The Classic One Centre Holiday on Exmoor

With 250 square miles of near perfect and unique beauty, Exmoor packs a great deal into the UK’s most compact National Park, and with Lynmouth right in the centre of it all, this is the perfect base for exploring the coastline and moorland from a stunning location, with lots of facilities and accommodation options.

An official Walkers are Welcome designated town, Lynmouth offers access direct from its pretty harbour to walks on windswept high moorland summits, rolling downward into densely wooded valleys and roaring rivers and gorges. On the coast you have some of the best sections of the South West Coast Path , including The Valley of the Rocks, an ascent of Great Hangman (the highest point on the whole 630 mile trail) and the unique coastal woodland sections to the timeless harbour at Porlock Weir.  When not walking, the harbour at Lynmouth is linked by the delightful little cliff railway to its sister town of Lynton, which sits high above perched on the hillside looking over the coast. Between the two places you get an extensive mix of restaurants, accommodation and exploring options.

Click here to read about Lynmouth - or "little Switzerland" as the romantic poets christened it in respect of its deep forested gorges and mountainous rocky coastline.

Walking Options whilst staying in Lynmouth include:

1 -  The Two Moors Way from Withypool or Simonsbath    (Either 17.5 miles, 11 miles or 9 mile options).

The final day on the Two Moors Way walking route and its best one. Descend from one of the highest points on Exmoor at Exe Head, through every type of terrain from open moorland to ancient woodlands as you make a heady descent all the way back to sea level arriving via the mighty gorges.

2 - South West Coast Path Day 3  from Combe Martin or Heddons Gate (Either 13.5 mile or 6.5 mile options).

Taking you over Great Hangman, the highest point on the South West Coast Path, and through the secluded valley at Heddons Mouth. Returning to Lynmouth via the famous Valley of the Rocks. 

3 -  South West Coast Path Day 2  from Porlock Weir or County Gate (Either 12 mile or 6.5 mile options).

Starting from the little harbour at Porlock Weir a classic and remote section of the South West Coast Path with challenging climbs and descents that includes a visit to the smallest Church in England hidden away in coastal woodland at Culbone.

4 - Coleridge Way  Oare Church and the Secret Brendon Valley  (Either 14 miles, 9 miles or 7.5 mile options).

In the footsteps of Coleridge and the Romantic Poets, this is a walk through the land of Lorna Doone, starting from her infamous church at Oare and walking down the secret Brendon Valley. Follow an inland stream all the way to the ocean as it becomes a charging river gorge on its descent from the moors through isolated villages to meet the sea back at Lynmouth.

Those who want a very full day can walk the full Coleridge Way route from the coast at Porlock Weir via Oare and Brendon back to Lynmouth - Click here to read more.