Easy hikes and walks around Exmoor

Exmoor offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 180 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails allow you to explore the diverse landscapes of the National Park at a comfortable pace.

The easy trails in Exmoor are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 800 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning variety of scenery, and the sense of tranquility found on these routes.

Yes, many easy trails in Exmoor are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Barton Town loop from Challacombe, which offers gentle gradients through the National Park.

Absolutely. Exmoor's easy trails are ideal for families, often featuring relatively flat terrain and shorter distances. Many routes pass through woodlands or along rivers, providing engaging scenery for younger hikers. Consider the Simonsbath Village – Wheal Eliza mine ruins loop from Simonsbath for a family-friendly outing.

Exmoor is very dog-friendly, and most easy trails welcome well-behaved dogs, though they should be kept on a lead, especially near livestock or on coastal paths for safety. Always check local signage for specific restrictions. The Pinkery Pond – Wood Barrow loop from Goat Hill Bridge is a great option for a walk with your canine companion.

Yes, Exmoor's landscape is rich with both. The Riverside Path – Wheal Eliza mine ruins loop from Simonsbath follows a picturesque river and passes historical mine ruins. You can also explore the ancient Tarr Steps clapper bridge, a notable landmark nestled in a wooded valley, which has several easy walks starting nearby.

Easy hikes in Exmoor offer a diverse range of landscapes. You'll encounter vast, open moorlands covered in heather, dramatic coastal paths with views of the highest sea cliffs on the British mainland, and tranquil, sheltered river valleys with ancient woodlands. Many trails combine these elements, providing varied scenery.

Spring and summer are popular for their warmer weather and vibrant flora, with heather blooming on the moors in late summer. Autumn offers stunning colours in the woodlands. While Exmoor can be enjoyed year-round, be prepared for changeable weather, especially on the exposed moorlands, regardless of the season.

Many easy walks provide access to or views of Exmoor's iconic features. While reaching the very summit of Dunkery Beacon might involve a moderate ascent, there are easier paths leading to viewpoints with panoramic vistas. The Valley of Rocks near Lynton also offers spectacular coastal scenery on relatively gentle paths.

Even on easy trails, Exmoor's weather can be unpredictable. It's advisable to wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for varying temperatures, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy walking shoes or boots. Bringing a small backpack with water, snacks, and a map is also recommended.

While many trails require car access, some villages and towns that serve as trailheads, such as Lynton, Lynmouth, and Porlock, are connected by local bus services. Planning your route in advance and checking bus timetables is recommended if relying on public transport.

Yes, several easy walks in Exmoor start or finish in charming villages like Simonsbath, Porlock, or Dunster, which offer traditional pubs. The St Mary's Church, Oare – Cloud Farm Campsite loop from Oare is an example of a route that begins in a village setting, providing opportunities for refreshments nearby.