Horner Woods Walk

5.8 miles (9.4 km)

This peaceful circular walk explores Horner Woods in the Exmoor National Park.
Starting from the Webber's Post car park the route leads you into the heart of Horner Wood, a sprawling National Nature Reserve and one of the largest ancient oak woodlands in the UK. As you descend from the Webber's Post viewpoint, the path drops into a lush, temperate rainforest environment characterised by "wiggly" ancient oaks and rare lichens.... The initial descent can be steep and rocky in places, transitioning into a gentler track as it nears the valley floor and the Horner Water stream.
The area is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife; you may spot red deer moving between the forest and open moorland, especially during the early morning or at dusk. The woodlands and riverbanks are prime locations for birdwatching, where you might see dippers, grey wagtails, and kingfishers along the water, or pied flycatchers and redstarts among the trees in summer. Horner Wood is also notably home to 15 of the UK’s 17 bat species, which are often seen at dusk in autumn.
Upon reaching the village of Horner, the route begins its ascent toward Crawter Hill. This climb involves invigorating hills that provide a significant elevation gain, eventually rewarding hikers with stunning panoramic views across the Horner Valley toward Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor. The terrain is a mix of woodland trails and rocky sections that can become muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended for the climb.
You can continue your walking in the area by visiting Nutscale Reservoir or picking up the long distance Coleridge Way which runs through the woods.