Devon

Doone Valley and Oare Church circular walk

A short walk over moderately challenging terrain crossing two small fords and one hill. You will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Lorna Doone Valley and the parish of Oare. As well beautiful blossom, woodland flowers, and an abundance of wildlife.

Near to

Lorna Doone Valley

Start point

Lorna Doone Valley car park grid ref SS791, 478

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Duration2 hours

Dog friendly***

*Undulating terrain following bridleways and footpaths with two uphill stretches. For further details, see Terrain section.
**A short walk with wooded parts, two steep inclines and undulating ground. For further details, see Access section.
***Keep dogs on a lead. For further details, see Facilities section.

Dogs
Please keep dogs on a lead along the entire route.
Car park
There is a public car park at Lorna Doone Valley. There are two electric car charging points at the Lorna Doone Valley car park.
Toilet
There are toilets in Lorna Doone Valley car park and a accessible toilet in the Buttery Tearoom.
Café
The Buttery Tearoom in Lorna Doone Valley serves hot drinks, cakes and light lunches.
Shop
There is a second hand bookshop in the Lorna Doone Valley car park. Also at Lorna Doone Valley there is the Doone Valley Gallery and Gifts which sells artwork, trinkets and gifts.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Lorna Doone Valley car park grid ref SS791, 478
Stage 1
Starting at the parking machine walk through the car park and up the road passing the stone barn and old stable. Walk uphill until the road bends to the right go through the gate following the blue bridleway marker for Badgworthy Water.
Stage 2
Follow the bridleway as it bends sharply left over a small ford. Keep on the defined track which is lined with hawthorn. Go through two gates and cross over another small ford continue downhill until you reach a footbridge across Badgworthy Water.
Stage 3
Cross over Badgworthy Water and into Cloud Farm campsite. Continue straight ahead up a small set of stairs passing Caver Cottage holiday cottage on your right. Pass the cottage and bear left up a hill and through a metal gate.
Stage 4
Continue uphill following the field boundary and Beech tree hedging until it bends to the right at a right angle. Walk 30m uphill slightly pass a small copse and through a metal gate.
Stage 5
Follow the track and blue bridleway markers towards Oare. Continue downhill keeping left until you reach the road.
Stage 6
At the road turn left and pass the historic Oare church just pass the church turn right following the white sign for Porlock. Continue down the road and over the stone bridge. As the road bends to the left go through the wooden gate signposted for Malmsmead.
Stage 7
Follow the track and Oare River until you reach a farm. Here bear right keeping the farm buildings on your left. Passing through three small fields until you reach a finger post.
Stage 8
Turn left at the finger post towards Malmsmead passing between two hedges and then cross over the footbridge. Follow the path around the farm and up to the road. At the road turn right and head back to Lorna Doone carpark on the way passing the entrance to Cloud Farm campsite.
End point
Lorna Doone Valley car park grid ref SS791, 478
Trail map
The Lorna Doone Valley and Oare circular walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Riverside pathway in the Lorna Doone Valley, Exmoor

Trail

Doone Valley circular walk and ride

A challenging walk through the picturesque Doone Valley to discover the remains of an abandoned medieval village. Experience the dramatic wide-open landscape of Exmoor as this trail loops around the moor. Keep an eye out for the Exmoor ponies who roam across the moor.