description Exmoor Overview
Open heather moorland is only one part of Exmoor, an upland region spanning western Somerset and northern Devon in southwest England. Much of the area has been protected as Exmoor National Park since 1954. Wooded valleys and farmland sit alongside a high coastal plateau overlooking the Bristol Channel, giving the region a combination of inland uplands and coastal scenery. Free-ranging red deer and Exmoor ponies are characteristic animals associated with the area.
Walking and riding provide ways to explore it, while wildlife observation and the study of historic rural environments offer other reasons to visit. Exmoor suits people interested in the relationship between open moorland and a countryside shaped by farming. Its defining character comes from that mixture, with settled and cultivated areas forming part of the region rather than lying wholly outside it.
help Exmoor FAQ
What is the highest point on Exmoor?
Dunkery Beacon is Exmoor's highest point at 519 meters above sea level. On clear days, its summit offers views across Somerset, Devon, the Bristol Channel, and toward South Wales.
Where are the best places to see Exmoor ponies?
Free-roaming Exmoor ponies can often be encountered on open moorland around places such as Winsford Hill and Dunkery. They are a native British breed, but the animals have owners and should not be fed or approached closely.
Why is Exmoor known for stargazing?
Exmoor National Park became Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011. Its low levels of artificial light make locations such as Holdstone Hill and Wimbleball Lake popular for viewing stars and the Milky Way.
Does the South West Coast Path cross Exmoor?
Yes, the route follows Exmoor's northern coast through places including Lynmouth and the Valley of Rocks. This section combines steep climbs with high cliffs overlooking the Bristol Channel.
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