Looking for an unforgettable walking holiday in Exmoor?
Exmoor National Park, spanning West Somerset and North Devon, is a walking destination of extraordinary variety and natural beauty. On this holiday, you’ll have the opportunity to explore landscapes that are as diverse as they are striking. From the wild, open moorlands to sheltered, wooded valleys known locally as combes, and along the dramatic coastline featuring the highest sea cliffs in England, every step reveals something new. Ancient farms, peaceful villages, and sweeping uplands where red deer roam freely add to the charm and sense of timelessness that characterises the park.
Officially designated as a National Park in 1954, Exmoor is recognised for its unique combination of natural beauty, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage. The park’s compact size means that in a short space of time you can experience an astonishing variety of scenery, from windswept ridges and tranquil river valleys to golden woodland trails and flower-filled meadows. Each season brings its own special appeal: spring sees newborn lambs and wildflowers emerging across the moors, summer offers long days perfect for coastal walks, autumn turns the woods into a riot of colour, and even winter has its own quiet magic, with frost-tipped valleys and empty, peaceful trails.
This walking holiday is designed to provide a balance of gentle, leisurely strolls and more invigorating routes, making it accessible to walkers of all abilities while still offering the excitement of discovery. You’ll follow well-maintained paths through farmland and across open hills, pause to admire far-reaching views of the Bristol Channel, and explore hidden combes with their cool, shaded streams. Along the way, you may spot Exmoor ponies grazing freely or hear the calls of buzzards circling overhead.
The villages you pass through are perfect for a relaxing pause, offering cosy tearooms, historic inns, and friendly locals eager to share a story or two. Every day brings a new adventure, whether it’s tracing the rugged coastline, walking through a carpet of autumn leaves, or simply taking in the quiet majesty of the uplands. By the end of your stay, you’ll have experienced not just Exmoor’s landscapes, but its spirit - a place where wild beauty, tranquillity, and centuries of history come together to create a walking holiday unlike any other.
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, built in 1645 as a hunting lodge by James Boevey, has been transformed into a charming, cosy hotel. With individually decorated rooms and many original features, it offers comfort and character, along with picture-perfect views of the Barle Valley - ideal for relaxing and taking in the scenery.
Nestled in the heart of Exmoor National Park, the hotel is a walker’s paradise, close to scenic trails and just 7 miles from Watersmeet and 9 miles from the coastal towns of Lynmouth and Lynton. A perfect base to explore Exmoor’s moorlands, valleys, and coastline.
Hotel Features
Reviews
Average Review Score:
Andrew went above and beyond to take care of the many different needs of the walkers. He also went out of his way to shuffle the schedule to avoid heavier rain.
Lucy KThe walk leader was exceptional. Happy and enthusiastic making everyone's experience great.
Pam FI could hardly fault this holiday.
Rhiannon EA superb holiday. Beautiful accommodation, scrumptious food, excellent hosts. Full marks.
Angela S