Walking Britain Exmoor Walk
Dunkery Beacon from Dunkery Gate
Walk Route Description
Click thumbnails for larger images.
The high ground of the Exmoor National Park is rolling heather moorland. The highest point within the National Park is Dunkery Beacon (519 m) which is located at the eastern end of the moors. A minor road from Luccombe to Wheddon Cross contours across the moor some 400 feet below the summit. With a small car park conveniently located, the short walk to the summit is popular. This route adds a little more distance by taking you along the ridge for a short way before returning to the start.
The start is the small car park at Dunkery Gate (Grid ref. SS8954060). After parking take the direct path that heads approximately northeast up hill to the summit. The path is well trodden and navigation except in exceptional weather is not a problem. The summit is crowned with a trig pint and a large cairn. The views in good weather are superb with a large swathe of the National Park in view together with the North Somerset coast. With good visibility the mountains and coast of South Wales can also be seen.
To make the walk longer and more interesting, leave the summit by taking the path running just south of west towards a hedge line just under a mile away (Grid ref. SS880413). Just before reaching the hedge turn sharp left onto a wider track that will lead you back to the start. On your right are extensive views over the rolling hills that are typical of the southern section of the park.
The photos accompanying this walk were taken in February 2006 when snowfall occurred over a number of days. The paths in these conditions were covered in drifts and the going much harder than in normal weather conditions.
Maps | |||
| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL9 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer OL9 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 181 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 181 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. | |||
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Recommended Reading
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