Dog-Friendly Exmoor

Exmoor National Park offers wild moorland, dramatic coastline, and Britain's last wild red deer herds. Straddling Somerset and Devon, this smaller national park delivers big experiences - from high moorland walks to steep wooded valleys (combes) and some of England's highest sea cliffs. Less crowded than neighbouring Dartmoor, Exmoor provides excellent dog-friendly adventures.

This guide covers everything dog owners need to know about Exmoor.

Exmoor Overview

The Area

Geography:

• Somerset and Devon border
• 267 square miles
• Moorland plateau
• Dramatic coastal section
• Deep wooded valleys (combes)

Character:

• Wild and open
• Red deer country
• Strong hunting/farming heritage
• Quieter than Dartmoor
• Traditional villages

Why Dogs Love It

• Open moorland freedom
• Varied terrain
• Coastal walking
• Less crowded trails
• Year-round appeal

Key Areas

The High Moor

Central Exmoor:

• Dunkery Beacon (highest point, 519m)
• Open heather moorland
• Big skies
• Wild ponies
• Red deer territory

Dog Considerations:

• Deer and livestock present
• Keep dogs controlled
• Ground-nesting birds in spring
• Exposed to weather

The Coast

Exmoor Coast:

• England's highest sea cliffs
• Dramatic scenery
• Lynton and Lynmouth
• Porlock
• Part of South West Coast Path

Highlights:

• Valley of Rocks
• Countisbury
• Foreland Point
• Stunning throughout

The Combes

Wooded Valleys:

• Steep-sided valleys
• Rivers and waterfalls
• Atmospheric walking
• Shelter from weather

Examples:

• Watersmeet
• Horner Woods
• Doone Valley

Villages and Towns

Dulverton: Southern gateway. Traditional town. Good facilities.

Lynton/Lynmouth: Coastal villages linked by cliff railway. Dramatic setting.

Porlock: Eastern coast. Pretty village. Porlock Weir harbour nearby.

Dunster: Castle village. Not technically in park but nearby. Very pretty.

Recommended Walks

Easy Walks

Tarr Steps: Ancient clapper bridge. River Barle. Woodland walking. Easy terrain.

Porlock Weir to Bossington: Coastal path section. Beach walking. Relatively flat.

Wimbleball Lake: Lakeside walking. Good paths. Various route lengths.

Moderate Walks

Dunkery Beacon: Highest point on Exmoor. Various routes to summit. Open moorland. Outstanding views.

Watersmeet: Deep wooded valley. Waterfalls. National Trust. Cafe. Dogs welcome.

Valley of Rocks: Dramatic rock formations. Near Lynton. Wild goats. Coastal views.

Challenging Walks

Coastal Path Sections: Very steep. England's highest cliffs. Demanding but spectacular.

Chains to Dunkery: Long moorland crossing. Navigation needed. Wild and remote.

Doone Valley: Literary connections. Remote. Full day walk.

The Coast Path

South West Coast Path

Exmoor Section: Some of the most dramatic and challenging walking on the entire 630-mile trail.

Character:

• Very steep ascents and descents
• England's highest sea cliffs (Great Hangman - 318m)
• Demanding but spectacular
• Not for the unfit

For Dogs:

• Fit dogs essential
• Steep terrain
• Cliff awareness needed
• Spectacular rewards

See our Long Distance Trails guide for more.

Wildlife

Red Deer

Britain's Largest Land Animal:

• Wild herds throughout Exmoor
• Particularly visible autumn (rut)
• Dawn and dusk best
• Keep dogs controlled

Dog Considerations:

• Never let dogs chase deer
• Deer can injure dogs
• Keep on lead if deer nearby
• Respect wildlife

Exmoor Ponies

Native Breed:

• Semi-wild ponies on moorland
• Historic breed
• Keep dogs away
• Don't feed ponies

Other Wildlife

• Buzzards common
• Red kites increasing
• Ground-nesting birds (spring)
• Livestock throughout

Seasonal Considerations

Spring

Highlights:

• Lambing (dogs on leads)
• Bluebells in combes
• Longer days
• Quieter than summer

Summer

Highlights:

• Best weather usually
• Long walking days
• Full facilities
• Heather flowering (August)

Autumn

Highlights:

• Red deer rut (spectacular)
• Autumn colours in combes
• Quieter
• Often excellent weather

Winter

Highlights:

• Very quiet
• Dramatic weather
• Cosy pubs
• Snow possible on high moor

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Exmoor Pubs

Traditional Character:

• Hunting and farming heritage
• Dog-welcoming culture
• Muddy dogs understood
• Good food often

Notable Options:

• The Royal Oak, Withypool
• Rockford Inn, near Lynmouth
• Various in Dulverton, Porlock, Dunster

Accommodation

Where to Stay

Dulverton: Southern gateway. Good facilities. Traditional town.

Lynton/Lynmouth: Coastal base. Dramatic setting. Good walking access.

Porlock: Eastern coast. Pretty village. Variety of accommodation.

Rural Cottages: Throughout the moor. Often best for dog owners.

For accommodation details, see our Cottages guide.

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car:

• M5 then A39 (north coast)
• A396 from Tiverton (south)
• Remote location - car essential

Public Transport: Very limited. Car really needed.

Navigation

On the Moor:

• Open moorland requires navigation skills
• Mist can descend quickly
• OS map essential for remote walks
• Waymarked routes available

Weather

Exmoor Weather:

• Exposed on high moor
• Rain frequent
• Mist possible
• Coastal areas can be milder
• Come prepared

Combining with Devon

Nearby Options

North Devon Coast: Continues west from Exmoor. See our Devon guide.

Dartmoor: Further south. Different character. See our Dartmoor guide.

Somerset Levels: East of Exmoor. Flat wetlands. Different walking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Exmoor dog-friendly?

Very. Open moorland, varied terrain, welcoming pubs. Deer and livestock awareness essential.

Are there red deer on Exmoor?

Yes, Britain's largest wild red deer population. Keep dogs controlled. Never chase.

How does Exmoor compare to Dartmoor?

Smaller, quieter, more coastal. Less rocky terrain. Equally beautiful. Fewer crowds.

Is the coastal path suitable for dogs?

Yes, but very demanding. Fit dogs only. Steep terrain. Cliff awareness essential.

Do I need a car for Exmoor?

Essentially yes. Public transport very limited. Remote location.

When is the best time to visit?

Year-round appeal. Autumn for deer rut. Summer for weather. Winter for quiet.

Wild Exmoor Awaits

Exmoor delivers wild moorland, dramatic coast, and red deer encounters in a quieter national park setting. The combination of high moor and coastal walking creates varied adventures for dogs and owners alike.

Luke explores Exmoor with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has discovered that Dunkery Beacon views, coastal drama, and the magic of watching red deer make Exmoor a special destination.