Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail
Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail is a scenic 29-mile walking route set in the heart of Exmoor National Park. Linking nine of Exmoor’s churches and chapels, this inspiring trail follows the footsteps of medieval pilgrims who once journeyed across the moorland to the historic village of Porlock and its ancient church of St Dubricius. This inspiring three-day trail offers walkers a chance to take in the timeless beauty of the Exmoor landscape all while embarking on a journey rooted deep in the region’s remarkable past.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the history of the region
- Spectacular scenery from start to finish
- Walking a route which links landscapes, legends and people
- Travelling a path walked by clergy and parishioners for hundreds of years
- The chance to spot red deer on the moors
- The sense of accomplishment upon finishing your journey
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail Guide which can be stamped at each church.
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.
Check-in is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. Your walks leader will be at the bar area at 6:30pm to meet the group and give a short introduction to the trail before dinner.
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)
This scenic walk takes us along the stunning Exmoor coast and through peaceful woodlands, connecting four historic churches steeped in heritage. We begin our journey at St Dubricius Church in the charming village of Porlock. This ancient church, with roots dating back to the 13th century, offers a peaceful start to the day. From Porlock the path leads through woodland and descends to the coastal hamlet of Porlock Weir. Here, St Nicolas church, a tin tabernacle, sits close to the sea, offering dramatic views over the area.
The route continues along the South West Coast Path, weaving through ancient woodland, toward the secluded St Beuno’s Church at Culbone. Often cited as England’s smallest parish church, Culbone is only accessible to the public on foot. The final leg of the day takes us inland via The Coleridge Way to the remote St Mary’s Church in Oare - famously featured in R.D Blackmores novel Lorna Doone. The route follows an ancient farm track before ascending the ridge offering impressive views before descending into the peaceful Oare Valley
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
Starting in Oare, the path ascends steadily initially over fields but soon reaches the open moor. The ascent offers panoramic views across the moors and out to the coast – a worthwhile reward. The route continues across wild, open moorland, passing the now derelict Larkbarrow farmstead. Here, we get a real sense of what the landscape looked like before it was tamed by man for farming. Eventually, the walk reaches Stoke Pero Church, one of the most isolated churches in England. With no electricity and perched high above sea level, the tiny church is surrounded by farmland and steep, wooded slopes offering a peaceful and timeless atmosphere that feels miles from anywhere.
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)
Our final day begins back at Stoke Pero where we descend through steep valleys covered in ancient woodland to the sheltered valley of Luccombe where we’ll viist the 13th Century St Mary’s church. Continuing eastward through rolling farmland and quiet lanes to the hamlet of Tivington, we’ll stop by St Leonard’s Church. Adjoined to a cottage – it once had a connecting door – this little church, simple and serene, is a reminder of the area’s deep rural roots.
After time to explore St Leonard's, the walk ascends gently towards the picturesque village of Selworthy, with its iconic whitewashed cottages. The elegant All Saints Church perched on a hill, offers unrivalled views across the Vale of Porlock and Porlock Bay. Descending through wooded paths, the route leads to Lynch Chapel of Ease, a quiet and contemplative 14th century chapel tucked away near an ancient farmstead. We end our pilgrimage journey at St Dubricius church, where this spiritual trail began. The return to this ancient church ties together a pilgrimage that has lasted for centuries, thanks to the region’s landscape and sacred spaces.
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.
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, 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.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided 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
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.
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
For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:
- spare warm clothing
- spare high energy food
- head torch and spare batteries
- please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+
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
- Walking poles
Holnicote House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Leader to Be Announced
We’ll announce the leader for our 2026 holidays shortly. Be assured that all of our expert leaders share one goal; to create exceptional experiences for our guests. Please check back for details in the coming months.
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Extra Savings for Members
HF Members save £30pp in the UK, £50pp in Europe & £80pp on worldwide holidays. Call us to join, add membership when booking online, or find out more here.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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
06 Apr - 10 Apr 2026 4 nights |
Guided Trail Single from £799 £699 Double from £759 £659 pp |
from £759 £659 pp |
from £799 £699 |
Deal of the Week Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
29 Jun - 03 Jul 2026 4 nights |
Guided Trail
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £799 pp |
from £799 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
