The walk along the Barle Valley from Simonsbath is beautiful, and ends with a fantastic meal at a genuine country pub. Porlock Weir is where Exmoor meets the sea – combine an afternoon here with a morning exploring the ancient oaks of Horner Woods. Our Devon Days Out series is here to provide inspiration for day trips across North Devon.
The Barle Valley and Cow Castle from Simonsbath
- Dog Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Public Toilets
- Parking
- Easy Walking
This walk from Simonsbath in the Exmoor National Park explores the upper Barle Valley passing through beautiful scenery. The route follows the Two Moors Way and passes the ruins of Wheal Eliza mine and the impressive Iron Age hillfort of Cow Castle as you make progress down the valley. At the halfway point, the walk turns north to gain higher ground, before heading parallel to the valley through fields allowing you to enjoy some fine moorland scenery. The circular walk is about 6.5 miles and takes around 4 hours – but you can just walk out as far as you are comfortable with and then retrace your steps back to the car park.
The start is the Ashcombe car park in Simonsbath (grid ref. SS774394). After parking, exit the car park, walk down, and turn left along the footpath opposite the inn which is signed to Picked Stones. After 100 metres bear left along the Two Moors Way signed to Cow Castle. The path soon passes Flexbarrow, a small hill on your right, to reach the mine ruins of Wheal Eliza.
The path continues beside the River Barle to pass Cow Castle on your right. If you have time this hillfort is worth exploring. Continue along the Two Moors Way through a gate and across a footbridge to join a track (grid ref. SS797370). Continue ahead along the signed bridleway. The track soon starts to climb to reach a junction (grid ref. SS806364). Turn left following the sign to Picked Stones. After 800 metres, at the next path junction, turn left and continue to a tarmac track where you turn left.
Continue on the bridleway running to the left of Pickedstones Farm. The onward route follows the hedge on your right with a grandstand view down to Cow Castle on your left. Continue following the clear path soon crossing a stream (White Water). Follow the rising track bearing left at a fingerpost to Simonsbath. Follow the path with trees and hedge on your right soon turning right signed to Simonsbath.
Eating:
The Exmoor Forest Inn is situated in Simonsbath in the very heart of Exmoor. The kitchen serves an ever-changing daily menu with beef and lamb raised on the owner’s organic hill farm. This authentic country pub is a real hidden gem, and everything on the menu is local, sustainable, seasonal and delicious – celebrating the best of Exmoor’s climate, altitude, farms, animals and coast.
Porlock Weir & Horner Woods
- Dog Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Public Toilets
- Parking
- Easy Walking
Horner Wood is one of the largest and most beautiful ancient oak woods in Britain, a National Nature Reserve nestled on the Holnicote Estate. In this extensive ancient wood pasture, you will see ancient oak pollards, an impressive oak tree over 500 years old as well as a variety of wildlife which make their home amongst these magnificent trees. There is a car park, farm shop, tea room and public toilets.
It’s a short drive from the woods to Porlock Weir. Make sure to stop at the Whitstones Car Park on the A39 at the top of Porlock Hill for the best ice-cream you’ll ever have from the Styles ice-cream van. The view from this carpark overlooking Porlock bay is heavenly!
Porlock Weir, an ancient seaside port and picturesque coastal village, is situated on the edge of the Exmoor National Park in West Somerset. Surrounded by steep wooded slopes, verdant farmland and the heather covered moor, it provides the perfect base for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers alike. The bustling harbour village is a hive of activity with plenty to do for all ages, such as boat trips, crabbing, paddle boarding, browsing the local shops or simply relaxing on the pebble beach with an ice cream in hand.
Eating:
Treat yourself to fresh Porlock Bay Oysters, or try the Malaysian street food at Ziangs. The Bottom Ship is a great pub and the Harbour Gallery and Café serve light bites – try the Chowder!
