Blog
Blog

Discover: Exmoor’s Explorer Walk

Scroll down

I am Dan James and I lead the Enterprise and Communications team at Exmoor National Park, an incredibly varied role, which I love. It’s a role all about engaging people in our work, telling our story, and helping people to discover and enjoy Exmoor and contribute to keeping it special. The best bit is being surrounded by 267 square miles of Exmoor National Park with #CommutingViews to die for! 

Just as the country was coming out of a long lockdown in Spring 2021, we launched a set of new Exmoor Explorer Walks. Our Explorer walks are a series of ten shorter walks that showcase the best landscapes, wildlife and history that Exmoor has to offer.  Each route is easy to follow, with relatively gentle terrain and range from taking less than an hour to about two and a half hours for the longest.  Some of the walks are well known, others less so, with the aim of helping people to discover more of Exmoor. They were an instant hit, with TV reports boosting interest, and a reprint required within two months of the launch!   

A walk for all seasons

As a family we have two young daughters and this particular walk from the moorland village of Simonsbath is a firm family favourite. It’s a there and back route of just under 4km, so with a stop at the end to rest or explore and time to take in the views en-route it is a great half day activity in the heart of Exmoor, and one we’ve enjoyed in all four seasons. 

The route follows a short section of the popular Two Moors Way (linking Dartmoor and Exmoor) along the meandering upland valley of the River Barle. It affords striking moorland views on a relatively level and easy footpath, suitable for all terrain buggies, trampers, toddlers and grandparents! The path was originally developed to provide access to the mines of Wheal Eliza, where the walk ends, amongst the ruins. 

Royal connections

From the start you are immersed in the landscape of the former Royal Forest of Exmoor. The meadow below the start is where King Charles III, then the Prince of Wales, last visited Exmoor on a formal visit in 2019 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the 1949 Act creating the UK National Parks at a special ‘Big Picnic’. And the royal connections don’t end there. Not far into the walk having passed through the highest beech woodland in the country you will pass through an exciting woodland creation as we develop Kings Wood – so named after the coronation in 2023 when planting first began. The woodland planting is being supported though generous donations to the CareMoor for Exmoor Woods and Trees appeal: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor.

River walking

Having emerged through woodlands, both ancient and modern, you are walking through wild open moorland, above one of the best examples of an upland river in the country. Watch out for herds of red deer, look up for red kites and buzzards flying above and watch the river carefully for trout and salmon and if you are incredibly lucky you may even spot an otter! Kingfisher, dipper, goosander and wagtails may also be seen along the river. 

Before reaching the mines the path briefly leaves the river to skirt around flexbarrow, an impressive natural mound within the valley. From there it is a short descent to Wheal Eliza.

Wheal Eliza mines

In the mid 1800s the mine was dug to extract copper, and later iron, from shafts up to 300ft. At one point this secluded and remote moorland valley would have been a hive of activity, using the power of water from the river to drive pumps in the mines, with cottages built for the mine workers. Today it is as peaceful as it gets, and there is an evocative charm as your rest alongside the ruins of the former mine cottage, before heading down to the river to cool your feet with a paddle. Despite its industrial past it is today a perfect spot to escape the busyness of everyday life. Once done you simply retrace your steps – but don’t be put off as the views in each direction are incredibly diverse. Back at Simonsbath there are a choice of refreshment venues at the start/finish as well as a Victorian water powered sawmill to discover. 

Discover more of Exmoor’s top walks

You can find more details of this walk, other Explorer Walks and our Exmoor Strolls and Classics at www.exmoorwalks.org where you will find videos, digital OS maps and resources to enjoy discovering more of Exmoor. You can purchase water and tear resistant route cards from Exmoor National Park Centres or online at shop.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk