The wind whips across the heather-clad moors of Exmoor, carrying the distant call of a curlew and the scent of wild thyme crushed underfoot.
In This Article
The Landscape of Exmoor
Exmoor National Park covers 267 square miles of southwest England, stretching from the rugged Bristol Channel coast to the rolling hills of Somerset and Devon. The landscape is extraordinarily varied, with open moorland giving way to deep wooded combes where rivers tumble over mossy rocks. Red deer roam freely across the high plateaus, and Exmoor ponies, a breed native to the area, graze beside the twisting lanes. The coastline is dominated by the highest sea cliffs in England, rising to over 300 metres at Great Hangman, where the views across the channel to Wales are simply staggering. Every season brings a different character to the moor, from the purple blaze of heather in late summer to the frosty stillness of winter mornings.
Walking and Hiking Trails
Exmoor offers over 600 miles of footpaths and bridleways, ranging from gentle riverside strolls to strenuous hill climbs. The Two Moors Way traverses the park from Ivybridge to Lynmouth, crossing both Dartmoor and Exmoor in a single long-distance route. For a shorter adventure, the Valley of Rocks walk near Lynton leads through a dramatic dry valley dotted with ancient goat herds and strange rock formations. Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Exmoor, and the summit hike rewards you with panoramic views across six counties. The South West Coast Path skirts the park’s northern edge, offering spectacular clifftop walking with regular sightings of seabirds and seals.
Wildlife and Conservation
Exmoor is a haven for wildlife, with some of the rarest species in Britain thriving within its boundaries. The Exmoor Emperor, one of England’s largest wild red deer, once roamed these valleys, and the park remains a stronghold for these magnificent animals. Coastal waters host grey seals that haul out onto remote beaches, while peregrine falcons nest on the cliff faces. Beavers have been reintroduced to the River Otter catchment, and their dams are already improving water quality and creating new wetland habitats. The park authority works closely with farmers and landowners to balance conservation with traditional land use, preserving the unique character of this working landscape for future generations.
Dark Sky Reserve Status
Exmoor was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011, recognising the exceptional quality of its night skies. On a clear night away from the main settlements, you can see the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon, along with thousands of stars invisible from urban areas. Regular stargazing events are held at sites such as Holdstone Down and Webber’s Post, where astronomers set up telescopes and guide visitors through the constellations. The lack of light pollution also benefits nocturnal wildlife, from bats flitting through the woodlands to owls hunting across the open moor. Spending an evening under Exmoor’s star canopy is an unforgettable experience that connects you to the natural world in a profound way.
historic Villages and Local Culture
The villages scattered across Exmoor are as charming as the landscape itself, with thatched cottages, ancient churches, and welcoming pubs serving local ale. Dunster is a highlight, with its National Trust-owned castle, working watermill, and a medieval yarn market that stands in the centre of the main street. Porlock Weir offers a picturesque harbour where fishing boats bob on the tide, and the nearby toll road climbs through ancient woodland to reach the open moor. Local produce features heavily on pub menus, with Exmoor lamb, venison, and seafood caught fresh from the Bristol Channel. The annual Exmoor Food Festival celebrates this bounty, drawing chefs and food lovers from across the region.
Have you experienced the wild beauty of Exmoor or gazed up at its dark, star-filled skies?
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