Stage 8 Devon's Coast-to-Coast : Knowstone to YHA Exford
Departure from Knowstone (Devon)
Stage 8 takes us into Exmoor National Park and back to some high ground but mostly it's a riverside walk along the River Barle that is a tributary to the River Exe that flows all the way to the south Devon coast at Exmouth. The route goes over Tar Steps near Hawkridge and has the option of finishing at Withypool or continuing to Exford to stay at the YHA.
Stage 7 Devon's Coast-to-Coast : Morchard Bishop to Knowstone
Departure from Morchard Bishop (Devon)
There are basically two parts to the seventh stage; Morchard Bishop to Witherage and then Witherage to Knowstone, both 8 milers and through interesting Mid Devon agricultural landscape. We follow the River Datch for a while to reach Washford Pyne, then follow the Little Dart River. We meet the Ridge and Valley Walk at Witherage and, cross over the A 371.
Anstey Gate and Hawkridge from Tarr Steps
Departure from Dulverton (Somerset)
This Exmoor walk starts from Tarr Steps, a well-known beauty spot, and then continues through countryside of steep, green fields dotted with small farms. The route crosses West Ansley Common before returning to the start through the village of Hawkridge.
Codden Hill
Departure from Bishop's Tawton (Devon)
This short circular walk with ascents and descents close to Barnstaple provides a good way to explore Codden Hill which overlooks the surroundings valleys and River Taw Estuary.
Cow Castle by Pickedstones Farm from Simonsbath
Departure from Exmoor (Somerset)
This beautiful circular walk in Exmoor National Park visits Cow Castle using paths to Picked Stones. The return way follows Two Moors Way along River Barle and goes across gorgeous hills and valleys.
Stage 9 Devon's Coast-to-Coast : YHA Exford to Lynmouth
Departure from Exford (Somerset)
The final stage is a bit longer than the others but it is a pleasant walk without too many climbs. First of all, it retraces steps back to Withypool, then follows the River Barle to Simonsbath. From there it's over The Chains to meet the Tarka Trail and descend the Cheriton Ridge and along the East Lyn River to end up in Lynmouth.
Dunkery Beacon from Wheddon Cross
Departure from Cutcombe (Somerset)
This Somerset walk visits the highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon. Starting from Wheddon Cross, the highest village on Exmoor, the walk includes a variety of scenic interest including wooded combes and wild moorland.
The Doone Valley from Malmsmead
Departure from North Devon (Devon)
Starting from Malmsmead, this walk in the Exmoor National Park includes sections in Devon and Somerset. The main focus of the route is areas associated with the Lorna Doone novels. However expect much more with valley and moorland walking in this excellent Exmoor walk.
Watersmeet by Ash Bridge and South Hill Common
Departure from Lynton and Lynmouth (Devon)
This short circular walk with steep ascents and descents provides a good way to discover the beautiful river gorge at Watersmeet where Hoar Oak Water meets the East Lyn River. On your way, you will discover a lovely waterfall and viewpoints over the valley.
Hollerday Hill, The Valley of Rocks and South Cleave from Lynton
Departure from Lynton and Lynmouth (Devon)
This beautiful circular walk is perfect to discover the Valley of Rocks from several viewpoints. First, you will reach Hollerday Hill viewpoint before you go up to the South Cleave (steep section, avoid during wet conditions!). The views of these famous rocks from the paths which go to Lynton are gorgeous!
Countisbury and Watersmeet from Lynmouth
Departure from Lynton and Lynmouth (Devon)
This Exmoor walk includes coast, valley and high level sections. Starting from Lynmouth, the route climbs to Contisubury before crossing high pastures to descend to Watersmeet. The return leg of the walk follows the River Lyn downstream to the coast.
Holdstone Hill and Heddon's Mouth Cleave
Departure from Trentishoe (Devon)
This interesting walk with ascents and descents close to Trentishoe is the perfect way to discover gorgeous viewpoints including Holdstone Hill or enjoy beautiful valleys along River Heddon and streams.
Cosdon Beacon from South Zeal
Departure from South Tawton (Devon)
A Dartmoor walk that includes the most north-easterly summit in the National Park which offers some fine views especially to the north. The route needs careful navigation at the start and in poor weather you need a good sense of direction and compass skills.
Selworthy Beacon and North Hill from Bossington
Departure from Selworthy (Somerset)
Selworthy Beacon and North Hill are the main objectives of this walk from Bossington, Somerset. The route offers a variety of Exmoor scenery with coastal hills, views of high moors and the interesting village of Selworthy.
Cosdon Hill & Oke Tor from Belstone
Departure from Belstone (Devon)
A demanding Dartmoor walk that requires careful navigation and preferably good weather. The route uses a section of the Tarka Trail, visits some ancient monuments and visits the summits of a number of granite tors.
Stage 6 Devon's Coast-to-Coast : Drewsteignton to Morchard Bishop
Departure from Drewsteignton (Devon)
Stage 6 is a tricky navigational test as we leave the Dartmoor National Park and head into Mid Devon. The route crosses the A 30, the main Exeter to Barnstaple rail line and the busy A 377. There's plenty to keep you occupied and some pretty hamlets to go through (avoiding some interesting villages, so you might be tempted to go off-route at some point).
Fingle Bridge
Departure from Drewsteignton (Devon)
Lovely walk to discover the Dartmoor National Park. This walk starts from Fingle Bridge National Trust and has great view on Castle Drogo.
Throwleigh Church loop
Departure from Throwleigh (Devon)
A beautiful walk past granite Devon longhouses and open moorland on the edge of Dartmoor. It's recommended to do this walk clockwise as the last footpath is difficult to find going in the other direction.
Clifford Bridge to Fingle Bridge and Butterdon Down
Departure from Moretonhampstead (Devon)
A wonderful circular walk from Clifford Bridge to Fingle Bridge on a gentle path along the River Teign before heading steeply onto Butterdon Down and descending back to Clifford Bridge. Beautiful woodland views.
Wootton Courtenay and Timberscombe from Dunster
Departure from Dunster (Somerset)
This circular walk with ascends (one pretty steep!) and descents uses a section of Macmillan Way West with beautiful viewpoints from Grabbist and Knowle hills. Then, you will discover quiet villages and paths in Whits Wood before you go back to Dunster.
The Torrs and Slade Reservoirs from Ilfracombe
Departure from Ilfracombe (Devon)
This pretty long circular walk explores a short section of the South West Coast path next to the Torrs leading to a wonderful viewpoint. Then, you will discover paths in farmland and follow the National Cycle Route 27 along Slade Reservoirs before you go back to Ilfracombe.
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