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The view from Dunkery Beacon, part of the Holnicote Estate, Somerset
Discover Exmoor's highest point at Dunkery Beacon in Somerset | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Somerset

Walking in Exmoor: Day two

Part two of a two-day walk on the Holnicote Estate, tried and tested by environment and travel journalist, Mark Rowe. Starting in Allerford, you'll head south through Horner Wood and onto Dunkery Beacon. It's a more challenging stretch than day one but it's well worth the effort for panoramic views from Dunkery Beacon and a chance to spot heath fritillary butterflies on your route.

Be prepared

This challenging walk requires the user to bring an appropriate map, navigational compass and walking footwear.

Total steps: 6

Total steps: 6

Start point

Allerford, grid ref: SS905468

Step 1

From Allerford, head for Holnicote House, HF Holidays and the National Trust Estate Yard. Follow field paths and the lane to Horner. Then follow Horner Water into Horner Wood.

Trees of different sizes at Horner Wood, Somerset
The woodland at Horner Wood, Somerset | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Step 2

Take the first footbridge on the left and follow Tuckers Path which zig-zags out of the wood to Webbers Post, Jubilee Hut and the viewpoint.

Step 3

Follow the contours round to Dunkery Beacon and then head south-west across moorland to Porlock Post (SS861411).

Step 4

Follow the road north across Wilmersham Common and take the track on the left (SS861413). Go past the quarry along Embercome Water and follow Nutscale Water down to the ford. Follow the wide track out of the combe.

Step 5

Turn right onto the main track and take the left path into Dady Combe, dropping down Lang Combe into Horner Wood.

Step 6

Later, follow Granny's Ride and Flora's Ride onto Ley Hill. Drop down Halse Combe to West Luccombe and return to Allerford via Piles Mill.

Heath fritillary butterflies on the Holnicote Estate, Somerset
Heath fritillary butterflies on the Holnicote Estate, Somerset | © National Trust Images/Matthew Oates

End point

Allerford, grid ref: SS905468

Trail map

Trail map for Walking in Exmoor day two at Dunkery Beacon, Somerset
Trail map for Walking in Exmoor day two at Dunkery Beacon, Somerset | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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