4 Night Exmoor Guided Walking Holiday
Treasured for its forests, moorland, valleys, wild ponies, and velvet black skies, Exmoor National Park is perfect for outdoor adventures big and small. Our guided walking holiday is an ideal introduction to the region’s sweeping landscape, dramatic seascapes, big-name attractions, and postcard-perfect villages and towns.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the immense beauty of Exmoor on foot
- Visiting some of Somerset’s most picturesque villages
- Learning more about Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Finding exciting walking routes with your HF Holidays Leader
- 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 up to three guided walks (on walking days)
- 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
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
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.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Selworthy to Dunster
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.
Option 2 - Over the Hills to Dunster
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.
Option 3 - Over Dunkery Beacon to Dunster
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.
Option 1 - Doone Valley
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.
Option 2 - Badgworthy Water
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.
Option 3 - Wild Exmoor West
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.
Option 1 - Quantocks & Nether Stowey
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.
Option 2 - Quantock Ridge & Combe
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.
Option 3 - Quantock Ridge
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.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Selworthy
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.
Option 2 - The Beacon & Bratton
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.
Option 3 - Selworthy Circuit
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.
Option 1 - Valley of Rocks
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.
Option 2 - Around Lynton
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.
Option 3 - Lynmouth Coastline
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.
Option 1 - Exploring Horner Hill
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
Option 2 - Over the Beacon
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.
Option 3 - Roof of Exmoor
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.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Selworthy and its Beacon
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.
Option 2 - Exploring North Hill
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.
Option 3 - Periton Hill
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.
Option 1 - Countisbury Hill
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.
Option 2 - Foreland Point
Distance: 8 ¾ miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (485m)
In summary: Follow the South West Coast Path from Yenworthy Common to Lynmouth. Our route meanders around the wooded valleys towards 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.
Option 3 - Along the Coast Path
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.
Option 1 - Exploring Horner Hill
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
Option 2 - Dunkery Beacon Circuit
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.
Option 3 - Dunkery Beacon & Great Rowbarrow
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!
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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.
Rooms
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.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. 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.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
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
About your stay
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, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you 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.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Holnicote House
Getting to Holnicote House
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
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.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
Holnicote House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
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09 Jun - 13 Jun 2025 4 nights |
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16 Jun - 20 Jun 2025 4 nights |
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23 Jun - 27 Jun 2025 4 nights |
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07 Jul - 11 Jul 2025 4 nights |
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14 Jul - 18 Jul 2025 4 nights |
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28 Jul - 01 Aug 2025 4 nights |
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04 Aug - 08 Aug 2025 4 nights |
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08 Sep - 12 Sep 2025 4 nights |
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15 Sep - 19 Sep 2025 4 nights |
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13 Oct - 17 Oct 2025 4 nights |
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20 Oct - 24 Oct 2025 4 nights |
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03 Nov - 07 Nov 2025 4 nights |
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17 Nov - 21 Nov 2025 4 nights |
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24 Nov - 28 Nov 2025 4 nights |
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80Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
