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: 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 Hrner 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: 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: 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: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 500 feet (160m) 

In summary: From Bilbrook we head out to the coast via Old Cleeve, and along to Blue Anchor Bay before heading back inland to Dunster. 

Highlight: Look out for knots, curlews and oystercatchers chasing the tide along Blue Anchor bay, in search of worms and small crustaceans.

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)

In summary: From the house we pass through the beautiful village of Selworthy, before climbing Tivington Hill. From the top of this long wooded ridge we descend to Dunster and it's spectacular castle. 

Highlight: The views from the top of the ridgeline looking down over Dunster and Blue Anchor bay beyond.

Distance: 8½ miles (14km) 

Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)

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: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In summary: A circular walk exploring the countryside and villages around Holnicote House. Our route takes us to the coast via the village of Bossington, returning 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.

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

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)

In summary: Head through the woods to Hurlstone Point, then along the rugged coastal path that meanders along the northern slopes of Selworthy Beacon. We'll then ascend onto the summit and return via Selworthy village.

Highlight: This section of the coast path has a real 'away from it all' feel as it traverses around three deep combes above the sea.

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: 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!