Lynton and Lynmouth Exmoor National Park

(Lynton and Lynmouth, North Devon, England, UK)

The Exmoor National Park covers a vast area and stretches from the westerly side of Somerset and into North Devon, where it covers more than 260 square miles / 675 square kilometres.

Filled with charming villages, stunning coastal scenery, and moorlands packed with heather and gorse, the Exmoor National Park is known for its views across the Bristol Channel and its outstanding walking trails. Lynton and Lynmouth reside on the far north-westerly side of the Exmoor National Park, being a leading tourist destination for the area.

General Information

The rocky cliffs within the park include some of England's tallest and rise to heights of more than 350 metres / 1,150 feet. As you head to the interior of the Exmoor National Park and away from the coastline, you will find that the landscape quickly becomes noticeably more gentle and when compared to Dartmoor, is considerably less rugged and therefore more suitable for strolling, horse riding and pony trekking.

The high plateau based near to the Dunkery Beacon is a good place to walk and features an appealing mixture of hidden valleys and meandering streams. Attractions around the park include the legendary Exmoor ponies, horned sheep and the biggest herd of wild red deer still existing in England. Apart from Lynton and Lynmouth, other popular destinations include Dunster and its medieval castle, Porlock and its glorious valley setting, and Selworthy, where a number of traditional thatched cottages reside.

The Exmoor National Park is just over 20 miles / 32 km from east to west, and stretches approximately 12 miles / 19 km from north to south. Easily accessible from Taunton (south-east), Barnstaple (south-west) and Minehead (east), the park features more than 600 miles / 965 km of bridleways, footpaths and walking trails, with the most popular routes including the Somerset and North Devon Coast Path, the Tarka Trail (named after the Exmoor-inspired novel, 'Tarka the Otter'), and part of the Two Moors Way.

Noteworthy walking centres within the Exmoor National Park include County Gate, Dulverton, Exford, Horner, Lynton and Lynmouth, Porlock, Simonsbath, Watersmeet and Withypool. For further information about the park's best walking trails, refer to the Exmoor and West Somerset Public Transport Guide, which is available from all local tourist centres completely free of charge. Cyclists should note that bikes are not permitted on the footpaths.