The best walks and hikes around Cutcombe

Yes, the area is excellent for circular hikes. Many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. These trails explore the varied landscape of Exmoor, from open moorland to wooded valleys. A good example is the Dunkery Beacon & Stoke Pero loop, which combines moorland and quiet woodland sections.

There are plenty of easier options suitable for families. Look for shorter routes with less climbing, such as walks through local combes or along riverbanks. For a rewarding but manageable walk, the Dunkery Beacon & Great Rowbarrow loop from Dunkery Gate is a great choice, offering fantastic views without a major ascent.

Dogs are widely welcomed on trails in Exmoor National Park, but they must be kept under control, especially near livestock and wildlife like ponies and deer. It's recommended to keep them on a lead, particularly during bird nesting season (March to July) and when crossing farmland. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

For panoramic views, the summit of Dunkery Beacon is unmatched as the highest point on Exmoor. On clear days, you can see across the Bristol Channel to Wales. Another highly-regarded spot is the Valley of Rocks near Lynton, known for its dramatic coastal scenery and unique rock formations.

There are several car parks that provide convenient access to Dunkery Beacon. Popular starting points include Dunkery Gate, Dunkery Hill Gate, and Wheddon Cross. These car parks are often the trailheads for various circular routes to the summit, so arriving early is a good idea, especially on weekends.

Yes, several walks can be planned to include a stop at a traditional village pub. The Wheddon Cross Village – Dunkery Beacon Summit loop begins and ends in Wheddon Cross, which has pubs perfect for a post-hike meal or drink. Many other routes pass through or near villages like Porlock and Dunster, which also offer welcoming options.

The terrain is classic Exmoor: expect rolling hills, open moorland with heather and gorse, and steep-sided wooded valleys known as 'combes'. Paths can be grassy, stony, or occasionally muddy after rain. Many routes involve significant ascents and descents, so sturdy footwear is essential.

Exmoor National Park is rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for the iconic Exmoor ponies grazing on the moorland, as well as red deer, which are the largest wild land animals in the UK. The area is also home to a variety of birdlife, including buzzards and skylarks.

You'll find over 40 curated hiking routes around Cutcombe on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls of just a couple of miles to challenging all-day treks, covering the diverse landscapes of Exmoor National Park.

The trails around Cutcombe are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from the high moorlands and the tranquility of the ancient wooded combes.

Yes, the area has some beautiful river gorges with waterfalls. Watersmeet, managed by the National Trust, is a famous beauty spot where two rivers converge in a deep valley. It's the starting point for several lovely circular walks that lead to waterfalls and viewpoints.

Yes, Cutcombe lies on the route of the Coleridge Way, a 51-mile trail that crosses Exmoor. You can hike sections of it from the village, for instance heading towards Porlock or Luxborough. The Macmillan Way West also passes through the region, offering further options for longer walks.