Exmoor is the ideal place for explorers and wanderers with its sweeping valleys, heather-covered misty moorland, cliffs, caves, waterfalls and sparkling lakes. It has the highest precipitation levels in England, making it verdant and bursting with animal and plant life.

Exmoor National Park, England, UK by Thierry Gregorius

Bird watchers will be in their element with scores of species to look out for including raptors, buzzards, peregrines, and kingfishers. The area is also home to England’s largest herds of wild red deer and the unique race of Exmoor ponies. There are plenty of areas that are ideal for freshwater or seawater fishing, and some beautiful locations perfect for fly fishing. Among the most common fish to catch are wild brown trout, rainbow and grayling stocked trout and salmon.

The most common activity is, of course , tramping and trudging through the wilderness. Exmoor has more than six hundred miles of rights of way with coastal paths, open rugged moorland, valleys and river paths to choose from. Don’t be surprised to spend a whole day of exploring without meeting another soul. There are 55 kilometres of coastline trails to follow, including along the highest sea cliffs in England at Culbone Hill.

Some of the best horse-riding bridleways in the country are in Exmoor. There are more than four hundred miles of meticulously maintained trails. Cyclists and mountain bikers are also well served by the minimal traffic, array of trails, and spectacular countryside. There are also some challenging golf courses with dazzling views, such as the Minehead course which goes through both farm and beach land.

Explorers of all sorts should bring along plenty of water and a picnic. The area is also dotted with charming old pubs and is well known for the quality of food produced locally. Beef and lamb has a lovely unique flavour due to the animals grazing on the particular wild herbs and grasses in the upland areas. The dairy products are also distinctive, with lovely creamy ice creams, cheeses, and cream teas. Pheasant, rabbit, venison, fish, and seafood are all fresh and local as well. Beer enthusiasts will want to try some of the Exmoor ales such as Stag, Beast, Gold, or Fox, or the Exmas during Christmas season, and farmhouse ciders.

The Exmoor coastline near the Valley of the Rocks, UK by Exmoorwalker

Lovers of the great outdoors will be swept away by the skies over Exmoor on clear nights. It was the first European area designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve thanks to its unique combination of frequently clear skies and the absence of light pollution. The panorama of stars never fails to impress.

Exmoor has been occupied since the Mesolithic era. Its ancient history can be seen the sites such as the Neolithic hinge in Parracombe, the Iron Age fort known as Cow Castle, the Norman Castle in Parracombe, and the impressive Tarr Steps- huge stone slabs formed into a clapper bridge dating back to 1000 BC. Exmoor was established as a Royal Hunting Ground in the 13th century and was eventually made a National Park in 1954.

There are plenty of lovely villages and hamlets to explore, such as Dunster which has over 120 listed buildings and the Norman era Dunster Castle, or charming Porlock Weir with its five-mile long cliff walk. There are markets and independent shops aplenty. Families can keep busy with trips on the steam-powered trains, zoos, amusement parks, beaches, and pony spotting.

Exmoor is certainly one of the rarest, most beautiful and wild of regions to visit and there is an abundance of places to explore and enjoy for couples or families, which is why so many people holiday in this area year after year.

Author: Karen Orson has worked in the tourism and accommodation industry since she was a little girl. Playing on the Devon sands soon became frolicking in San Francisco, which gave rise to safaris across the Serengetti and then quickly returned to those English beaches again! Having travelled widely, Karen now works for Highcliffe House; a luxury guest house in North Devon.

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1. Pennine Way

The first National Trail, the Pennine Way was opened in 1965, and covers 430km between Derbyshire and the border with Scotland. The walk starts in the Pennines, and continues up through the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park to reach Kirk Yetholm on the edge of Scotland. The walk features 535 access points, and a number of hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts along the way. Key sites to explore on the route include the Calder Valley, Thirlwall Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, and Cairn Hill.

Photo of Typical Pennine scenery, UK by Voyager

2. Tennyson Trail

The Tennyson Trail, named for Alfred Tennyson the poet, is only 15 minutes long, but showcases the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight. The route starts at Carisbrooke Castle to the North of the island, and winds its way down to the West and the Needles rock formations. Moving through Bowcombe Down and into Brighstone Forest, the route continues through Mottistone Down, Afton Down and Freshwater Bay. Much of the walk is characterised by steep South Westerly hills, and comes out on the coast.

Photo of Tennyson Trail, UK by R MORGAN

3. South West Coast Path

The longest National Trail in England, the South West Coast Path covers 630 miles, and links up Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. The route starts in Minehead, Somerset, and continues along the North Coast of Devon via the Exmoor National Park, before making its way through North Cornwall. Notable landmarks along the way include Tintagel Castle and Newquay. The route then loops back around through South Cornwall and South Devon, before coming to an end in Poole, Dorset. Typically takes around eight weeks to complete.

Photo of South West Coast Path, UK by Adrian Pingstone

4. Yorkshire Wolds Way

127km long, the Yorkshire Wolds Way starts at the Humber Estuary, and climbs through deep woodland and valleys to Filey Brigg. The route also overlaps with the Cleveland Way if walkers want to go further. Sloping hills and red poppies make up the majority of the route, as do small villages and headland at Filey Brigg. Other attractions include Londesborough Park and Stocking Dale, as well as the Humber Bridge.

Photo of Yorkshire Wolds Way, UK by Eamon Curry

5. The Thames Path

Running the length of the River Thames, the Thames Path starts near Kemble, Gloucestershire, and continues until it reaches the Thames Barrier. Covering 1984 miles, the walk is mostly made up of tow and cycle paths, and moves down through Oxford via Henley-on-Thames and Teddington Lock, taking in Windsor, Richmond, Hampton Court, and Battersea. Some parts of the route can flood at high tide, meaning that walkers should plan ahead to avoid being caught out.

Photo of Temple Footbridge Thames Path, UK by Motmit

Sebastian is a globetrotter who is currently working alongside a Bike GPS shop in the UK. Some hiking trails are suitable for the more rugged mountain bikes, so make sure you don’t leave without a GPS!

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