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Exmoor

The land of Lorna Doone. Less wild and open than its near neighbour Dartmoor, but a place of great beauty whatever the season.

Exmoor contains a wide variety of magnificent landscapes in its 693 sq km. The moorland plateau terminates with the tallest cliffs in England, overlooking the Bristol Channel coast. Inland, the grass moorland of the former Royal Forest is surrounded by heather-covered moors, intersected by roundsided combes, and inhabited by wild ponies and red deer. To the east lies the fertile Vale of Porlock and the valleys of the Exe and Avill, dividing Exmoor from the Brendon Hills. Lynton and Lynmouth, with traditional stone and slate buildings contrasting with more ornate Victorian buildings, form the largest settlement. The Vale of Porlock villages have colour-washed cob, stone and thatched cottages.

The historic and archeaological heritage of Exmoor is both rich and varied, with sites and monuments dating back some ten thousand years. Bronze Age burial mounds and stone circles, Iron Age hillforts, Roman fortlets, medieval castles, bridges, farmsteads, and unique rural industrial sites are preserved within the agricultural and moorland landscape.

With a wide range of routes - from long distance walks to nature trails - opportunities abound for quietly exploring Exmoor on foot, cycle or horse. Fishing for salmon and trout in the fast-flowing rivers is also popular.