The best walks and hikes around Exford

Exford, located within Exmoor National Park, offers a diverse range of hiking trails. You'll find routes that traverse expansive moorland, wind through incised wooded valleys, and follow picturesque riverside paths along the River Exe. The area caters to various fitness levels, with options for easy strolls, moderate excursions, and more challenging long-distance hikes.

Yes, Exford has several easy routes suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk. For instance, the Exford Free Car Park loop from Exford is an easy 4.1-mile trail that takes you through farmland and open moorland, offering panoramic views without significant difficulty.

Many of the trails around Exford are circular, allowing you to start and end in the village. A popular option is the Exford Free Car Park loop from Exford, which is a 4.1-mile route. Other circular walks from Exford can lead to places like Winsford Hill, known for its Bronze Age burial mounds and 360-degree moorland views.

Exford is surrounded by significant natural features. You can hike to Dunkery Beacon Summit, Exmoor's highest point, for breathtaking panoramic views. Another historic and scenic attraction is Tarr Steps clapper bridge, an ancient crossing over the River Barle, set within a beautiful woodland nature reserve. The area also features the River Exe and various wooded valleys.

The hiking trails around Exford are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 900 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, which combines riverside paths with climbs onto open moorland, and the stunning panoramic views from points like Dunkery Beacon.

Exmoor National Park is generally dog-friendly, and many trails around Exford are suitable for dogs. However, it's important to keep dogs under close control, especially on moorland where livestock and ground-nesting birds are present. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly during lambing season or in nature reserves.

Yes, Exford offers several routes suitable for families. Easy riverside strolls along the River Exe are ideal for younger children or those seeking a less strenuous walk. The village's central location also provides access to shorter circular routes that can be adapted for family outings, allowing for wildlife spotting and enjoying the natural surroundings.

The moors and valleys around Exford are rich in wildlife. You might spot red deer, the iconic Exmoor ponies, and various bird species such as buzzards, kestrels, and herons. The Exmoor Pony Centre, near Exford, offers a chance to see these native ponies up close and learn about their conservation.

Yes, Exford provides parking facilities for hikers. The Exford Free Car Park is a convenient starting point for several local trails, including a 4.1-mile loop through farmland and moorland.

Exford offers hiking opportunities year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferences. Spring brings new growth and wildlife, while summer provides longer daylight hours and generally warmer weather. Autumn is particularly stunning with vibrant foliage in the wooded valleys, especially around Tarr Steps. Winter hikes can be invigorating, but require appropriate gear for potentially wet and windy conditions on the exposed moorland.

Exford serves as a gateway to longer walking trails. The village provides access to routes that are part of long-distance paths like the Samaritans Way South West and the Celtic Way Exmoor Option, offering extended hiking experiences for those looking for multi-day adventures.

The hike to Dunkery Beacon from Exford, such as the Exford and Dunkery Beacon loop, is considered a difficult route. It covers approximately 12.1 miles (19.4 km) and involves significant elevation gain to reach Exmoor's highest point, making it suitable for hikers with very good fitness levels.