The best walks and hikes around West Anstey

Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. Many routes start and end in the same place, allowing you to explore the varied landscape without retracing your steps. For a shorter loop, the 3.6-mile (5.8 km) Hawkridge Ridge loop from Hawkridge is a great option that can be completed in under two hours.

Dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths around West Anstey, but it's important to be mindful of the local environment. You'll be walking through Exmoor National Park, which has sensitive wildlife habitats and areas with grazing livestock, including sheep and Exmoor ponies. Always keep your dog under close control, and follow the Countryside Code by using a lead where required.

The region offers several easier walks suitable for families. The terrain can be hilly, so look for routes that follow river valleys or have less overall elevation gain. A visit to the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps is a popular family outing, with paths following the River Barle. For a dedicated easy-rated hike, consider one of the 47 easier trails in the area.

Several walks incorporate a stop at a traditional local pub. The View of Brimblecombe Valley – London Inn loop from Hawkridge is a moderate 5.6-mile (9.0 km) trail that passes the London Inn, making it a perfect choice for a mid-hike refreshment.

Parking is typically found in small villages or designated car parks for popular attractions like Tarr Steps or Wimbleball Lake. Some trailheads may have limited roadside parking. It's always best to arrive early, especially on weekends, and park considerately without blocking gateways or access for local residents and farm vehicles.

Yes, the well-known Two Moors Way, a coast-to-coast path stretching across Devon, runs directly through the West Anstey area. You can hike specific sections of this trail, such as the challenging 14.5-mile (23.5 km) Tarr Steps riverside walk – Tarr Steps clapper bridge loop from Hawkridge, which incorporates parts of the long-distance route.

The landscape is classic Exmoor: a mix of open, heather-clad moorland, steep-sided hills, and deep, wooded valleys carved by rivers like the Barle. You'll encounter ancient clapper bridges, quiet woodlands, and expansive views from high ground. The St Giles' Church, Hawkridge – Hawkridge Ridge loop from Venford Moor offers a great taste of this open moorland scenery.

There is a wide variety of trails, with over 140 routes mapped on komoot in the region. These range from easy, short loops to difficult, all-day treks, ensuring there are options for every fitness and experience level.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the wild, remote feeling of the open moors, the beauty of the riverside paths along the River Barle, and the well-preserved ancient sites like Tarr Steps. The mix of challenging climbs and gentle valley walks is a frequently mentioned highlight.

While the immediate West Anstey area is known more for its rivers and moorland, a short drive will take you to some of Exmoor's most beautiful water features. A visit to the National Trust's Watersmeet site is highly recommended, where you can find a stunning river gorge, a series of waterfalls, and ancient woodlands with a charming tea garden.

The rural nature of Exmoor National Park means that public transport options to West Anstey and surrounding trailheads are very limited. Accessing the main walking routes in this area is most practical by car.

Hiking is possible year-round, but late spring and summer offer the best conditions with warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn is also a beautiful time to visit, as the woodlands display vibrant colors. The moorland can be very exposed, so always be prepared for changeable weather, even in summer.