We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more

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  • Holidays
  • 4 Night Exmoor Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

4 Night Exmoor Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Holnicote House

■ Location: Exmoor

■ Duration: 4 nights at an HF Country House

■ Board Basis: Full Board

■ Travel Dates: Mar-Nov 2027

■ Itineraries available: 3

■ Choice of Walking Grades: 3, 4 & 5 details

■ Carbon Footprint: 78kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£659

pp

Members From

£629

pp

Members Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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Explore Exmoor National Park’s rolling countryside and coastline with ease on this gentle guided walking holiday. Choose from a selection of walks that minimise rough ground and gradients without compromising on the park’s wonderful scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities. Discover a timeless landscape where buzzards fly overhead, ponies and red deer roam free across the moors, and charming towns and villages welcome you for a well-earned rest.

Accommodation

HF Country House
There’s plenty to look forward to at this beacon of Somerset hospitality near the impossibly pretty village of Selworthy. The location couldn’t be more perfect; within rolling-out-of-bed distance from Exmoor National Park and an easy drive from Dunster Castle, Coleridge Cottage, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, and the sandy delights at Porlock and Minehead. The walking opportunities here are standout, too, not least for the trails around the Quantock Hills, Dunkery Beacon, Bossington, and a section of the England Coast Path that takes you on a glorious journey along the county’s coastline.
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Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Gentle walking grade 3

Gentle walking grade 3

Slightly longer walks, mostly on well-trodden paths, with some gentle gradients plus stiles and steps possible. Typically, 5-6 miles (8-10km) with around 650ft (200m) of ascent.
Gentle walking grade 4

Gentle walking grade 4

The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.
Moderate walking grade 5

Moderate walking grade 5

Some walking experience needed. Full day walks which may include some short but steep ascents and descents throughout the day, and varied terrain. Regular stops. Typically, 8-9 miles (13-15km) with around 1,300ft (400m) of ascent.

What You’ll Love

  • Walking across sweeps of wide-open moorland
  • Soaking up panoramic sea views at Exmoor National Park
  • Spotting wildlife such as red deer and Exmoor ponies
  • Visiting the charming villages of Porlock and Dunster 
  • Learning about Exmoor’s status as an International Dark Sky Reserve
  • Staying at Holnicote House near the pretty village of Selworthy

What's Included

  • En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
  • Cream tea on arrival day
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • Choice of three guided walks (each walking day) from March to October, and two from November to February.
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Gentle Walks

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - A Stroll Around Lynmouth

Distance: 4½ miles (7km) 

Ascent: 450 feet (140m) 

Descent: 900 feet (280 m)

In summary: We start with a descent to Watersmeet House today, a Victorian fishing lodge now owned by the National Trust, where two fast flowing rivers meet in a spectacular wooded valley. Walking downstream beside the East Lyn River past deep rock pools, we’ll reach Lynmouth and enjoy time to explore the town. Options include stretching your legs further with a walk out to Valley of Rocks, visiting exhibitions on the great flood of 1952, riding the funicular cliff railway up to Lynton, or relaxing with an ice cream and enjoying the scenery.

Highlight: Exploring the many tea shops and artists’ studios of Lynton and Lynmouth.

Option 2 - Valley of Rocks

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 1,150 feet (340m)

Descent: 1,700 feet (520m)

In summary: A walk with two distinct sections. From high above Lynmouth at an Iron Age barrow, we descend into the wooded valley to Watersmeet, then continue along the East Lyn River to Lynmouth. We'll then take the funicular railway to explore Valley of Rocks, where goats graze among the jagged pinnacles of rock, before returning to Lynton.

Highlight: Soak up the views as you ride the Victorian cliff railway from Lynmouth to Lynton. This uses water power to lift you 500ft to the town above.

Option 3 - Around Lynton

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 1,800 feet (540m)

Descent: 2,750 feet (840m)

In summary: From Barna Barrow we take in the sea views from Butter Hill and visit Countisbury Church before descending to Watersmeet. We'll continue along the Tarka Trail to the Victorian town of Lynton, climbing to a panoramic viewpoint above the Valley of Rocks. Finally we descend to Lynmouth via the cliff railway.

Highlight:  Valley of Rocks is a local beauty spot with its own herd of wild goats who roam the precipitous hillsides.

Option 1 - Hilltop to Nether Stowey

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Ascent: 500 feet (160m)

Descent: 1350 feet (420m)

In summary: From high on the Quantock Hills we're treated to fantastic views and glorious scenery as we follow moorland paths walked by Iron Age peoples and Roman soldiers. Descending past Walford’s Gibbet through woodland, we arrive at the village of Nether Stowey, home of the poet Coleridge, with the chance to visit Coleridge Cottage itself.

Highlight: Enjoy the wonderful moorland scenery that inspired poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.

Option 2 - Quantock Foothills

Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 1,250 feet (400m)

Descent: 1,150 feet (350m)

In summary: From the village of Kilve we walk up into the Quantock Hills, with views of Hinkley Point Power Station and over the Bristol Channel to Wales. Descending past Walford’s Gibbet, we finish our day at Nether Stowey, with its charming buildings and literary connections.

Highlight: The Quantock Hills are home to a herd of wild red deer, as well as an abundance of other wildlife.

Option 3 - Ridge and Combe

Distance: 8½ miles (14km) 

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) 

Descent: 1,250 feet (380m)

In summary: From the Bristol Channel at West Quantoxhead with its pretty church, our walk takes us up onto the Quantock Hills, picking up the Macmillan Way West as we head over the ridge. We then descend through wooded combes and rocky streams to reach Nether Stowey and its ancient Castle Mound.

Highlight: The variety of scenery encompassed in Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, from the high windswept moorland plateau to deep wooded combes, or valleys.

Option 1 - The Mineral Line to Watchet

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Ascent: 350 feet (100m)

In summary: From Bilbrook we follow one of the longest river fords in the area to reach the quintessential village of Old Cleeve with its 17th century church of St Andrews. We then follow along the Monks Path to Washford and on to walk the Mineral Line track to reach Watchet. There’ll be time to explore its harbour, originally built at the time of Alfred the Great, and take in the views across the Bristol Channel, or perhaps visit the Market House Museum to learn about the fascinating history of this once important town.

Highlight: Follow in the footsteps of the monks who once made their way to Cleeve Abbey.

Option 2 - Carhampton to Watchet

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 400 feet (120m)

In summary: Leaving Carhampton, we follow fields to the Bristol Channel coast and walk beside the West Somerset Railway line to the pretty station of Blue Anchor. We then turn inland to the 13th century village of Old Cleeve, finishing at Watchet with its harbour and heritage railway station, via the Mineral Line track which formerly carried iron ore to the harbour. 

Highlight: The wander along the sands and shingles of Blue Anchor Bay.

Option 3 - Dunster to Watchet

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 650 feet (200m)

In summary: From the parkland at Dunster Castle, we circumnavigate the gardens and water mill to enter the Deer Park, where red deer and Exmoor ponies can be seen, and on to Carhampton with its church dating back to the Middle Ages. We continue to Blue Anchor Bay with its heritage railway station to reach 13th century Binham Grange. After visiting Old Cleeve church we take the lanes to Washford and follow the old Industrial Revolution railway line to Watchet harbour, with shops, cafes and East Quay arts centre.

Highlight: Glorious coastal scenery and historic railways

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Version 1 2027

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Holnicote to Selworthy

Distance: 3.5 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 15th 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.

Option 2 - A Walk to Two Villages

Distance: 4½ miles (7½km) 

Ascent: 900 feet (280m) 

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 passing the Lynch Chapel, we meander back 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 tearoom is a delightful spot to relax in towards the end of the walk. 

Option 3 - Selworthy

Distance: 6 miles (10km)  

Ascent: 1,550 feet (460m)  

In summary: We start with a walk to the coast at Hurlstone Point, passing the villages of Allerford and Bossington along the way. We’ll return to Holnicote House through woodland paths, via Selworthy village.  

Highlight: At Hurlstone Point, we can enjoy marvellous views towards the Bristol Channel, Welsh coast, and Porlock marshes. 

Option 1 - Dunster Trail

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.

Option 2 - Blue Anchor to Dunster

Distance: 3½ miles (5½km) 

Ascent: 150 feet (50m) 

In summary: Following a coastal path, this walk offers fantastic views over the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast before turning inland towards Dunster. There is lots to see and do in this historic town before we return to Holnicote House. 

Highlight: Wonderful coastal landscapes, and historic interest in the town of Dunster. 

Option 3 - Bilbrook, Coast & Dunster

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 500 feet (160m) 

In summary: This walk brings variety; incorporating countryside, coastal, and town. From Old Cleave Church, together we’ll wind our way through the Exmoor landscape, before finishing in Dunster, where we’ll have some time to explore.

Highlight: Enjoying a full range of Exmoor landscapes in one walk. 

Option 1 - A Stroll Around Lynmouth

Distance: 4½ miles (7km) 

Ascent: 450 feet (140m) 

Descent: 900 feet (280 m)

In summary: We start with a descent to Watersmeet House today, a Victorian fishing lodge now owned by the National Trust, where two fast flowing rivers meet in a spectacular wooded valley. Walking downstream beside the East Lyn River past deep rock pools, we’ll reach Lynmouth and enjoy time to explore the town. Options include stretching your legs further with a walk out to Valley of Rocks, visiting exhibitions on the great flood of 1952, riding the funicular cliff railway up to Lynton, or relaxing with an ice cream and enjoying the scenery.

Highlight: Exploring the many tea shops and artists’ studios of Lynton and Lynmouth.

Option 2 - Valley of Rocks

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 1,150 feet (340m)

Descent: 1,700 feet (520m)

In summary: A walk with two distinct sections. From high above Lynmouth at an Iron Age barrow, we descend into the wooded valley to Watersmeet, then continue along the East Lyn River to Lynmouth. We'll then take the funicular railway to explore Valley of Rocks, where goats graze among the jagged pinnacles of rock, before returning to Lynton.

Highlight: Soak up the views as you ride the Victorian cliff railway from Lynmouth to Lynton. This uses water power to lift you 500ft to the town above.

Option 3 - Around Lynton

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 1,800 feet (540m)

Descent: 2,750 feet (840m)

In summary: From Barna Barrow we take in the sea views from Butter Hill and visit Countisbury Church before descending to Watersmeet. We'll continue along the Tarka Trail to the Victorian town of Lynton, climbing to a panoramic viewpoint above the Valley of Rocks. Finally we descend to Lynmouth via the cliff railway.

Highlight:  Valley of Rocks is a local beauty spot with its own herd of wild goats who roam the precipitous hillsides.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Version 2 2027

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Holnicote to Selworthy

Distance: 3.5 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 15th 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.

Option 2 - A Walk to Two Villages

Distance: 4½ miles (7½km) 

Ascent: 900 feet (280m) 

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 passing the Lynch Chapel, we meander back 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 tearoom is a delightful spot to relax in towards the end of the walk. 

Option 1 - Dunster Trail

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.

Option 2 - Blue Anchor to Dunster

Distance: 3½ miles (5½km) 

Ascent: 150 feet (50m) 

In summary: Following a coastal path, this walk offers fantastic views over the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast before turning inland towards Dunster. There is lots to see and do in this historic town before we return to Holnicote House. 

Highlight: Wonderful coastal landscapes, and historic interest in the town of Dunster. 

Option 1 - Lynmouth to Watersmeet

Distance: 3½ miles (5½km) 

Ascent: Minimal 

In summary: This walk follows the course of the East Lyn River, on riverside paths leading us to Watersmeet. Here, there’s time to pause for a cuppa at the National Trust tearoom before we return to Lynmouth where there is plenty on offer for visitors. 

Highlight: Beautiful riverside walking, wrapping up in Lynmouth with its shops, Cliff Railway, and National Park Visitor Centre. 

Option 2 - A Stroll Around Lynmouth

Distance: 4½ miles (7km) 

Ascent: 450 feet (140m) 

Descent: 900 feet (280 m)

In summary: We start with a descent to Watersmeet House today, a Victorian fishing lodge now owned by the National Trust, where two fast flowing rivers meet in a spectacular wooded valley. Walking downstream beside the East Lyn River past deep rock pools, we’ll reach Lynmouth and enjoy time to explore the town. Options include stretching your legs further with a walk out to Valley of Rocks, visiting exhibitions on the great flood of 1952, riding the funicular cliff railway up to Lynton, or relaxing with an ice cream and enjoying the scenery.

Highlight: Exploring the many tea shops and artists’ studios of Lynton and Lynmouth.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Accommodation

Holnicote House

There’s plenty to look forward to at this beacon of Somerset hospitality near the impossibly pretty village of Selworthy. The location couldn’t be more perfect; within rolling-out-of-bed distance from Exmoor National Park and an easy drive from Dunster Castle, Coleridge Cottage, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, and the sandy delights at Porlock and Minehead. The walking opportunities here are standout, too, not least for the trails around the Quantock Hills, Dunkery Beacon, Bossington, and a section of the England Coast Path that takes you on a glorious journey along the county’s coastline.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Helping you enjoy the Great Outdoors - A natural focus on walks 

Walks talks and Discovery Points 
Our founder, country pastor turned social innovator, Thomas Arthur Leonard, was passionate about encouraging people to explore the countryside. His legacy continues in HF's continued focus on walking.  Many guests choose to travel with us on guided or self-guided walking holidays, and as such, evenings at our houses are often busy with walk leaders hosting various briefings and talks.  On guided walking holiday arrival days, there are walking information briefings before dinner, and for the duration of any guided walking holiday there will be a Walks Talk before (or on occasion after dinner), to go through the following day's walk options.  Self-guided walking guests, and those on special interest holidays (where there is free time to explore independently), are of course welcome to also join in these Walks Talks - please talk to the team locally if you have any queries. Our Discovery Points are filled with handy maps and route notes, designed to ensure everyone, not just those booked on a guided walking holiday, can enjoy the beautiful countryside settings that our HF houses enjoy.  

The walking day 
Prior to setting off on guided walks, our HF Holidays Leaders run through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure walkers have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.  

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You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

 •  32 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 43 guests minimum •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Travel cot & high chair  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Two lounges  •  Garden with croquet lawn  •  Well-behaved dogs welcome on self-guided holidays  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation 

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Holnicote House has 32 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers. 

We love: The rooms in the main building or the thatched grounds, especially Rooms 1 and 4. The first floor rooms have fabulous views across Crawter Hill and Dunkery Hill. 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Holnicote House

Address

Holnicote House
Selworthy
Minehead
Somerset TA24 8TJ

Tel: +44 (0)1643 862013

By train

The nearest station is Taunton.  

Check National Rail for train times and routes. 

By taxi

From Taunton train station it’s a 27-mile journey taking 1 hour.

For pricing, please contact Minehead Taxis directly.

Minehead Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Minehead Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1643 704123

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Holnicote House.

*Minehead Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By bus

The number 28 bus runs between Taunton station and Minehead, taking around one and a half hours. At Minehead, change to the number 10 bus to the Selworthy turn (at the end of Holnicote House drive). A two-minute walk along the drive will bring you to the house.  

For bus times, check Traveline. 

By car

There’s free car parking at Holnicote House if you decide to drive.  

From Bridgwater take the A39 though the southern outskirts of Minehead towards Porlock. You’ll find Holnicote House on the left about four and a half miles out of Minehead.  

By air

The nearest airport is London Heathrow. 

Take the train to London Paddington station where there are direct trains to Taunton. It’s a relatively straightforward journey that’ll should take around 2.5 hours.  

Bristol Airport is also an option. From here, you can take the bus and train to Taunton. 

Check National Rail for routes and train times. 

More Information

Weather conditions in the UK can vary throughout the day, and conditions in the mountains may be cold and windy even in summer. Use the following list as a guide when preparing for your holiday.

Essentials  

  • Suitable waterproof walking boots with ankle support and good grip

  • Waterproof, wind-resistant jacket with a hood, taped seams and a hydrostatic head rating of at least 10,000 mm

  • Waterproof overtrousers  

  • Spare warm clothing, such as a synthetic insulated jacket

  • Comfortable walking clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  

  • Warm mid-layers, such as fleeces

  • Gloves and a warm hat, even in summer

  • Rucksack with a waterproof liner 

  • Water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre

  • Flask for hot drinks   

  • Sunscreen  

  • UV-protective sunglasses

  • Spare high-energy food

  • Head torch and spare batteries for holidays between October and March

  • Passport (if applicable)

  • Visa (if applicable) 

  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 

Recommended  

  • Several base layers, with long or short sleeves 

  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  

  • First-aid kit, including plasters, insect repellent, a midge net and a tick-removal tool

  • Sit mat   

  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  

  • Rubbish bags

  • Wallet or purse

  • Camera

  • Walking poles

  • Sun hat

  • Gaiters

  • Mobile Phones

  • Swimwear (please see accommodation information for hotel facilities)

  • Membership cards for English Heritage, the National Trust or similar heritage organisations in Scotland and Wales, if you are a member. These may be useful when visiting attractions during your itinerary or on your free day.

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Please note

Admission fees are payable locally and aren’t included in your holiday price, apart from what is stated in the what’s included section. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to only pay the entrance fees for the attractions that interest you most. Should you choose to visit all the highlighted attractions during your holiday please see the table below for the approximate totals. If you have National Trust (NT) or English Heritage (EH) membership, please be sure to bring your membership identification with you. We recommend bringing some cash with you for any entrance fees to sites you wish to visit. 

2024 prices

Approx. cost of entrance fees

3 night holiday

4 night holiday

7 night holiday

NT & EH members

£5.50

£0

£5.50

NT members

£5.50

£0

£5.50

EH members

£5.50

£27.50

£33

No memberships

£5.50

£27.50

£33

Carbon Footprint - 78kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Dates & availability

4 Night Exmoor Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership

2027

15 Mar - 19 Mar 2027

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£669

pp

Members

£639

pp
Single rooms

£709

pp

£679

pp
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17 May - 21 May 2027

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£839

pp

Members

£809

pp
Single rooms

£879

pp

£849

pp
Book Now

19 Jul - 23 Jul 2027

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£819

pp

Members

£789

pp
Single rooms
Book Now

27 Sep - 1 Oct 2027

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£849

pp

Members

£819

pp
Single rooms

£889

pp

£859

pp
Book Now

8 Nov - 12 Nov 2027

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£659

pp

Members

£629

pp
Single rooms

£699

pp

£669

pp
Book Now
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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© 2026 HF Holidays Limited. Registered in England, number 5713R. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved.

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