Written by expert resident author Hilary Bradt, coast and moorland,
hiking, wildlife and birdwatching are all covered, as are food and
drink, historical background and culture both present and past,
including Lorna Doone (and Doone country), Wordsworth and Shelley.
Divided into ten regions and complete with 13 walks with maps, Bradt’s
Slow Travel Exmoor National Park also covers National Trust villages and
nature reserves, little-known attractions such as private gardens, and
the region’s most interesting little churches.
Exmoor is one of England’s smallest but most beautiful national parks
and is also particularly rich in festivals, both cultural, traditional –
and frankly bizarre, including Hunting of the Earl of Rone in the
village of Combe Martin and the Minehead Hobby Horse.
The area is also
increasingly recognised as a foodie destination and as a place for
active holidays of all types. With its long coastline there are beaches
for everyone, both sand and pebble, with wild swimming in the sea,
rivers and reservoirs.
This is also one of the most rewarding areas for
walking in the West Country, combining stunning sections of the South
West Coast Path with inland walks over heather-rich moorland and up
river valleys.
England’s smallest church and largest number of wild red deer, and
Britain’s most distinctive native pony are all found here.
Ideal for
walkers, riders, foodies and lovers of beautiful scenery and wilderness,
Bradt’s Slow Travel Exmoor National Park is the essential companion for
a successful trip regardless of age or budget.
WESTERN EXMOOR: COMBE MARTIN & THE COAST
Combe Martin, Beyond Combe Martin
THE INLAND ROUTE: TO LYNTON VIA BLACKMOOR GATE
Parracombe, Challacombe & Pinkery Pond, Exmoor Zoo, Wistlandpound Reservoir, Woody Bay Station
THE COASTAL TRIANGLE
Trentishoe, The Hunter’s Inn, Heddon Valley & Martinhoe, Woody Bay & Lee Bay
LYNTON, LYNMOUTH & AREA
Barbrook & Watersmeet House, Lynton, Lynmouth, The Valley of Rocks
CENTRAL EXMOOR
Doone country, Simonsbath & the River Barle
SOUTHERN EXMOOR
Withypool, Exford, Winsford, Tarr Steps, Hawkridge, Beyond Tarr Steps, Winsford Hill & the Caratacus Stone
PORLOCK & AREA
Porlock, Greencombe Gardens, Porlock Weir, Horner Woods, Stoke Pero & Dunkery Beacon, Tivington & Wootton Courtenay
THE WEST SOMERSET COAST: PORLOCK WEIR TO COUNTY GATE
Culbone Church
EAST OF PORLOCK: THE NATIONAL TRUST VILLAGES
Luccombe & Horner, Allerford, Bossington, Selworthy
MINEHEAD & EASTERN EXMOOR
Minehead, Dunster, Timberscombe, Wheddon Cross & Snowdrop Valley,
Dulverton, Exmoor Pony Centre, Walks in the Dulverton area, Wimbleball
Lake & Haddon Hill
