3 Night Exmoor Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

We’ll begin our adventure in the picturesque village of Porlock, full of West Country
character and charm. Stroll along the scenic boardwalk through the ever-changing
Porlock Salt Marsh, where sweeping sea views and abundant wildlife await. From there,
our route winds past the quaint village of Bossington before looping back through
peaceful farmland, returning you to the heart of Porlock — refreshed, inspired, and
immersed in nature

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 150 feet (40m)

Today’s walk takes us on a peaceful route through tranquil woodland and across gently
flowing streams, as we make our way from the village of Porlock to the charming harbour
at Porlock Weir. There, we can pause to enjoy the sight of traditional fishing boats and
elegant yachts at rest. In the afternoon, we’ll follow a level path beside Porlock Marsh, a
haven for birdlife — keep an eye out for oystercatchers, curlews, and lapwings along the
way.

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)

A delightful circular walk through the scenic countryside surrounding Holnicote House.
We’ll make our way to the coast via the peaceful village of Bossington, with time to take
in the sea views and fresh air. On our return, we follow wooded slopes that lead us gently
back inland, finishing in the picture-perfect village of Selworthy — known for its
traditional thatched cottages and timeless charm.

Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

Explore the medieval village of Dunster, with its impressive architecture and houses
dating back over 800 years. Our walk skirts around the Castle Walls, before crossing
Gallox Bridge, which once carried packhorses bringing fleeces to the market town. We
pass St Georges Church, built to be shared by the parishioners and monks of Dunster
Priory and take in the nearby Dovecote, housing 540 nests. There will be free time after
the walk to explore the village independently before an early transfer takes you back to
Holnicote House.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2km)
Ascent: Minimal

We start our walk in the quant village of Dunster, before following tracks which take us
over the West Somerset Railway Line and past The Old Manor Farm which is believed to
have been home to one of the retained knights of the de Mohun family (once owners of
Dunster Castle). From here we follow the Coast Path, where in the summer there is a
profusion of wildflowers, most notably Evening Primrose and Biting Stonecrop. Once
again crossing the West Somerset Railway Line, we make our way back to Dunster where
take in the town trail before having time to explore.

Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 200 feet(60m)

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
Walking from The Iron Giant Sculpture which marks the start of the South West Coast
Path Trail, we head east along the Minehead esplanade with great views across Blue
Anchor Bay to the Bristol Channel. Crossing the West Somerset Railway Line, we walk through fields to the village of Carhampton, before walking along good paths to the
imposing Castle at Dunster and exploring the streets of Dunster itself.

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

Ascent: 800 feet (240m)

In summary: We walk on a circular route from Holnicote House today to Selworthy. We will take time to explore  the 15^th century church, thatched cottages around the green and, maybe, visiting the tea room, before returning to the house.

Highlight: Visit the picture-postcard village of Selworthy.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1550 feet (460m)

In summary: Setting off from Holnicote House, our route takes us to the coast via the historic Pack Horse Bridge at Allerford and Bossington village. After enjoying spectacular views from the historic coastguard look-out at Hurlstone Point, we return along the wooded slopes to charming Selworthy village. 

Highlight: Selworthy village was rebuilt in 1828 by the Acland family to house the elderly workers of the Holnicote estate. The tea room is a delightful spot to relax in towards the end of the walk.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m) 

In summary: Ascend through the woods to the Iron Age hillfort and the glorious viewpoint of Selworthy Beacon. After a hilltop walk, we'll descend through the fields to Selworthy village with its thatched cottages. 

Highlight: It’s a steep climb to the top of Selworthy Beacon, but your efforts will be rewarded with a great view north over the Bristol Channel to Wales and south towards the hills of Exmoor.

Distance: 1½ miles (2.5km)

Ascent: 150 feet (30m) 

In summary: Follow a trail around medieval Dunster – a valley-nestled village crowned with an impressive red sandstone castle. Let your guide lead you through cobbled streets and cottage-lined lanes as you discover the rich history of this charming village perched on the River Avill. After the walk there’ll be plenty of time to explore.

Highlight: Visit Dunster's impressive castle.

Distance: 5½ miles (9km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (220m) 

In summary: Today we enjoy a steady climb and ridge-walk through the woods of Wootton Common before a steady descent all the way down into Dunster Castle. 

Highlight: Dunster Castle was the home of the Luttrell family for over 600 years, and is now managed by the National Trust.

Distance: 9½ miles (15km) 

Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)

In summary: Walk from Holnicote to Dunster.  Our route takes us along a sylvan track at the foot of Dunkery Hill before traversing the Wootton Common ridge and descending into picturesque Dunster. 

Highlight: Spectacular views across Exmoor and the Somerset coast and the historic architecture of Dunster, overlooked by the hilltop castle.