Autumn is a time for slowing down, a time to breathe deep and to appreciate beautiful moments. Mother nature spreads her cloak of colours far and wide as the seasons shift and the landscape turns from the bright greens of summer to glorious shades of gold and red and brown. With its’ spectacular scenery, Exmoor is one of the best places in the UK to appreciate autumn. Lace up your boots, come with us to 7 of the best places for autumn walks in this unspoilt corner of Somerset.
Each seasons brings its beauty, but Autumn has so much charm. The early morning mists giving way to hazy sunshine, the crisp air, low golden sunlight that spreads a soft amber glow across the landscape, and of course, the glorious colours; the turning leaves, the shiny brown of conkers and chestnuts, the vivid red of holly and hawthorn berries.
It’s such a joy to walk through the woods this time of year, the rustle of leaves beneath your feet, the damp woodland scent, then coming out into the open to a far-reaching view and the sky painted with the colour of early sunsets. The perfect way to round it off is to hunker down by the fire in a country pub; think homemade food to nurture and restore, a pint of the local ale.
Sleeps12 have the loveliest large group holiday houses within Exmoor National Park, or very close by; houses that are so perfect for a peaceful autumn break with friends and family, for multi-generational celebrations with the people you love most in the world, and for elegant hen weekends. Bring chunky jumpers, woolly hats and scarves, wrap up, get out there for some of the best autumn walks on Exmoor. Come with…
Watersmeet And the East Lyn River, Lynmouth
Autumn is a good time to truly appreciate the beauty of this magical riverside gorge. Stroll along the bankside path where the East Lyn rushes over the rocks to meet the Hoar Oak; you’ll see waterfalls and rapids, lush ferns cling to the riverbanks, above you a rich canopy of copper and gold. Be still, be quiet and you may spot salmon leaping, dippers bobbing, and maybe, just maybe, an elusive otter.
There are several good circular walks from Watersmeet; try the 2.2 mile circular to Ash Bridge, or the 3.5 miler via Rockford and Trilley Wood. Round off your autumn amble with a cream tea at Watersmeet Lodge. Of course you must.
Dunkery Beacon, Minehead
Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Exmoor, with phenomenal views that stretch out over Somerset, to Dartmoor, and the Welsh coast. It can feel like a pilgrimage puffing your way to the summit, but this time of year it’s generally less busy – and achingly beautiful with the rich colours of autumn adorning the surrounding moorland, hills and woods. As it’s rutting season you might hear red stags bellowing.
Hike up to the cairn and back (1.5 miles) or take the longer 4.7 mile route down through the ancient woodlands and temperate rainforest at Horner Woods National Nature Reserve.
Linger into the shortening day and you may be rewarded with an astronomical delight – Dunkery Beacon is part of the Exmoor International Dark Sky Reserve and an incredible spot for stargazing.
Fill your bellies at The Rest and Be Thankful at Wheddon Cross.
North Hill, Minehead
Make a summit bid on North Hill in the autumn and your rewards are the rich hues of a glorious moorland-coastal landscape, and staggering views over Porlock Bay and the Bristol Channel. The hill towers above Minehead, so park in town and puff your way up to the open heath following a section of the South West Coast Path – a circular of about 3 miles. Seasoned walkers can venture forth on the North Hill Circular Trail of 5.4 miles, the unseasoned might prefer to park at Hill Road and take the 1 mile easy access trail to the high moorland. There, Exmoor ponies graze among the gorse and heather, and red deer feed in the woods.
Soak up the autumn splendour, head back down to the quay for eats at The Old Ship Aground or Mister Micawbers.
Tarr Steps, Dulverton
Tarr Steps, where an historic clapper bridge crosses the River Barle, is one of the best-known spots on Exmoor. Come in the height of summer and there’s little chance of getting a selfie on the bridge without anyone in the background, but in the autumn it’s a different story. It’s a lovely spot for a wander, along the riverside path, beneath the golden-red of the trees. Do the shorter River Loop of 2.2 miles, or the extended 4.5 mile Withypool Loop crossing Winsford Hill where wild ponies roam.
Head back up to the Tarr Farm Inn for tea and cake or something more filling.
Selworthy Beacon, Selworthy
Selworthy is one of the prettiest villages you’ll ever see, all chocolate boxy with whitewashed thatched cottages and a 15th century church. From here you can stride up through the woods to Selworthy Beacon taking a loop of 3.5 miles, or a longer one of 4.5 miles. If the weather is on your side, you’ll have the joys of low autumnal sunlight on the fading heather, sweeping views, and a classic Exmoor landscape of moorland and vibrant coppery woodlands.
Complete your perfect autumn day with a savoury scone or cream tea at Periwinkle Cottage Tea Room.
Tips
- Wrap up warm
- Wear sturdy footwear
- Plan your route
- Keep dogs on short leads
- Allow time to stop for refreshments
- Take photos
Love your autumn walks on Exmoor, love the memories 🍂