The best walks and hikes around Martinhoe

Yes, the Heddon Valley offers some excellent options. The Heddon's Mouth accessible loop is a gentle 2.2-mile (3.5 km) walk that follows the river down to a pebble beach, making it ideal for families and those looking for a less strenuous outing.

Many routes start or finish near The Hunters Inn, a popular pub in the Heddon Valley. For a rewarding hike before your meal, consider the Martinhoe loop from Hunter's Inn. This 4-mile (6.5 km) trail offers a great mix of coastal and inland scenery.

Dogs are welcome on most trails in Exmoor National Park, but they should be kept on a lead, especially near livestock and on cliff edges. The Heddon Valley is a great area for dog walking, with riverside paths and access to the beach at Heddon's Mouth.

The main car park is the National Trust car park in the Heddon Valley (postcode EX31 4PY). Many popular circular walks, including trails to Heddon's Mouth and Woody Bay, start from here. It's a pay-and-display car park, and fees support the maintenance of the area.

The stretch of the South West Coast Path around Martinhoe is known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning views. A challenging but highly rewarding route is the Hunters Inn – Valley of Rocks loop, which covers a significant section of the coastline and takes in the famous rock formations.

Yes, you can visit the Martinhoe Roman Fortlet, a former Roman signal station with incredible sea views. It's accessible via the coastal path, and several routes incorporate this fascinating historical site into a longer hike.

The Heddon Valley is a special place for wildlife, being one of the few UK sites for the rare High Brown Fritillary butterfly. On the coast, you might spot seals near the shore, and in the Valley of Rocks, you'll almost certainly encounter the famous herd of wild goats.

Yes, The Heddon Valley & Woody Bay loop is a popular moderate hike that does just that. This 7.8-mile (12.5 km) circular trail connects the two scenic coastal spots, taking you through beautiful woodland and along breathtaking cliff paths.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning coastal views across the Bristol Channel, the unique geology of the Valley of Rocks, and the peaceful, sheltered walks through the ancient woodlands of the Heddon Valley.

There are over 30 curated hiking routes around Martinhoe on komoot. These range from easy, accessible valley walks to difficult, full-day hikes along the high coastal cliffs, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.

While the immediate Martinhoe coastal area is more known for its cliffs, a short drive will take you to Watersmeet. This highly-rated National Trust site features a dramatic river gorge where the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water meet, creating a series of beautiful waterfalls and cascades through ancient woodland.

The Heddon Valley Butterfly walk is an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) loop. It involves some uphill sections on woodland paths as you climb the side of the valley, but you are rewarded with beautiful views. The paths can be uneven in places but are generally well-maintained.