage for specific parking regulations.

Dunkery Beacon Summit is the highest point in Exmoor and the whole of Somerset, standing at 519 meters (1,703 feet). Its summit provides the most expansive panoramic views, stretching across the Bristol Channel to Wales, and over the vast landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor on a clear day.

Yes, many of the trails in Exmoor National Park are designed as circular routes that incorporate the peaks. For example, the 'Dunkery Beacon and Great Rowbarrow loop from Exford' is a popular running trail that can also be enjoyed as a challenging hike, offering a circular journey around these significant landmarks.

Periton Hill Summit is notable as a UK designated Marilyn, meaning it has a prominence of at least 150 meters. Standing at 303 meters (994 feet), it offers a viewpoint with a prominence of 185m. A trail called Roadway Lane leads to its summit, and it's also part of the multi-day Macmillan Way West.

The rugged terrain around Exford's peaks is excellent for trail running. The 'Dunkery Beacon and Great Rowbarrow loop from Exford' is a challenging 19.4 km running route that takes you over significant elevations. Another option is the 'Dunkery Beacon loop from Dunkery Bridge', a 9.8 km difficult route, both offering rewarding experiences for trail runners.