St Giles' Church, Hawkridge – Hawkridge Ridge loop from Venford Moor

Hiking trails & Routes

St Giles' Church, Hawkridge – Hawkridge Ridge loop from Venford Moor

Moderate

5.0

(1)

hikers

St Giles' Church, Hawkridge – Hawkridge Ridge loop from Venford Moor

02:46

9.71km

220m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

Last updated: November 5, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Exmoor National Park

Waypoints

Start point

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4.65 km

St Giles' Church, Hawkridge

Highlight • Historical Site

The construction of this church dates back to the 14th century, as does the chancel and the base of the tower.
Like many other churches in the area, it underwent a Victorian restoration in the 19th century. Following this restoration, they added Queen Victoria's coat of arms to the chancel wall.

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5.47 km

Hawkridge Ridge

Highlight • Natural

While odd to say out loud, this ridgeline offers tremendous views of the surrounding fields and valleys. It's climbing up from the Barle and this top stretch is part of the Exe Valley Way.

At the western end of the ridge is Hawkridge itself, a lovely old village with excellent views.

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6.43 km

Castle Bridge Stream Crossing, Exmoor National Park

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

After the track along Hawkridge Ridge, the route starts to descent over the bedrock through a broadleaf woodland. This turns into a dirt single track, and ends up on the valley floor, following the stream to Castle Bridge, and the climb up out of the valley. I was riding my rigid steel 29er, so picking my way, but it would be a flyer with suspension.

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7.18 km

Stone Bridge in Exmoor National Park

Highlight • Historical Site

7.37 km

Wooden Footbridge Over Creek, Exmoor National Park

Highlight (Segment) • River

Hard work on a rigid 29er, muddy in parts, with a deceptively deep and rocky ford. Note to self:The footbridge is there for a reason, you last did this sort of thing 35 years ago 🤔.
It's a steep and twisty climb out after the bridge, up to the road.

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9.71 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.16 km

2.57 km

Surfaces

7.13 km

1.49 km

1.08 km

< 100 m