Located in the Devon and Somerset counties of England's tranquil south west, the Exmoor National Park offers visitors 267 square miles of some of Britain's most enchanting countryside. With stunning landscapes ranging from the vast, bleak moors to the highest sea cliffs in England, Exmoor has something for everyone and also offers a range of outdoor and nature activities.
Walking and hiking is one of the park's most popular activities and there are over 620 miles of walkways and footpaths within the park. All routes are properly signposted and visitors can avail themselves of maps and audio downloads that will help them navigate the park. One of the most popular walks is The Coleridge Way, which traces the footsteps of Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Walkers could also glimpse some of the park's splendid wildlife, including the rare Exmoor ponies and red deer.
Both sea and freshwater fishing are also available to Exmoor visitors, who can choose between first-rate fishing locations like the River Exe and the East Lyn. The amateur angler can expect to catch cod, whiting and skate off the park's coast, and the park's website offers information on how to obtain rod licenses. Canoeing is also an option, and lessons and guided tours are available on the parks many lakes and rivers.
Cycling is another of the park's popular activities and there are both mountain and road biking routes available. The park also showcases organized events like the Exmoor Explorer Mountain Bike Marathon and, for road cyclists; available trails include the West country Way and the Exmoor Cycling Route. Park authorities have also developed a comprehensive cycling code of conduct to make the park cycling experience something that all can enjoy.
Climbing is fast becoming one of the park's most enjoyable activities and the number of climbing enthusiasts has increased since the completion of the park's indoor climbing centre. Those who prefer to climb outdoors can choose between the daunting sea cliffs, which include the 1,043ft high Great Hangman, and Dunkery Beacon which, at 1,704ft high, is the park's highest point.
Exmoor Park also offers its visitors excellent horse riding facilities and guests can either hire horses or ponies from the local riding schools or bring their own horses with them as they can now be accommodated within the park. Most walking pathways are also bridleways and, in total, there are over 300 miles of horse riding trails available to riders. The park is also the location for several organised horse riding activities, including the Golden Horseshoe Endurance Ride.
An abundance of accommodation is offered around Exmoor Park including self catering holiday cottages, Bed & Breakfasts and delightful country inns and hotels. Holiday parks that offer caravan rentals, camping grounds and wonderfully atmospheric country houses are alternative accommodation options. Restaurants and welcoming pubs are also found in the villages that dot the landscape and should be taken advantage of whenever possible.
Enticing Exmoor National Park is one of Britain's premier tourist destinations and is well worth a visit.
Debbie is a tour guide who operates in the UK. She is primarily based in Exmoor and also reviews accommodation, such as guesthouses and hotels that she stays at. For romantic escapes Devon, Debbie recommends, highcliffehouse.co.uk, as it is set within Exmoor National Park.
