4 Night Exmoor Guided Walking Holiday

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1200 feet (360m)

In summary: Heading straight out from Holnicote House, we follow the track and road to Headon Cross where we will see the pretty colours of the hamlet of Tivington Heights. We then head up through a mixed broadleaf wood onto the ridge line of Wootton Common before descending Grabbist Hill to the medieval village of Dunster.

Highlight: Look out for red deer on your journey across this broad ridge line, although illusive, you may hear the loud barking call of the stags especially during rutting season.

Distance: 9½ miles (15 km) 

Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)

In summary: Walk from Holnicote House to historic Dunster. Our route takes us through the woods to the viewpoint at Webber's Post, then enjoy the fine views as we follow the ridge over Wootton Common. 

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

Distance: 12½ miles (20km)

Ascent: 2,500 feet (760m)

In summary: Walk from Holnicote House up onto Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor.  After descending across the moor to Wootton Courtenay, we'll continue over the hills to Dunster.

Highlight: Our walk concludes by descending Grabbist Hill - a spot said to have inspired the hymn All things bright and beautiful.

Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km)

Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m) 

In summary: Starting high on Exmoor we'll visit the valleys of Oare Water and Badgworthy Water, then take the charming riverside path beside the East Lyn river to Watersmeet.

Highlight: Our walks end at the National Trust's tearoom at Watersmeet. This is the confluence of the East Lyn and Farley Water; a delightful spot in a beautiful wooded valley.

Distance: 9½ miles (15km)

Ascent: 1,600 feet (500m)

In summary: We'll head to Oare church then follow Badgworthy Water into a remote corner of Exmoor. Our walk concludes beside the cascading waters of the East Lyn river to Watersmeet. 

Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of Lorna Doone, the heroine of RD Blackmore's novel. We'll stop at Oare church, the scene of the wedding between Lorna and John Ridd.

Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Walk in Lorna Doone country and along Badgworthy Water before crossing wild moorland to join the Two Moors Way on Cheriton Ridge. We descend along Hoaroak Water to arrive at Watersmeet via some impressive waterfalls. 

Highlight: An opportunity to step off the beaten track and discover the wild corners of Exmoor. Enjoy great views as you cross the high moors.

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 650 feet (200m)

In summary: Starting inland the walk heads through the Quantocks Hills with the coast ahead. We then turn and descend through the woods to the delightful village of Nether Stowey.

Highlight: The walk takes in Will's Neck the highest point on the Quantocks at 1260 feet.

Distance: 8½ miles (14km)

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: Ascend from the village of West Quantoxhead onto the ridgeline walking south along the ridgeline before descending through Quantock Combe towards Nether Stowey.

Highlight: Don't forget to turn around as you climb to take in the expansive views out into St Audries Bay and beyond onto South Wales when the air is clear. 

Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km)

Ascent: 1,500 feet (460m)

In summary: Starting close to the coast we head up into the Quantock Hills with the Bristol Channel behind us, before turning and crossing the hill an dropping down to the village of Nether Stowey.

Highlight: Look out for red deer as you walk along the Quantock Hills; as Britain's largest wild mammals they are always an impressive sight.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1550 feet (460m)

In summary: Walk to the charming villages of Allerford and Bossington, before continuing to the coast at Hurlstone Point. Our return route traverses the wooded slopes to Selworthy village, with time to explore.

Highlight: Wander through the once extensive Holnicote Estate to the 'model village' of Selworthy, with its collection of 'chocolate box' thatched cottages.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 1,750 feet (560m)

In summary: Our circuit from Holnicote House ascends through the woods to the top of Selworthy Beacon. Having followed the hill-top path we'll return through the fields to Selworthy village.

Highlight: Discover St Agnes Fountain, a small spring dating from 1820, hidden in the beautiful wooded slopes of Selworthy Beacon.

Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)

Total ascent: 1,900 feet (580m)

In summary: A longer circuit from Holnicote Estate takes you alongside woodland, until you reach the coast and Hurlstone Point, from here we continue to Selworthy Beacon, before circling round through Bratton and Selworthy and back to the house.

Highlight: Enjoy the great views from Hurlstone Point and the top of Selworthy Beacon.

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,150 feet (340m) 

In summary: A walk with two distinct sections. We'll first descend from Countisbury into the wooded valley at Watersmeet, then along the East Lyn River to Lynmouth. We'll then take the cliff railway to explore Lynton and the Valley of Rocks.

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.

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)

Total ascent: 1,800 feet (540m)

In summary: Take the zig-zag path down from Countisbury Hill to Watersmeet. We'll continue along the hillside to the Victorian town of Lynton, climbing to a panoramic viewpoint above the Valley of Rocks.

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

Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)

Ascent: 3,200 feet (980m)

In summary: Follow the glorious coastal path down Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth, then on to the Valley of Rocks and Lee Bay. We return along an elevated path to Lynton and Watersmeet.

Highlight: Soak up the classic view of Lynton and Lynmouth as you walk down Countisbury Hill. This walk has steep ascents and descents, but passes through spectacular scenery.

Distance: 5½ miles (9km)

Ascent: 1000 feet (300m)

In summary: This circuit from the house takes you through the pretty village of Horner, and then in to Horner Wood and Horner Hill, before heading back to the house.

Highlight: The village of Horner and Horner Hill

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)

In summary: Ascend from Wheddon Cross through the Raleigh Manor Estate onto Dunkery Beacon. Our descent takes us over the moors, then through Horner Wood Nature Reserve.

Highlight: This walk is another good opportunity to spot red deer. Take your binoculars for the best chance of seeing these beautiful creatures.

Distance: 12 miles (19km)

Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Walk over the moors from Exford to the summit of Dunkery Beacon. Continuing across the moor we descend to Stoke Pero church, then head through Horner Woods back to Holnicote House.

Highlight: Choose a clear day and your efforts will be rewarded with a panoramic view that stretches to Dartmoor, and across the Bristol Channel to South Wales.

Distance: 5 miles (8km)  

Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)

In summary: We pass through Allerford, famous for its picturesque pack horse bridge then continue to Lynch and the old Chapel. We then start our ascent to Selworthy Beacon through woodland, finally emerging to cross moorland to the trig point at the Beacon. After taking in the views across to the Welsh coast line, we descend via Selworthy village where we can explore the white-washed church and thatched cottages huddled around the green. Then it’s time to make our way back to the House via an old cobbled track.

Highlight: Spectacular views from Selworthy Beacon, to Nash Point Lighthouse, the Quantocks and beyond on a clear day. 

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)

In summary: From the house we pass through the beautiful village of Selworthy towards Bratton. We then pass near to North Hill, before returning to Selworthy and back to the house.

Highlight: Catch some coastal views.

Distance: 11 miles (17km) 

Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)

In summary: Walk from Holnicote House, taking in the village of Luccombe, before heading through Periton Hill woods and the edge of Minehead. Then returning to the house through the village of Selworthy.

Highlight: Take in the lovely villages of Selworthy and Luccombe.

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: Walk via fields over Countisbury Common to join the South West Coast Path. Pass the lighthouse at Foreland Point with its disused lighthouse then continue over the highest cliffs in England on to Lynmouth.

Highlight: Lynmouth is a great spot to end our walk. Enjoy ice creams or one of the many tea rooms, or explore the rockpools on the beach.

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Follow the South West Coast Path from Yenworthy Common to Lynmouth. Our route meanders around the wooded valleys towards the lighthouse at Foreland Point, then descends Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth.

Highlight: Enjoy fabulous sea views throughout the walk, including the classic view of Lynton and Lynmouth from the top of Countisbury Hill.

Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)

Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m)

In summary: Follow the coastal path from the Culborne Inn to Lynmouth. Our route undulates over some of Britain’s highest sea cliffs, before the final grand descent to Lynmouth.

Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who gained inspiration from this stunning landscape for his most famous poems.

Distance: 5½ miles (9km)

Ascent: 1000 feet (300m)

In summary: This circuit from the house takes you through the pretty village of Horner, and then in to Horner Wood and Horner Hill, before heading back to the house.

Highlight: The village of Horner and Horner Hill

Distance: 9 miles (14km)

Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)

In summary: This is a circular walk visiting the highest point on Exmoor and Somerset. The walk takes us through woodland and then moorland to Dunkery Beacon and returns on a meandering path alongside the delightful river Horner.

Highlight: The views from the top of Dunkery Beacon are fabulous. 

Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)

Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)

In summary: A strenuous circular walk visiting the highest point on Exmoor and Somerset. The descent takes us past the tiny Stoke Pero Church, the highest church on Exmoor, and back through Horner Woods alongside Horner Water.

Highlight: There are great views from the top of Dunkery Beacon making the ascent well worth the effort!