Dog Friendly Walking On Exmoor

Dog Friendly Walking on Exmoor

We have our own fields and river at Exmoor Retreats but if you want to go further afield and explore what the local area and Exmoor have to offer for dog friendly walks then below you'll find some useful information.

If you are taking your dog for a walk, please familiarise yourself with this best practice guide from Exmoor National Park Authority - https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/out-and-about-essentials/dogs

Tarr Steps - Dog Friendly and Circular Walks

A walk to Tarr Steps gives you and your pooch time to explore the enchanting woodland around the River Barle before crossing the ancient, iconic bridge. This centuries-old bridge is the largest example of a clapper bridge anywhere and made from dozens of huge stone slabs, each weighing over a ton. This long circular walk lets you explore the beautiful moorland of Exmoor as well as the woodland and crystalline river.

You can take a shorter route following the orange markers around the river and across the clapper bridge, but you can also spend a few hours taking this long route and give you and your dog the perfect chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery, watch the local wildlife, and of course cross the ancient stone bridge.

There are public toilets in the car park and local amenities in Dulverton and Tarr Steps, so be sure to stop by to refuel on this all-day walk.

Content with thanks from https://www.purepetfood.com/blog/15-splendid-dog-walks-in-somerset

This is also a great link to check out - https://exmoorwalks.org/explorers/Tarr-Steps

Dunkery Beacon

Dunkery Beacon at the summit of Dunkery Hill is the highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset, England. It is also the highest point in southern England outside of Dartmoor.

The sandstone hill rises to 519 metres (1,703 ft) and provides views over the surrounding moorland, the Bristol Channel and hills up to 86 miles (138 km) away. The site has been visited by humans since the Bronze Age, and contains several burial mounds in the form of cairns and bowl barrows. Sweetworthy on the lower slopes is the site of two Iron Age hill forts or enclosures and a deserted medieval settlement. The hill is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and National nature reserve. It was in private ownership until the 20th century, when it was donated to the National Trust by Sir Thomas Acland, Colonel Wiggin and Allan Hughes; a stone cairn was erected at the summit to commemorate the event.

This is a great walk with stunning views across the moors, woodlands and to the sea and Wales on a clear day. A superb walk for both you and your pooch but please be aware this is a grazing area for sheep, cattle and horses. Please keep your dog under close control and on a lead if not good with stock. Keep your eyes out as you may see lots of wildlife including adders and you might hear a cuckoo as well!

Content with thanks from

Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkery_Hill

Dunster Castle

The site of this ancient castle is a fantastic spot for dog walks in Somerset, all with the lavish backdrop of woodland and regal castle. The site of the original castle was levelled into a bowling green, and you and your pup can explore this and all the other green spaces surrounding the country home that remains. This includes the expanse of parkland, beautiful river garden, and south terrace with its positively Mediterranean planting.

There are plenty of facilities at the castle, including a shop and tea room. Dogs aren’t allowed on the inside of the tea room or castle but can venture everywhere else. You can also visit the working watermill with your pup on your walk.

The village of Dunster is a great place to start your walk where you can pop into the various shops, pubs and tea rooms before your visit to the castle and its gardens. The Foresters Arms and Stags Head Inn will welcome you and your pup, as well as the Chapel House tea room.

Content with thanks from https://www.purepetfood.com/blog/15-splendid-dog-walks-in-somerset

Woodland Walks

There are many woodland walks around Bampton, Dulverton, Exmoor and Minehead. These include Priors Wood, Nutcombe etc and don't forget, Exmoor National Park also has great beaches and coastline including the Valley of the Rocks.