Exmoor has many walks with stunning views, from coastal cliffs to mystical woodlands. However, these routes can get very busy during the peak summer tourist season. If you love to walk, wander, and stroll but prefer to do so in peace, these are our top ‘secret’ walks in Exmoor.
1. Winsford and Winn Brook
If quaint villages and thatched cottages are your vibe, then this is the perfect Exmoor walk for you. Winsford is a beautiful, quiet village that sits along Winn Brook, the river flowing right through it. There’s a cute little bridge over the water, framed by surrounding woods and moorland.
It is one of the prettiest walks on our list, set in the quintessential English village of Winsford. If you like staying near historic settlements, browse our Exmoor village holiday cottages as a peaceful alternative to busier spots like Dunster, Allerford, and Porlock, where you can enjoy the scenery without the crowds.
- Quiet Rating: 7/10 (Less touristy, but still in the centre of a village).
- Starting Location: Winsford Village Car Park / Near The Royal Oak Inn (Postcode area: TA24 7JE).
- Length: Approx. 2 to 3 miles (3.2–4.8 km).
- Accessibility: Generally accessible, though certain trails can get quite muddy and uneven. Sticking to the village and packhorse bridge routes keeps it highly accessible.
- Best For: Those who love cute village surroundings and easy strolls.
2. Brendon Hills and the Bearland Iron Mine Trails
This one is for lovers of woodland strolls who want to soak up the natural atmosphere. Brendon Hills offers a lovely, flat walk through the forest. What makes these woods extra special are the remains of 19th-century iron mines, yet surprisingly few people know about this trail.
If you wish to explore the mine ruins, note that those side routes are less accessible, featuring steep slopes and rough terrain. We recommend checking out these unique historical sites, but safety always comes first. For more woodland and history ideas, read our guide on Exploring Exmoor: 7 unmissable experiences.
- Quiet Rating: 8/10 (Feels very rural with varied paths, making it unlikely you’ll bump into others).
- Starting Location: Chargot Woods Car Park, near Luxborough (Postcode area: TA23 0SL).
- Length: Approx. 2.5 to 4 miles (4–6.5 km).
- Accessibility: The main forest walk features flat terrain suitable for any adventurer.
- Best For: Anyone who loves history, ruins, and forests without tourist crowds.
3. Haddon Hill
You have likely heard of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in Exmoor, but it often gets busy with locals and tourists alike—especially during peak summer season. If a high vantage point is what you’re after, Haddon Hill is the perfect quiet alternative.
It offers incredible panoramic views of Wimbleball Lake. Another highlight of this walk is the frequent appearance of wild ponies on the moorland. Exmoor is famous for its wild ponies, and Haddon Hill is a fantastic place to spot them.
- Quiet Rating: 7/10 (Much less busy than Dunkery Beacon, though it can draw some visitors during peak periods).
- Starting Location: Haddon Hill Car Park, near Wimbleball Lake (Postcode area: TA22 9NX).
- Length: Approx. 1.5 to 3 miles (2.4–4.8 km).
- Accessibility: Highly accessible to almost anyone thanks to the flat, even terrain.
- Best For: Walkers who want to feel like they are on top of the world.
4. Robber’s Bridge and Weir Water
If you love the architecture, history, and atmosphere of places like Tarr Steps and Allerford, Robber’s Bridge is ideal. It features a beautiful stone bridge nestled down a picturesque country lane. If your ideal route mixes trees with a flowing stream, this spot delivers. If you’re exploring this corner of the national park, staying in one of our Lynmouth holiday cottages or Lynton holiday cottages puts you right on the doorstep.
This makes for a peaceful little adventure with few to no other people around, letting you fully enjoy the serenity.
- Quiet Rating: 9/10 (Stays remarkably quiet even during the summer months).
- Starting Location: Robber’s Bridge Car Park / Layby off the A39 near Oare (Postcode area: EX35 6PB).
- Length: Approx. 2 to 3.5 miles (3.2–5.6 km).
- Accessibility: Accessible and suitable for wheelchair users, though keep in mind the bridge itself is quite narrow.
- Best For: Woodland wanderers who love flowing streams, historic bridges, and quiet nature.
5. Pinkery Pond and The Chains
This is the most remote walk on our list, making it ideal for anyone seeking true isolation. If you’re staying in one of our Parracombe holiday cottages, Pinkery Pond is an intriguing location that’s well worth a visit, with little known about why it was originally built, giving it a mysterious feel.
It features a striking lake surrounded by wooded areas to explore, along with hidden tunnels, small waterfalls, and dramatic high-altitude views of Exmoor.
- Quiet Rating: 9/10 (Extremely remote; you are unlikely to encounter anyone else).
- Starting Location: Simonsbath / Poltimore Arms layby or Pinkery Centre access track (Postcode area: TA24 7XT).
- Length: Approx. 4 to 5.5 miles (6.5–9 km).
- Accessibility: Not as accessible as the other options due to boggy, uneven terrain. Not recommended for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility (Robber’s Bridge is the best alternative).
- Best For: Walkers looking for a quiet, slightly more challenging adventure.
Exmoor is full of quintessential villages, expansive moorland, and free-roaming wildlife. Whether you prefer coastal views, historic villages, or deep woodlands, stepping off the beaten path is often the best way to experience it. These secret walks offer the perfect way to soak up Exmoor’s natural beauty in complete serenity.
