The moors of Exmoor
Comment(2 votes)
Gain (+/- 10%): 811m (2661ft)
Total (+/- 10%): 1555m (5102ft)
Loss (+/- 10%): 744m (2441ft)
Max. Elevation: 460m (1509ft)
Public Transport
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Waypoints
Start at Lynton, which has good bus connections. Across the river from the town centre is the start of both the Two Moors Way and the Tarka Trail - just near the craft centre.
After a steep climb up Lyn Cleave, the path follows the top of Wester Wood, which crowds around the East Lyn River. Carry along the two trails past Myrtleberry Cleave.
The path crosses a road at Combe Park Wood and follows a woody valley for a short distance. At Smallcombe Bridge, the route climbs upwards again to the hamlet of Cheriton.
The path climbs out on to open moorland past Cheriton, and it's now time to really stretch those legs. Follow the Cheriton Ridge on to the higher ground.
The trail will take you to a footpath junction - more like an intersection - high on the moors at Exe Head. Take a bearing towards Exe Plain to the northeast - you leave the path here, so map and compass at the ready. It's Access Land, prime for wandering, but keep on the northeasterly bearing.
Carry across to Hoar Tor, where the B3223 cuts across the moor. If the weather is bad, this road proves a useful handrail back to the valley. But if it's fine, head away over the rough land to Brendon Common and Shilstone Hill.
A path cuts north-south across Shilstone Hill, leading into the hamlet of the same name. Follow this down to Rockford on the bank of the East Lyn River. Fantastic little country pub here - the Rockford Inn - and well worth patronising.
This has to be one of the most pleasant walk endings there is - along the thickly wooded, steep-sided valley of the East Lyn River. There are paths on either side; my tip would be the path on the eastern side, so cross the footbridge outside the pub.
The path takes you past the impressive National Trust property of Watersmeet House - what a place to live!
The path continues through Wester Wood back to Lynton.
Back to Lynton for the bus onwards, or maybe just a cream tea and a dip in the sea.
Oh dear, a county calamity! If you're still doing this website please can you put Lynton in the right county? We are of course in beautiful Devon :-)
Forced relocation? Not with Car Free Walks! Lynton is now back where it belongs: in Devon. :) Well spotted.