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4 Essential Circular Walks Across Wild Exmoor
Reach the roof of the world with these 4 classic circular Exmoor walks. From the wide, open wilderness of Larkbarrow and Brendon Common to the coastal oak woods of Selworthy and the clear waters of the River Barle, discover wild moorland hikes complete with route maps, local pub stops, and places to stay.
Martin Hesp
3 days ago7 min read


Little Switzerland: The Dramatic Highs and Lows of Lynton and Lynmouth
For pure landscape drama, few locations in England can match the vertiginous cliffs and romantic history of Lynton and Lynmouth. Discover the deep river gorges, the legendary Valley of Rocks, and a beautifully restored historic inn right in the heart of Exmoor's "Little Switzerland."
Martin Hesp
Jul 138 min read


Wild Hawkridge and Tarr Steps: An Exmoor Walk Through Wind, Rain and History
Discover one of Exmoor's wildest circular walks as Martin Hesp explores windswept Hawkridge, ancient woodland and the legendary Tarr Steps, weaving history, colourful characters and breathtaking scenery into an unforgettable four-mile adventure.
Martin Hesp
Jul 35 min read


5 Best Pub Walks on Exmoor: Historic Trails & Classic Inns
From the high crest of Dunkery Beacon to the deep ravine of the River Exe, explore five classic circular walks capturing the haunting history, wild landscapes, and best traditional pubs of Exmoor National Park.
Martin Hesp
Jun 3012 min read


The Best West Country Walks for a Heatwave: 10 Coastal, Moorland and Woodland Escapes
**Excerpt**
When temperatures soar, there are better places to walk than crowded beaches and sun-baked lanes. Join Martin Hesp on ten of his favourite West Country walks, where cooling sea breezes, shady woodland, open moorland and peaceful islands make perfect escapes during a summer heatwave.
Martin Hesp
Jun 2511 min read


The Lamb of God and the High Places: 10 West Country Hills to Climb this Easter
From the ancient ‘Lamb of God’ tradition on Dunkery Beacon to the ruined churches of the Somerset Levels, discover the 10 best hills to climb in the West Country this Easter for stunning views and a touch of local folklore.
Martin Hesp
Mar 293 min read


The Rivers of Exmoor: Hiking the Exe, Barle, Lyn & Horner
Exmoor is shaped by its rivers. From the wild, boggy heights of the Chains to wooded valleys and hidden coastal combes, these waterways define the landscape — and some of the finest walks on the moor.
Martin Hesp
Mar 258 min read


Dunkery Beacon Walk, Exmoor: Views, Legends and Mysteries
A guide to the Dunkery Beacon walk on Exmoor, including where to park at Webber’s Post, the best views over Porlock Vale and the legends surrounding Exmoor’s highest hill.
Martin Hesp
Mar 98 min read


Exmoor Walks: Winter Adventures on Dunkery Beacon: Surviving the Chill
A crisp winter day transformed Dunkery Beacon into one of Exmoor's most magical landscapes. This walk climbs Somerset's highest point through frost-covered moorland, offering far-reaching views, dramatic scenery and the quiet beauty that only winter can bring. A rewarding adventure for anyone who enjoys walking Exmoor in its wildest season.
Martin Hesp
Dec 11, 20242 min read


Discover Dunster: The View that Launched a Thousand Crashes ⛰️
A quick overview all about the ancient village of Dunster in West Somerset
Martin Hesp
Nov 16, 20244 min read


Selworthy Walk: A Scenic Route Through Exmoor’s Woods and Hills
From the iconic thatched cottages of Selworthy Green to the sweeping canopy of its ancient woodlands, this circular walk showcases the very best of Exmoor's managed estate and hillside vistas.
Martin Hesp
Nov 11, 20244 min read


Simonsbath Walk: Exploring the Historic Heart of Central Exmoor
Deep in the heart of the former Royal Forest, this Simonsbath walk takes you on a journey through rugged moorland scenery and the fascinating 19th-century history of the Knight family's desert reclamation.
Martin Hesp
Nov 11, 20244 min read


Secret Exmoor: The Hidden Ring of Trees & Lost Places | Martin Hesp
In an era dominated by GPS and instant lookup, can true countryside mystery still exist? Martin Hesp revisits his father Peter’s legendary Secret Exmoor walks, uncovering a secluded ring of sunken trees deep in the high moors and reflecting on why some wild, beautiful places deserve to stay hidden.
Martin Hesp
Jan 31, 20236 min read


Exmoor Walks: Lynton & Lynmouth Circular Walk via Valley of Rocks and Cliff Railway
Looking for one of the very best Exmoor walks? This spectacular circular route explores the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth before climbing through the Valley of Rocks to some of England's most dramatic coastal scenery, with breathtaking sea views, literary history and the famous water-powered Cliff Railway.
Martin Hesp
Jun 27, 20225 min read


Grabbist Hill Walk From Dunster: An Exmoor Classic
Rising steeply above the beautiful medieval village of Dunster, Grabbist Hill offers some of the most dramatic panoramic views on Exmoor. Here is a complete guide to tackling this historic ridge walk.
Martin Hesp
May 23, 20215 min read


Exmoor Walks: My First TV Walk
Martin Hesp’s very first TV walk - across the roof of Exmoor past Lark’s Barrow to Malmsmead
Martin Hesp
Jul 26, 20201 min read


Helicopter Flight Over Exmoor
Quick taster of a helicopter ride across just about all of Exmoor National Park
Martin Hesp
Jun 21, 20201 min read


Exmoor Walks: a Place Called Beckham
West of Dunkery Beacon lies a vast, primeval expanse that feels closer to the Russian steppes than southern England. Travel writer Martin Hesp leads a five-mile loop through this untouched wilderness—tracing John Knight's unfinished industrial canal, dropping into the remote moorland zone known as Beckham, and visiting the shell-blasted ruins of WWII-era Larkbarrow Farm.
Martin Hesp
May 19, 20205 min read


Hoar Oak Walk, Exmoor
Martin Hesp recalls a memorable Exmoor walk he did with the then CEO of Exmoor National Park, Dr Nigel Stone
Martin Hesp
Apr 20, 20205 min read
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