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.
Holcombe Rogus and Great Western Canal
Departure from Holcombe Rogus (Devon)
Holcombe Rogus is situated on the Devon/Somerset border with the town of Wellington to the east and Tiverton to the west. This walk takes in rural farm land, which includes the Grand Western Canal nearby and the Blackdown Hills to the south.
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.
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.
Culmstock Beacon Easy
Departure from Wellington Without (Somerset)
An easy, family-friendly circular walk out to Culmstock Beacon, returning via Culm Davy woods. Includes woodland and heathland walking, with stunning views from the Beacon - if the weather plays nicely!
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.
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.
An easy stroll around Nynehead in Somerset
Departure from Nynehead (Somerset)
This is a very easy, West Somerset walk around Nynehead. If you're a fan of Industrial Heritage, this is a walk-through history lesson is tucked into the landscape surrounding the village; add in great views and a fairly level route and you have a near-perfect short ramble with lots of interest on the way.
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.
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.
Colwell Woods/Offwell Woods
Departure from Honiton (Devon)
Honiton town centre walk to Colwell Woods/Offwell Woods.
Lydeard Hill to Wills Neck
Departure from West Bagborough (Somerset)
A short easy stroll to the highest point of the Quantock Hills. Do choose a day with good visibility as the views in all directions are extensive.
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.
Weacombe Combe, Bicknoller Post, Kilve & Longstone Hill
Departure from West Quantoxhead (Somerset)
This Somerset walk in the Quantock Hills provides some wonderful views of this beautiful part of Britain. The route follows well trodden paths and tracks for most the way. Choose a day with good visibility to make the most of this scenic walk.
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.
Quantock Circular in Ramscombe Forest
Departure from Over Stowey (Somerset)
A circular walk through mixed woodland with some steep ascents.
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.
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.
Somerset’s Jurrasic Coast : Kilve & East Quantoxhead
Departure from Kilve (Somerset)
Along this coast, the dramatic cliffs are layered with blue, yellow and brown lias from the Lower Jurassic period embedded with fossils, particularly ammonites. The beach at Kilve is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Behind the coast, the Quantock Hills rise up at Quantoxhead. Across the Bristol Channel, there are fine views of South Wales, whilst further west along the coast behind Minehead is North Hill and Exmoor National Park.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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