Walking

Exmoor is truly unlike anywhere else in the British Isles. To walk through its wonderful, spectacular and varied scenery is to step back through so many periods of time and history that a week here is seldom long enough.

The scope for walking is virtually endless, and the area around the Caffyns is no exception. Whether you're camping or just visiting, Caffyns is the perfect base for exploring the miles of open moorland, coastal tracks, hidden wooded valleys, streams, hills and villages which make up this part of Exmoor.

Of course, one of the main focal points for walkers is the South West Coast Path, the 630 mile long trail that runs from Minehead around the Somerset, Devon and Cornwall coasts to Poole. One of the most spectacular sections of the Path runs from County Gate west to Woody Bay. For those staying at Caffyns this is perfect, not just from the point of view of our central location, but also because we now run the Visitor Information Centre and tearoom at County Gate! So you can camp with us, walk the Path up to County Gate and then sample our refreshments, cream teas and snacks before returning to Hallslake for dinner around the campfire.

Less well known, and this one is certainly for the keen walker, Lynmouth is the start of the Two Moors Way, a long distance walking route which runs to Ivybridge in South Devon thereby linking Exmoor with Dartmoor. The route also links with the famous Tarka Trail which passes our front door! The Long Distance Walkers Association has details of this and other walks around our area (click here to open a new window on their site).

Of course, these Paths can easily make for a full day's walk, but it is equally important to realise that the South West Coast, Tarka Trail and Two Moors paths, like many of the public footpaths around the Caffyns area, are just as good for short walks and gentle strolls. You can easily walk all day and not come across a road. We have visitors come back year after year who readily admit they've never walked the same routes twice.

And while you are exploring the myriad of paths and trails around here, you can also take in the wildlife which is a treat in itself. Herons, dippers, buzzards, deer and, of course, Exmoor ponies all make the walking that much more enjoyable. All in all, you could spend a week here just walking and relaxing...not bad for a holiday!