Badgworthy Water Walk

7.5 miles (12.1 km)

This circular walk explores Exmoor's Lorna Doone Country with a lovely waterside walk along Badgworthy Water forming the eastern part of the route.
You can start the walk from the National Trust car park at Malmsmead, heading east to Oare before turning west to link up with Badgworthy Water near Cloud Hill. Follow the Samaritans Way South West south along the water before heading north west to Lankcombe Ford.... You'll continue north east past Malmsmead Hill before returning to the car park.
As you traverse this historic landscape, the trail immerses you in the atmospheric scenery that inspired R.D. Blackmore’s classic novel. The section along Badgworthy Water is particularly enchanting, featuring ancient sessile oak woodlands and deep, sun-dappled valleys that provide a sanctuary for local wildlife. Keep an eye out for red deer grazing on the distant slopes or the flash of a kingfisher darting above the crystal-clear river pools that line the valley floor.
Ascending toward the higher ground near Malmsmead Hill, the environment shifts from sheltered riverside paths to expansive moorland plateaus. From these elevated viewpoints, you can appreciate the sheer scale of the Exmoor National Park, with views stretching across rolling combes and wild heather-clad hills. This trek offers a perfect blend of literary history and rugged natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil escape into one of the UK's most storied landscapes.