Exmoor National Park
Drives through the beautiful countryside, with many lakes and mountains dotting the landscape filled with countless settlements, are among the most popular pastimes. Getting to know the locals’ cultural aspects is a delight for many.
Another appeal is hiking more than 500 trails every day. Tourists enjoy the varied, gorgeous scenery generated by the lakes, mountains, and rolling hills.
The Brendon Hills, the East Lyn Valley, the Vale of Porlock, and the Bristol Channel coastline make up the national park. The length of the coastal shoreline is 34 miles (55 km). The national park’s borders are dotted with several tiny communities.
The rolling hills, lowland heath, rivers, waterfalls, ravines, and blanket mire all replace the highland scenery. The park’s elevation fluctuates, with Dunkery Beacon standing at the highest point at 1,703 feet (519 m). Along with rough rock formations and cliffs, the coastline showcases elements of the forest, rivers, waterfalls, and ravines.
Rivers are one of the main elements of the landscape, with almost 300 miles (483 km) of recognized rivers crisscrossing the national park. The River Exe, which runs south from Exe Head to the English Channel, is the source of the park’s name. River Exe is distinctive in that most other rivers run northward toward the Bristol Channel.
Along with some domestic livestock like sheep and cattle and the oldest breed of pony in the world, the broad-leaf and conifer woodlands, moorland, heath, and grasslands are home to diverse species. The red deer, which is doing well inside the park’s borders, is the most notable and prominent species.
Hundreds of bird species either nest in the park or migrate through it, making birds the park’s most famous feature. Sightings of Merlin and Peregrine falcons are frequently the subject of attention.
Exmoor Coastline
Sharp cliffs and craggy rock faces mark Exmoor’s coastline. At the beginning of the national park’s boundaries lies Little Hangman, a 200-meter-tall cliff. Exmoor has a variety of rocky coastal hills and a harsh shoreline that reaches as high as 1,358 feet (414 m) at Culbone Hill.
The spectacular shoreline, enhanced by the greater waterfalls and caves, creates beautiful photography views. The region has been designated Heritage Coast because of its breathtaking scenery and unique coastal features.
Highlights
Exmoor is a diverse protected region offering a range of natural characteristics to tourists that complement any outdoor experience. It’s a fantastic location for hiking and exploration. According to many visitors, the park’s beachfront shoreline is one of its most remarkable features.
Walking among the natural surroundings, where historically monarchs and members of the royal family would come for getaways into nature and royal hunting trips, is a pleasure for specific history and culture buffs. Aside from that, exploring the many tiny towns and villages found all along the borders of national parks offers additional cultural experiences.
Lynton-Lynmouth Cliff Railway
The Lynton-Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a scenic train that climbs uphill and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. The two towns are separated by a precipitous cliff and connected by a railway.
It is the world’s tallest and steepest water-powered cliff railway system. By taking this ride between the two cities, you can see more of the natural world and learn about history and culture.
Exmoor National Park Trails
Hiking is a highly recommended activity for visitors to Exmoor National Park to appreciate the park’s natural beauty fully. Numerous hiking routes are available to assist you in discovering the park’s natural treasures. These are a few of the top picks.
Tarr Steps-River Barle Trail
This 2.3-mile (3.70 km) loop trail is rated easy and provides views of the scenic countryside landscape, including the river. There are also chances to see wildflowers and wildlife. Birdwatching is one of the popular features of the trail.
Porlock Bay Trail
This is a longer 7.6-mile (12.23 km) loop trail featuring views of the coastline. It is rated easy; however, it does have an elevation gain of 728 feet (221.89 m). Although parts of the trail are rocky, it is still rated easy. You will have views of the beach and shoreline while meandering through the forest. There are also opportunities for birdwatching and chances to see wildlife.
Valley Of Rocks Trail
This loop trail out of Lynton travels along the coast, providing views of the shoreline, waterways, and beach. It covers 2.5 miles (4.02 km) and offers opportunities to see wildflowers and birds.
Tarr Steps Circular Trail
This is a loop trail with a moderate rating. It covers 8.1 miles (13.04 km) while ascending 1,368 feet (416.97 m). It travels over the River Barle while meandering through the forest. This is one of the most popular hikes in the park.
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Lynmouth-Watersmeet Trail
This is a difficult loop trail that ascends 1,085 feet (330.70 m) while covering 5.3 miles (8.53 km). There will be beach access and ascents along the shoreline cliffs. This trail is challenging, but it offers amazing views and opportunities for birdwatching.
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Southwest Coast Trail
This is the longest National Trail in the country, covering a distance of 630 miles (1,014 km). It is a challenging multi-day adventure that meanders over and around the spectacular cliffs of the renowned Heritage Coast.
Park Protection
The region was initially designated as a national park, and it preserves the royal hunting grounds for the English kings and royal family. The park preserves the natural environment and animals that initially drew the royal families, as well as the historical and cultural aspects of the region.
The park also protects the immaculate Heritage Coast, which has cliffs, caverns, waterfalls, and a stunningly untamed coastal landscape. These are a few of the nation’s most breathtaking cliff, ravine, cave, and seaside scenes.
The hundreds of bird species that nest and migrate across the park’s boundaries benefit from the protected, diverse vegetation. Now that the area is protected, the main threat is human invasion.
