Summer on Exmoor
Soak up the sunshine in Exmoor
Summer on Exmoor
With temperatures starting to rise, lambs and foals appearing across the landscape, the fields full of bursts of yellow daffodils and gorse, it can only mean one thing, spring is here!
With winter behind us, we welcome brighter, warmer days and watch the beautiful Exmoor landscape and wildlife react to the new season. Listen out for the unmistakeable cuckoo’s call, the sound that spring is sprung on Exmoor. Bluebells typically appear in late April, spot them in Exmoor’s ancient woodlands, where the shady conditions, together with the spring light, are the perfect environment for these beautiful flowers to flourish. Springtime is also a terrific time for foraging; wild garlic in particular can be found in abundance across Exmoor.
Soak up the Summer Sun on Foot
Short Walks
Exmoor National Park is excited to present a brand new collection of Exmoor Explorer Walks, they have picked 10 of their favourite shorter walks (ranging from less than an hour to up to two and a half hours). Through oak woodlands, alongside tumbling rivers and across open heather-covered moorland, the variety is endless. If you complete all 10 walks you’re will have been introduced to some of the most special places and fascinating features within the National Park. Visit: exmoorwalks.org for full details including video guides and digital mapping.
Family Walks
Summer is a great season to explore the incredible Exmoor landscape. Exmoor has lots of pretty woodland walks; meander through the ancient Horner Woods, explore the pretty Watersmeet trail in Lynmouth, take a circular walk from Dulverton or Withypool along the winding River Barle, as it chatters its way past the ancient, medieval (or even Bronze age) Tarr Steps, the longest clapper bridge in Britain, or stride out on the Exe Valley way.
Moorland Walks
For those looking for something a little more strenuous, there is plenty of moorland walking; head to Dunkery Hill and climb up to Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, at 519 metres. On a clear summer day, the panorama at the top is breath-taking, you can see the Quantock Hills and across the Bristol Channel to South Wales, and as far as Dartmoor to the south – it is well worth the effort of the uphill ramble to get there! For other options to walk across the open moorland, County Gate provides ample opportunities to soak up sea views, and then aim for the coast for some steeper woodland paths.
Make a Splash along the Exmoor Coast
The summer provides ample opportunity to get out and enjoy the coast and what better way than by kayak! Head out on a guided tour and take in the breath-taking views of the dramatic Exmoor coastline. Tours are lead by qulified instructors, offering tours tailored to ability and are suitable for all ages, making them a great family friendly activity. Along the Exmoor coastline there are regular sightings of wildlife including seals, porpoise, sunfish and even dolphins! The local birdlife includes oyster catchers, fulmers and peregrine falcons.
Other water-based activities include stand-up paddlle boarding, coasteering and inflatable rafting!
Fun for all the Family
Across Exmoor there are lots of family friendly activities which all the family can enjoy. Take a trip to the fabulous Quince Honey Farm for a stroll through the incredible Necter Gardens, learn about honey making, head over to the The Play Hive Adventure Park for indoor and outdoor play.
Enjoy the gentle ambience of The Owl & Hawk Centre, during the summer mouths they hold Flying Displays, see these amazing birds in a traquil rural setting.
Take a day trip to the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, set in over 28 acres of spectacular gardens. As well as lions, wolves, sea lions, primates, meerkats, penguins and more, they have an impressive life sized animatronic dinosaurs & gigantic indoor soft play area for dinomite fun, whatever the weather!