The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Exford

There are several family-friendly hiking trails around Exford, offering a variety of distances and difficulties. This guide features 7 routes specifically curated for families, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures.

Exford's family-friendly trails offer a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find peaceful riverside paths along the River Exe, gentle climbs onto open moorland with expansive views, and sections through ancient woodlands and rolling hills. The paths are generally well-maintained, but some can be uneven or muddy after rain, especially in wooded or moorland areas.

Yes, Exford offers several easy walks perfect for younger children or those new to hiking. For example, the Exford Free Car Park – Exmoor White Horse Inn loop from Exford is an easy 6.7 km route, and the Exmoor White Horse Inn – Exford Bridge Tea Rooms loop from Exford is even shorter at 4.5 km, both offering gentle gradients and lovely scenery.

Spring and summer are ideal for family hiking in Exford, with warmer weather and longer daylight hours. The moorland is vibrant with gorse and heather, and wildlife is abundant. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing leaf colours, especially around wooded valleys and spots like Tarr Steps. Winter walks can be magical but require appropriate gear for potentially colder, wetter conditions.

Many of the family-friendly routes around Exford are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same convenient location. The Exford Free Car Park – Exmoor White Horse Inn loop from Exford is a great easy circular option, and for a slightly longer adventure, the Room Hill and Exe Valley Trail also forms a scenic loop.

Exmoor National Park is generally very dog-friendly, and most trails around Exford welcome well-behaved dogs. However, please keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock or during ground-nesting bird season (March to July). Always follow the Countryside Code and clean up after your pet.

Absolutely! Exford is surrounded by stunning natural features. You can find breathtaking panoramic views from Dunkery Beacon Summit, Exmoor's highest point. The ancient Tarr Steps clapper bridge is another iconic landmark, offering a picturesque spot by the River Barle. Many trails also offer lovely vistas over the Exe Valley and open moorland.

Exford village itself has welcoming pubs and tea rooms, perfect for a post-hike treat or a mid-walk break. Some routes, like the The Royal Oak Inn, Withypool – Withypool Tea Room loop from Exford, pass through nearby villages like Withypool which also offer refreshment stops. For picnics, the riverside areas and open moorland provide many scenic spots to enjoy your packed lunch.

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience in Exford, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the area's tranquil beauty, the diverse landscapes ranging from riverside to moorland, and the sense of remoteness. Many highlight the well-maintained paths and the opportunity to spot local wildlife like Exmoor ponies and red deer.

Yes, parking is generally available. Exford village has public car parks, and many routes start directly from the village, making access convenient. For example, the Exford Free Car Park – Exmoor White Horse Inn loop from Exford explicitly mentions starting from a car park. Always check local signage for any parking fees or restrictions.

For families with older children or those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the Royal Oak Inn, Exmoor – Winsford Ford and Footbridge loop from Exford offer a more extensive adventure. This moderate 17.4 km route provides a longer duration and more elevation gain, exploring a wider area of the Exmoor landscape.