Self-guided holidays : Self-guided short break walking holidays : Rural retreats
Exmoor
Exmoor National Park has a landscape which encompasses the very best that the West Country has to offer; colourful heather-clad moorland, sun-dappled oak woodlands, quiet river valleys, a splendid coastline and a wealth of unspoilt villages. For the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge Exmoor was 'Xanadu', whilst the well-known hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" is said to have been inspired by Dunster and the surrounding countryside.
Exmoor is wonderful at any time of year. In spring the gnarled beech-topped banks which line the narrow lanes and divide the fields are bright with primroses and violets, in late summer the moorland is covered in purple heather and alive with honey bees; in autumn the trees spread a russet mantle and colourful toadstools litter the woodland floors; and in winter the black branches and crows nests stand out against moody skies.
Exmoor is home to the last of England's native red deer herds; its rivers are noted for their salmon and wild trout, and hawks soar above the hillsides. Otters, once persecuted almost to extinction, are making a welcome return to the rivers and native wild ponies still roam the moor.
Your first walk will take you up onto the summit of Dunkery Beacon, at 1705ft Exmoor’s highest point, with its far-reaching views, and then down into the deep wooded valley of Horner Water where sunlight filters down through the lichen-covered oak trees and sparkles on the fast-flowing streams. A climb up onto an open hillside favoured by the native red deer herds leads to a descent into the bustling town of Porlock with its delightful mix of individual shops. A second walk will visit the picturesque thatched villages of Bossington, Horner and Selworthy Green and enjoy breathtaking views across Porlock Bay and along the North Devon coast from Bossington Hill.
Your short break on Exmoor will be based at the 15th century Luttrell Arms Hotel in the centre of the medieval village of Dunster. Originally built as a guest house for the monks of Cleeve Abbey the Luttrell Arms, which enjoys fine views of both the ancient castle and the octagonal 16th century yarn market, is always a favourite with our guests. The hotel combines a warm welcome with period charm and an excellent standard of comfort and cuisine.
Holiday options
| Code: SBEXM |
| Nights: 3 |
| Price: £375 |
- All of the above prices are per person, and based upon two guests sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
- Single traveller supplement; £150
(More about single supplement). - Discounts available for parties of three or more guests.
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